Lab Coordinator

Lactalis South Africa; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the food sector is seeking a Quality Manager to lead their laboratory team. This role involves investigating customer complaints, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and managing lab activities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in microbiological testing and quality management, with a keen eye for detail and excellent organisational skills. You'll be responsible for training staff, managing budgets, and ensuring the lab operates efficiently. Join a forward-thinking company and contribute to maintaining high quality in food safety and testing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in microbiological testing and quality management.
• Broad knowledge of ISO 17025 or SANAS Lab Systems course completion.

Responsibilities

• Oversee lab activities and ensure trained personnel are available.
• Manage lab staff scheduling, discipline, and work standards.
• Conduct job observations and identify training needs.

Skills

Microbiological Testing

Quality Management

ISO 17025 Knowledge

Attention to Detail

Organisational Skills

Leadership Skills

Front-end Computer Skills

Education

Tertiary Qualification in Microbiology

Tertiary Qualification in Food Science

Job description

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Quality manager, you will investigate and report customer complaints related to testing and non-conformances. Your responsibilities include taking corrective actions, conducting trend analyses, and evaluating practical aspects of the lab’s quality system. You will oversee training records and proficiency testing of all laboratory staff, as well as prepare, document, and review Laboratory Process Controls and Control Charts.

Requirements

• Tertiary qualification in Microbiology, Food Science, or related fields.
• Previous experience in quality management and at least 5 years’ experience in microbiological testing.
• Broad knowledge of ISO 17025 or completion of SANAS Lab Systems course is essential.
• Accuracy, observational skills, and attention to detail are critical.
• Solid organisational and multi-tasking abilities are key.
• This position suits an individual with a high level of independence and initiative.
• Ability to work well within a team and demonstrate solid leadership skills is necessary.
• Above-average front-end computer skills are essential.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for scheduled lab activities and related reports.
• Ensure sufficient trained and skilled personnel are available.
• Ensure each staff member has a clear job description outlining all required activities.
• Keep records of competencies, training, and experience for each team member.
• Conduct job observations and identify training needs.
• Ensure the availability of working instructions and procedures for all lab activities.
• Assign a competent, experienced person with a professional qualification as team leader for each area (Micro and Chem Lab).
• Train lab staff in new procedures and equipment, and diagnose equipment malfunctions.
• Sign and date final reports and/or COA to indicate responsibility for data validity and compliance with GLP principles.
• Set up and manage the budget with the Quality Manager, including resource needs such as personnel and equipment.
• Evaluate current equipment conditions and determine purchase priorities, including comparisons before final decisions.
• Manage the availability of consumables.
• Manage lab staff scheduling, discipline, and work standards.
• Communicate lab activities to the Quality Manager.
• Communicate lab results to relevant parties, such as production.
• Organise inter-lab tests on a round-robin basis.