Assistant Manager - Testing & Validation

Role Summary:

The Assistant Manager - Testing & Validation is responsible for leading testing, analytics, quality control, method development and validation, and validation activities for New Product Development (NPD) projects in line with the Aliaxis Innovation Model (AIM), from concept to successful market launch. The role manages laboratory testing, product qualification, benchmarking, plant issue investigations, failure analysis, counterfeit product identification, and Intellectual Property (IP)-related testing while ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and NABL requirements. The incumbent oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, resource planning, calibration and validation programs, measurement uncertainty (MU), Green Pathway initiatives, laboratory capability enhancement, and the development, validation, and standardization of new test methods. As an authorized signatory in the absence of the Laboratory Manager, the role is responsible for reviewing and approving test reports and maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of laboratory data and records. Additionally, the position drives 5S, laboratory housekeeping, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain an efficient, compliant, and audit-ready laboratory environment. The role provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise to R&D-Innovation, Quality, Manufacturing, and Global Aliaxis teams, with hands-on expertise in advanced polymer characterization techniques including FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM-EDX, XRF, Capillary Rheometry, and Weathering Testing, along with strong knowledge of UTM, Charpy and Izod Impact Testing, HDT/VST, MFI, viscosity testing, and other polymer testing and characterization methods. Strong project management, communication, data analysis, Excel, PowerPoint, and presentation skills are essential for delivering high-quality technical outcomes and supporting innovation, product quality, and business growth.

Roles and Responsibility:

- Lead testing, quality control, analytics, and validation activities for New Product Development (NPD) projects in accordance with the Stage & Gate Process, ensuring timely execution from concept through product launch.
- Demonstrate strong technical knowledge of polymer materials, processing technologies, and product performance requirements, with expertise in uPVC & CPVC pipes and fittings, solvent cement, water storage tanks, and other polymer-based products.
- Independently perform, supervise, and interpret a wide range of polymer testing and characterization activities, including UTM, Charpy & Izod Impact, HDT/VST, MFI, Capillary Rheometer, Weathering (Q-SUN/Xenon), Fusion Study, Viscosity, XRF, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM-EDX, and other advanced material characterization techniques.
- Support plant issue investigations, failure analysis, counterfeit product identification, intellectual property (IP)-related testing, material qualification, benchmarking studies, and root cause analysis to support business and quality objectives.
- Provide subject matter expertise for QA/QC analysis, NPD projects, product validation, process improvement initiatives, and technical problem-solving activities.
- Collaborate closely with R&D, Innovation, Quality, Manufacturing, Procurement, and external partners to achieve project objectives and deliver high-quality technical outcomes.
- Manage annual maintenance, calibration, intermediate checks, performance verification, and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment as per approved schedules.
- Review, validate, and maintain test reports, technical records, raw data registers, equipment logbooks, trend charts, and laboratory documentation to ensure data integrity and traceability.
- Lead and support implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Quality Management System, including:
- Ensuring SOPs are current, available, and consistently followed.
- Compliance with latest ASTM, ISO, BIS, and other applicable standards.
- New test method development and validation.
- Measurement Uncertainty (MU) estimation and maintenance.
- Proficiency Testing (PT) and Inter-Laboratory Comparison (ILC) participation.
- SRM/IRM testing and control chart monitoring.
- Raw data, master register, and report verification.
- LMS maintenance and documentation control.
- Verification of calibration certificates and quality records.
- Repeat/replicate testing and investigation of abnormal results.
- Closure of non-conformances arising from internal and external audits.
- Lead NABL accreditation activities and support Green Pathway initiatives to strengthen laboratory compliance, sustainability, and operational excellence.
- Ensure adequate inventory and availability of laboratory consumables, spare parts, reference materials, and testing resources.
- Drive 5S implementation, laboratory housekeeping, safety compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain an organized, efficient, safe, and audit-ready laboratory environment.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute laboratory activities in the absence of the Laboratory Manager and act as authorized signatory for reports and laboratory records as delegated.
- Lead assigned laboratory sections to ensure safe, efficient, and quality-compliant operations while achieving testing, project, and business objectives.

Skills and Competencies

- 6 - 8 Yrs of relevant experience
- Bachelor's /Master’s degree in disciplines related to Polymer Engineering/Science, Plastic Technology, Chemical Engineer
- Strong knowledge of polymer materials, polymer processing, product performance, and material characterization techniques.
- Good understanding of uPVC, CPVC, solvent cement, water storage tanks, and other polymer-based products.
- Sound knowledge of ASTM, ISO, BIS, and other relevant testing standards.
- Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, NABL accreditation requirements, laboratory quality systems, and Measurement Uncertainty (MU) principles.
- Knowledge of failure analysis, benchmarking, counterfeit product identification, intellectual property (IP)-related testing, root cause analysis, and product validation.
- Understanding of statistical analysis, data interpretation, trend analysis, and technical reporting methodologies.
- Hands-on expertise in advanced polymer characterization techniques including FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM-EDX, XRF, Weathering Tests (Q-SUN-Xenon & UV), Capillary Rheometer.
- Knowledge of interpreting results from Universal Testing Machines (UTM), Charpy & Izod Impact Testers, HDT/VST Testers, Melt Flow Index (MFI) Testers, Viscosity Testing Equipment, Fusion Studies and other polymer testing instruments.
- Experience in test method development, method validation, troubleshooting, and laboratory investigations.
- Proficiency in calibration, intermediate checks, performance verification, and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Experience in proficiency testing (PT), inter-laboratory comparison (ILC) programs, SRM/IRM testing, and laboratory quality assurance activities.
- Strong leadership, planning, project management, and execution capabilities.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
- Effective communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results within agreed timelines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, Laboratory Management Systems (LMS), and other data analysis and presentation tools.
- Capability to lead assigned laboratory sections, mentor team members, and drive continuous improvement, 5S, safety, and operational excellence initiatives.