Forensic Manager

The Forensic Manager manages and executes all activities in the Forensic Department, delivering a client focused, high quality accredited forensic science service to all clients and customers, including simple, complex and multi-evidence/inter-discipline cases with interpretation where appropriate.

Primary Responsibilities: The successful candidate is responsible for overseeing daily operations of the laboratory, morgue, and autopsy suite; managing staff performance, training, and development; preparing operational, financial, and performance reports; and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and quality standards. The role serves as the primary interface with clients and stakeholders, meeting service requirements and supporting the introduction and development of new forensic services. The candidate also provides expert scientific leadership, including the supervision and review of forensic casework, development and validation of analytical methods, preparation of technical reports, and presentation of expert evidence to the judicial system. Additionally, the role functions as Quality Manager, maintaining and advancing the ISO 17025–based Quality Assurance Program, coordinating internal and external audits, ensuring accreditation compliance, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and quality excellence across all forensic disciplines.

Qualifications & Experience: The successful candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related Forensic Science discipline, along with a Master’s Degree or higher in a specialist forensic field or equivalent. He/she must have a minimum of five (5) years of professional forensic experience, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role. The candidate must have experience providing expert evidence in court, strong leadership and communication skills, and proficiency in forensic analytical techniques and instrumentation, including GC/MS, HPLC, microscopy, and related methodologies. Experience in method validation, ISO 17025 quality systems and internal auditing, and budget management is highly desirable. The role requires the ability to work independently under pressure, uphold confidentiality, mentor staff, communicate complex scientific information effectively, and maintain continuous professional development, with affiliation to a recognized professional scientific body.