Plant Microbiologist

Colgate; Ajax; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer products company seeks a Plant Microbiologist to join their team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role involves leading microbiological control programs, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and training laboratory staff. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's in Microbiology and relevant industrial experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related major.
• Minimum three years of industrial experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with microbiological controls and GMP.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement microbiological sampling and testing programmes.
• Conduct testing in accordance with corporate methods and manage final release of finished goods.
• Train and develop laboratory staff in microbiological techniques.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Microbiological techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology

Job description

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Established in 1806 as a small soap and candle business in New York City, Colgate-Palmolive is now a truly global company with products sold in over 200 countries and territories under such internationally recognised brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, Haci Sakir, Suavitel, PCA SKIN, EltaMD, Filorga and Hello as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet.

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading consumer products company that serves hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide with brands and products across four core businesses – Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. We are committed to offering products that make lives healthier and more enjoyable, and programmes that enrich communities around the world.

Every day millions of people trust our products to care for themselves and the ones they love. Our goal is to use our technology to create products that will continue to improve the quality of life for our consumers wherever they live.

A career at Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Job Title: Plant Microbiologist

Travel Required?: Travel - up to 10% of time

Date: 19 May 2025

On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number#167160 - Villawood, New South Wales, Australia

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

About Colgate-Palmolive

Do you want to come to work with a smile and leave with one as well? In between those smiles, your day consists of connecting with others across the world, full of stimulating discussions, and making impactful contributions!

If this is how you see your career, Colgate is the place to be! Our dependable household brands, dedicated employees, and sustainability commitments make us a company passionate about building a future to smile about for our employees, consumers, and surrounding communities. We win as a global organization by continually learning and collaborating. The pride in our brand fuels a workplace that encourages creative thinking, champions experimentation, and promotes authenticity which has contributed to our enduring success. If you want to work for a company that lives by their values, then give your career a reason to smile...every single day.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Plant Microbiologist to join our team on a 12-month fixed term contract. The Plant Microbiologist will lead Micro Control programmes to ensure all production meets the highest standards, specifically QS 023 (Microbiological Control), QS 040 (Water and Critical Utility Systems), and QS 045 (Cleaning and Sanitisation). You will manage Microbiology Laboratory operations, ensuring all testing aligns with Colgate-Palmolive’s rigorous standards and guidelines. You’ll also play a key role in the training and development of laboratory staff and plant operators, as well as liaising with regional and global teams to stay up to date with changes and best practice.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement microbiological sampling and testing programmes for water, raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), environmental samples & finished products at the facility as per QS 023 Microbiological Control.
• Conduct all testing in accordance with corporate methods, policies and good microbiological practices; manage the final release of finished goods from the facility.
• Apply laboratory safety procedures, including the safe handling and disposal of biological materials, to ensure compliance with local environmental regulations.
• Document, maintain and accurately report all data and records; interpret results effectively and communicate findings to management and relevant stakeholders.
• Perform annual reviews and trend analysis of water and environmental monitoring results; compile and present monthly KPI reports to local and regional teams.
• Collaborate with Operations and Engineering to implement Cleaning & Sanitisation (C&S) programs and training; write and execute C&S validation protocols and summary reports.
• Identify and resolve routine problems and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory.
• Train and develop laboratory staff in microbiological techniques and verification methods; ensure testing schedules are adhered to, and samples are collected and analysed to schedule.
• Deliver microbiology training for plant floor managers and operators to enhance microbiological awareness across the plant.
• Participate in internal and external audits, including those for contract manufacturers, laboratories and suppliers; contribute as an active member of the Plant GMP & Quality/Microbiology Team.
• Liaise with Global and Divisional Microbiology teams to provide feedback on programs and procedures, implement new initiatives, and attend regional microbiology and global C&S meetings.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including consumables and media; oversee purchase orders, goods receipt, equipment maintenance, qualification, calibration and preventative maintenance.
• Maintain bacterial cultures to Colgate standards; ensure microbiological media QC is completed and qualified for testing compliance.
• Drive issue resolution and continuous improvement by capturing key learnings, monitoring trends, identifying best practices and communicating insights across global, divisional and local teams.

Required Education, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related major. Must include significant course work in Microbiology (at least four courses)
• Minimum three years of industrial experience in a manufacturing environment with in Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, and/or Food industries
• Experience with both laboratory and plant floor microbiological controls and GMP
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong problem-solving skills, and a passion for learning and development

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Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our purpose starts with our people — ensuring our workforce represents the people and communities we serve —and creating an environment where our people feel they belong; where we can be our authentic selves, feel treated with respect and have the support of leadership to impact the business in a meaningful way.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

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