Head of Micro Lab (Executive)

Barry Callebaut Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Pasir Gudang; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Barry Callebaut Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd is seeking a Head of Microbiology Laboratory to lead the Micro Lab operations for finished goods, raw materials and environmental samples. The role ensures accuracy of testing results and supports the Quality Assurance Department in the factory.

The successful candidate will drive continuous improvement, evaluate micro trends, validate new methods, and uphold laboratory safety and data integrity across GMP, GLP and ISO standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Microbiology.
• 5 years of relevant experience in microbiology or QA.
• Knowledge of GMP, safety, food safety and quality standards and procedures.
• Excellent laboratory knowledge and standard microbiology procedures.
• Leadership and team working experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Micro Lab operations for Finished Goods, Raw/Pack Materials and Environmental samples in line with GLP/GMP/ISO standards.
• Oversee QA-related testing plans, data analysis and lab safety practices.
• Review micro trend results, PEM sampling, method validation and audits.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Drive 5S, cost and efficiency improvements in the lab.
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering and Local QA for release decisions.
• Develop training and oversee competency of lab staff.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

GMP knowledge

Quality systems

Microbiology

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Tools

Lab instrumentation

Job description

The Head of Microbiology Laboratory is responsible to manage the overall operation of Micro Lab for the testing of Finished Goods, Raw/Pack Material and Environmental sample that comply with Good Laboratory Practices. Ultimate objective is to ensure the accuracy of the testing results by doing QC plan for the lab to support the credibility of Quality Assurance Department in the factory.

He/she shall actively involve in continuous improvement by doing the evaluation & interpretation of micro trend results, PEM sampling review, New Methods validation, Laboratory Safety practices and investigation on any micro problem. The Head of Micro Lab is an active member of Microbiology Community within APAC region that provide training on basic micro to the factory quality & operation team.

Key responsibilities

Manages Quality and Compliance in the Lab

Supervise the lab team member to do analysis and activity refer to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), ISO 14000, ISO 22000, and make sure to make accurate data analysis. Including equipment maintenance/calibration.

Keep up to date with analysis methods and quality regulations for the department (ISO, HACCP, FSSC, Quality, Legal). Ensure training of local staff to achieve the food safety and quality systems objectives

Reporting and Release Decision

Monitoring analysis all testing result, prepare and compile Weekly and Monthly Quality Report (incl FTQ report and FG damage). Make corrective action and coordination with Production supervisor and Engineering supervisor to solve any Microbiology problem. Make sure the corrective action are implemented.

Review results and supplier documents to take a decision on release of raw materials. React and follow up when deviations occur. Decide on release of production line where product integrity/quality risks occur. React and follow up when deviations occur. Decide on disposition and provide recommendations regarding blocked products with acknowledged by Local QA Manager.

Track, trace and put on hold when and as required.

Ensure adherence to BC and legal safety rules and identify and implement measures to improve safety and reduce risks in the labs and in the BC environment in general.

Stock Management

Ensure the Chemical Lab consumables (tools/glassware and materials) available. Stock take monthly. Coordination with Purchasing supervisor to purchase new equipment or materials.

Calibration and Internal Inspection of Lab Equipment

Internal calibration for lab equipment/instrument. Make sure all lab equipment in good condition, accurate, and still within calibration validity date.

Drive improvement

Initiate and lead quality related improvement and problem solving teams using root cause problem solving tools such as 5 why and Ishikawa analysis.

Participate in internal audits related to HACCP, food safety, sustainability and quality management system. Supporting of GMP and GLP audit as auditor and implement.

Follow up corrective actions and verify effectiveness of implemented measures.

Drive 5S in the lab environment.

Contribute to cost and efficiency improvement activities, taking into account quality requirements.

Competency

Responsible for BC Ring Test & Proficiency Test. Make a schedule, preparation, organize, and compile a result.

Project Management

Adapt and validate quality analysis plans and systems to address changed or new ingredients, products, processes, production environment.

Participate in meetings effectively, liaise with stakeholders and communicate and interact actively with all functions.

Support quality culture program, BC Excellence as team member/ agent.

About you

Min Bachelor Degree on Microbiology

5 years experiences in related field

Understand GMP, safety, food safety and quality standards and procedures

Excellent in basic microbiology standard and process

Excellent laboratory knowledge

Leadership and team working experience required