Food Lab Operations Leader

Kempston Recruitment; East London; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Kempston Recruitment is seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead a team of Laboratory Analysts and Concentrate Controllers in a fast-paced FMCG environment in South Africa. The role ensures accurate testing, strict quality control, and ongoing compliance with food safety standards.

You will drive training, performance management, and keep abreast ofISO 17025 and related standards while overseeing budgets, equipment maintenance, and supplier coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science field related to food safety/quality.
• Master’s degree is advantageous for advanced roles.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, GLP and BRC standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a team of Laboratory Analysts and Concentrate Controllers.
• Ensure laboratory testing is conducted accurately and efficiently according to procedures and schedules.
• Oversee chemical and microbiological analyses to ensure product quality and safety.
• Conduct staff training, competency assessments, and performance management.
• Manage outsourced laboratory testing and customer sample submissions.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, QA, and laboratory best practices.
• Oversee servicing, maintenance, and calibration of equipment and instruments.
• Monitor regulatory requirements and industry developments to maintain compliance.
• Manage laboratory administration, quality records, stock, budgets and procurement.
• Investigate and resolve quality deviations and out-of-specification results.

Skills

Leadership

Quality management

Food safety

Regulatory knowledge

Auditing

Problem solving

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field

Master's Degree (advantageous)

Job description

Kempston Recruitment is seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead a team of Laboratory Analysts and Concentrate Controllers in a fast-paced FMCG environment in South Africa. The role ensures accurate testing, strict quality control, and ongoing compliance with food safety standards.

You will drive training, performance management, and keep abreast ofISO 17025 and related standards while overseeing budgets, equipment maintenance, and supplier coordination.