Set up controls and documentation. Liaise with other managers and staff. Ensure tests and procedures are properly understood, carried out and evaluated and that product modifications are investigated if necessary. Supervise laboratory staff. Write technical reports.
Some employers offer courses to develop management skills.
Specialist training can be obtained through both in-house and external courses. Prospects tend to be what you make of them. The salary data was collected in Jun 99 Salaries vary by location, the size of the organisation and the nature of its business. Some companies now make appointments at director level. Work is likely to be partly in a laboratory supervising staff, partly on site in production and design areas.