In-Line Sampler - Qpro Feeds, Vrede (X2)

VKB Agriculture; Vrede; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

VKB Group in the Free State seeks an In-Line Sampler to ensure accurate sampling, testing, and recording of raw materials and final feed products, supporting process control and quality improvements across the production line.

The role focuses on timely sample collection, adherence to quality standards, and reporting deviations, with responsibilities spanning lab coordination and compliance in a fast-paced agribusiness environment.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent is required.
• Maize grading certificate would be advantageous.
• Experience in grain quality or feed manufacturing is advantageous.
• Attention to detail and quality focus are essential.
• Good communication and teamwork skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Mycotoxin testing on raw materials and final products weekly.
• Conduct maize testing and grading every two hours.
• Collect Phytase samples on final product monthly.
• Collect in-line samples from the production line at specified intervals or as required.
• Label samples accurately with sample number, date, time, product etc.
• Deliver in-line samples to Lab for testing and perform visual checks before testing with the NIR instrument.
• Conduct durability and sieve tests on products.
• Maintain and keep records of all samples collected and submitted.
• Ensure housekeeping is adhered to in Lab and testing rooms/equipment.
• Assist Laboratory staff as and when required.

Skills

Sample collection and handling

Mycotoxin testing

Maize grading

Quality testing

Record keeping

Basic laboratory practices

Computer literacy

SOP compliance

Education

Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent

Maize grading certificate

Job description

Introduction to the VKB Group

The VKB Group is an agricultural company providing support to farmers and producing straight-from-the-farm foods for consumers. Apart from its various consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK.

Our roots are firmly planted in agriculture, with farming at our core, continuously growing and evolving throughout the years. Starting with providing everything needed on the farm to produce food, we now operate across the entire food supply chain, including processing, logistics, storage, handling and national and international market channels. This "house of brands", established with the support of our farmer shareholders, forms the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future.

More About Qpro Feeds

QPro Feeds is a dynamic Animal Feed Manufacturing business with a facility in both Bethlehem and Vrede. We are responsible for producing animal feed to in-house clients as well as external clients in the monogastric and ruminant fields.

Why this role matters?

The In-Line Sampler plays an important role to ensure in-line sampling, testing, monitoring, and verification of raw materials, work-in-progress products, and finished feed products to ensure compliance with company quality standards, customer specifications and applicable legislative standards. The In-line Sampler plays a critical role in supporting process control, product consistency and continuous quality improvement.

Why join VKB?

At VKB, your work contributes to something bigger than a production process. You become part of an organisation that supports South African agriculture, creates opportunities for rural communities and strengthens the food value chain from farm to consumer.

What success looks like?

The successful incumbent will ensure accurate and timely collection, testing, and recording of samples, maintain high standards of quality and housekeeping, promptly identify and report quality deviations, and support compliance with company, feed safety, and statutory requirements.

Who are we looking for

• Strong commitment to product quality.
• Works accurately and efficiently under pressure.
• Maintains the highest levels of integrity and confidentiality
• Values teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent.
• Maize grading certificate would be advantageous.

Essential Experience

• Grain quality standards would be advantageous.
• Experience in an animal feed manufacturing environment would be advantageous.

Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Quality Focus
• Accountability
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Communication Skills
• Planning and Organising
• Initiative
• Adaptability

Skills Required

• Sample Collection and Handling
• Mycotoxin, Maize Grading, and Quality Testing
• Record Keeping and Documentation
• Quality Inspection and Reporting
• Basic Laboratory Practices
• Computer Literacy
• Feed Safety and Contamination Control
• SOP Compliance and Housekeeping

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct Mycotoxin testing on Raw materials and Final products weekly.
• Conduct Maize testing and grading every two hours.
• Collecting Phytase samples on Final product monthly.
• Collect in-line samples from the production line at specified intervals or as required.
• Label samples accurately with sample number, date, time, product etc.
• Deliver in-line sample promptly to the Lab for testing and do visual checks before testing the sample on the NIR (Moisture, Protein and Fat).
• Conduct durability and sieve test on products.
• Ensure Samples are free from contamination, abnormalities such as foreign matter, insect infestation, unusual odour or colour difference and report any deviation to Production and the Quality Control Supervisor.
• Maintain and keep records of all samples collected and submitted.
• Ensure housekeeping is adhered to (Lab, testing room and equipment).
• Assist Laboratory staff as and when required.

VKB Group reserves the right to close or withdraw any vacancy at its discretion. All personal information submitted through the Career Portal will be used solely for recruitment purposes and, where applicable, for matters related to employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, VKB Group is committed to Employment Equity, transformation, and the inclusion of People with Disabilities. Our recruitment decisions are aligned with the VKB Group Employment Equity Plan and Transformation Strategy.

A Note on Honesty and Integrity

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete a screening questionnaire. We strongly encourage all candidates to answer every question honestly and accurately.

At VKB Group, our culture is rooted in the values of being Humble, Hungry, Smart, Bold, and Playing as One Team. We believe in building authentic relationships and making sound decisions based on trust and integrity. Misrepresenting qualifications, experience, competencies, criminal history, or any other information may result in your application being withdrawn or your employment being terminated should discrepancies be identified during verification processes.

We respect your time and ask that you respect ours by providing truthful information throughout the recruitment process. This helps ensure that we focus on candidates who are genuinely aligned with the requirements of the role and the values of our organisation.