Our client in the Oils and Proteins industry requires the service of suitably qualified, well-motivated and results driven candidate to appoint in
the above-mentioned vacant position.

Purpose of the Role:
To play a vital role in the overall management of the laboratory and be responsible for managing the daily operations of the lab. To take responsibility for all aspects of the laboratory, including the instruments/equipment, staff and general safety of the laboratory.

Requirements

• Matric or Equivalent.
• Degree/Diploma in chemistry or in Food Technology.
• 5 years’ experience in Management role is required in a similar factory environment.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience of FSSC 22000 and/or Food Safety management systems.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the food industry and internal audit.
• Knowledge and experience in managing good laboratory practices in micro and chemistry laboratory.
• Knowledge of micro-organisms. Microbiological testing and results.
• Knowledge of chemical analysis such as Brix, pH, acidity and viscosity.
• Promotes a productive work environment and ability to adapt.
• Adheres to safety policies and practices.
• Problem solving and crisis management.

Duties

• Achieve budgeted financial performance of the laboratory.
• Day to day production management for the laboratory ensuring targets are achieved.
• Day to day management of staff and Optimize production efficiency.
• Ensure the laboratory is suitably equipped, staffed and using approved methodologies to provide quality service to clients.
• Maintains an understanding of and ensures compliance to Quality System including the manual, system procedures and procedures as applicable to FSSC 22000.
• Approves final reports prior to dispatch, advising staff to take corrective action where necessary.
• Ensure that OHSA policies are adhered to in all aspects of the Laboratory.
• Continually assess the laboratory to increase productivity and efficiency.
• Oversees laboratory safety and ensures that the laboratory remains in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.
• Manages and updates Chemical inventories.
• Communicates and enforces laboratory safety rules to internal and external researchers working in the laboratory.
• Ensures all users of the laboratory are wearing the appropriate PPE.
• Periodically review and visually audit laboratory staff to ensure compliance is adhered.
• Ensures laboratory users have been trained on the correct use of the laboratory equipment, in addition to mentoring and disciplining
  laboratory users for not following safety policies/procedures that have been established for the laboratory.
• Ensures that the laboratory is cleaned/sanitized and kept in an orderly manner.
• Ensures all instrumentations/equipment are functioning properly to include but not limited to Schedules safety training for new laboratory users and retraining for laboratory users.
• Oversee training of new and current laboratory personnel in laboratory procedures and protocols.
• Ensure that sound chemical techniques are applied to the daily workload.
• Maintenance of all laboratory personnel training, reviews, and goal setting/personal growth.
• Placement of laboratory personnel in appropriate laboratory areas to ensure efficiency and staff success.
• Review and approve laboratory expenditures, including outside laboratory testing, shipping, and supply orders.
• Ensure that all required equipment is in place and properly functioning.
• Ensure that all technical procedures are up to date and properly followed.
• Review and oversee data entries.
• Independently pursue and have a working knowledge of processes, procedures, or techniques in accordance with the Food Safety Standards.
• Lead and develop a team, coach, and make decisions related to talent management, hiring, performance, and disciplinary actions.
• Manage laboratory operations to maintain quality and efficiency.