Laboratory Officer - Food Quality

GMG Gulf; Dubai; On-site; AED 78,120 - 111,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth and stability

Exposure to food safety and compliance

Contribution to quality food production

Job summary

GMG Gulf is seeking a Laboratory Officer to join its Farm Fresh division, situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The role focuses on food quality assurance and involves operating laboratory instruments, conducting microbiological and chemical testing, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, alongside a minimum of 3-4 years of laboratory experience in the food industry. This position offers comprehensive exposure to quality standards and testing workflows within a thriving food production environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–4 years of laboratory experience in food production or FMCG operations.
• Strong knowledge of microbiological testing, chemical analysis, sample handling.
• Detail-oriented with strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and calibrate laboratory instruments for food quality testing.
• Conduct microbiological and chemical analyses according to safety protocols.
• Report normal and abnormal findings to the Quality team promptly.

Skills

Food safety testing

Laboratory analysis

Microbiological testing

Chemical testing

Quality control

Quality assurance

Sample collection & management

Laboratory documentation

Test result reporting

Equipment calibration & maintenance

SAP & ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

Laboratory instruments

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

SAP

Job description

Overview

Laboratory Officer – Food Quality

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Industry: Food Production | Function: Food Safety and Inspection | Job Type: Full‑time | Experience: 3‑4 years | Salary: 7,000‑10,000 AED (estimated)

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and calibrate laboratory instruments used for food quality, safety, microbiological, and chemical testing.
• Coordinate with the production team for routine sample collection from relevant production stages, raw materials, finished goods, and environmental areas.
• Conduct microbiological and chemical analyses according to approved testing methods, internal quality protocols, and food safety requirements.
• Record test results, observations, variances, and supporting data accurately in laboratory logs, ERP systems, or digital reporting tools.
• Report abnormal findings, non‑conformities, contamination risks, or test deviations to the Quality team for timely review and action.
• Maintain complete traceability records for samples, test batches, equipment checks, calibration activities, and corrective actions.
• Support quality audits, food safety inspections, internal reviews, and external agency coordination when required.
• Ensure all laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, cleaned, and functioning according to operational standards.
• Report equipment malfunctions, testing interruptions, or maintenance concerns to the appropriate personnel.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in line with hygiene, sanitation, and health and safety regulations.
• Handle chemicals, samples, reagents, and hazardous materials responsibly, following approved storage and disposal procedures.
• Assist in updating laboratory standard operating procedures, sample processing workflows, and quality documentation.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation when quality deviations or process gaps are identified.
• Work with production, quality, research, and other departments to provide accurate laboratory data for operational decisions.
• Contribute to training and guidance for laboratory staff on testing processes, documentation standards, safety practices, and equipment handling.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a closely related field.
• Minimum 3‑4 years of laboratory experience, preferably within food manufacturing, food production, or FMCG operations.
• Practical experience in food safety testing, quality control, and quality assurance.
• Strong knowledge of microbiological testing, chemical analysis, sample handling, and laboratory documentation.
• Experience operating laboratory instruments and performing basic troubleshooting when issues arise.
• Familiarity with food safety standards, hygiene controls, sanitation monitoring, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to maintain accurate records for audits, traceability, product release, and internal reporting.
• Good understanding of laboratory safety procedures, chemical handling, and waste disposal practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.
• Detail‑oriented, disciplined, and capable of following testing methods and SOPs with consistency.
• Strong communication skills for working with quality, production, research, and external compliance teams.
• Able to work in a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment while maintaining accuracy and safety standards.

Skills Set

• Food safety testing
• Laboratory analysis
• Microbiological testing
• Chemical testing
• Quality control
• Quality assurance
• Sample collection & management
• Laboratory documentation
• Test result reporting
• Equipment calibration & maintenance
• SOP compliance
• Root cause analysis & corrective actions
• Traceability records
• Food manufacturing standards
• Hygiene monitoring & sanitation checks
• Audit support
• Regulatory compliance
• SAP & ERP systems
• Microsoft Excel
• Hazardous material handling
• Laboratory safety

Why Join Us

This role offers laboratory professionals the opportunity to work within GMG’s Farm Fresh division, where product safety, quality consistency, and compliance are central to daily operations. It is a strong career opportunity for those who want practical exposure to food manufacturing quality systems, laboratory testing workflows, audit readiness, and cross‑functional decision support. The position offers stability, technical growth, and the chance to contribute directly to trusted food products in Dubai’s growing food production sector.

About the Company

GMG is a global well‑being company operating across sport, food, health, and consumer goods. With a strong presence across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, GMG retails, distributes, and manufactures leading international and home‑grown brands. Its Farm Fresh division supports the group’s food portfolio by focusing on quality products, reliable standards, regulatory compliance, and safe food manufacturing practices.