Job Summary:

Well established concern are looking for a Laboratory Manager / Microbiologist to oversee and manage the microbiological testing and quality control processes within their production facility. This role requires an experienced professional with a strong background in microbiology, particularly within the food and dairy industries, to ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of all dairy products.

Key Responsibilities:

Microbiological Testing and Analysis:

• Perform and supervise microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished products to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Isolate, identify, and monitor microorganisms present in dairy products, ingredients, and processing environments.
• Ensure thorough documentation of all testing procedures, results, and corrective actions taken.
• Investigate microbiological deviations and provide recommendations for corrective actions.

Quality Control and Assurance:

• Develop, implement, and oversee quality control protocols to maintain the highest hygiene and safety standards in the dairy production process.
• Ensure that the lab complies with regulatory standards such as ISO, HACCP, and GMP.
• Conduct environmental monitoring in the production facility to ensure sanitary conditions and prevent contamination.
• Collaborate with the production and quality assurance teams to identify potential risks and ensure the integrity of dairy products from raw material to finished product.

Laboratory Management:

• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including scheduling, workflow optimization, and prioritization of testing.
• Supervise, train, and mentor laboratory technicians and staff, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable testing results.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure that all microbiological testing and laboratory operations comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on microbiological results, quality trends, and any non-conformance issues.
• Participate in internal and external audits

Qualifications:

• Degree in Microbiology, Food Science, or a related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in a microbiology lab within the food or dairy industry, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Strong understanding of microbiological testing relevant to dairy products and production environments.
• Experience with regulatory compliance in the food/dairy industry, including ISO, HACCP, GMP, and other food safety standards.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficient in laboratory management software and data analysis tools.

Suitable applications can be emailed to liezel@pronel.co.za