Food Safety and Laboratory Lead

Nurture Brands; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mezé Foods in Randvaal, Gauteng is seeking an experienced Food Safety & Laboratory Lead to drive food safety excellence across our Cheese, Bakery and Kitchen manufacturing operations.

This senior technical role oversees the Food Safety Management System, leads the in-house Chemistry and Microbiology laboratories, ensures compliance with FSSC 22000 and HACCP, and safeguards product quality from raw materials to finished goods.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the Food Safety Management System across all manufacturing plants.
• Own and maintain HACCP plans, food safety risk assessments, CCP and OPRP validation.
• Manage allergen control programmes, environmental monitoring and hygiene verification processes.
• Lead the in-house Chemistry and Microbiology laboratories, including testing schedules, product release decisions and investigation of non-conformances.
• Oversee laboratory equipment calibration, method validation and proficiency testing.
• Develop, coach and manage the Laboratory team.
• Lead internal, customer and certification audits, ensuring timely closure of corrective actions.
• Monitor regulatory changes and emerging food safety risks, advising the business on compliance requirements.
• Deliver food safety training and drive a culture of continuous improvement across the business.

Job description

Food Safety & Laboratory Lead

Randvaal, Gauteng

Mezé Foods

Permanent

Mezé Foods is seeking an experienced Food Safety & Laboratory Lead to drive food safety excellence across our Cheese, Bakery and Kitchen manufacturing operations. This is a senior technical leadership role responsible for overseeing the Food Safety Management System, leading the laboratory function, ensuring compliance with FSSC 22000 and HACCP standards, and safeguarding product quality from raw material through to finished goods.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the Food Safety Management System across all manufacturing plants.
• Own and maintain HACCP plans, food safety risk assessments, CCP and OPRP validation.
• Manage allergen control programmes, environmental monitoring and hygiene verification processes.
• Lead the in-house Chemistry and Microbiology laboratories, including testing schedules, product release decisions and investigation of non-conformances.
• Oversee laboratory equipment calibration, method validation and proficiency testing.
• Develop, coach and manage the Laboratory team.
• Lead internal, customer and certification audits, ensuring timely closure of corrective actions.
• Monitor regulatory changes and emerging food safety risks, advising the business on compliance requirements.
• Deliver food safety training and drive a culture of continuous improvement across the business.