Laboratory Manager

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

Key Responsibilities

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

Minimum Requirements

• National Senior Certificate (Matric).
• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field. A Master's Degree will be advantageous.
• Minimum 3 years' supervisory or management experience within a laboratory environment.
• Experience in food safety and quality management within a manufacturing environment.
• FMCG industry experience is essential.
• Strong knowledge of chemistry and microbiological testing methods.
• Understanding of food safety standards and systems, including HACCP, GMP, GLP, and BRC standards.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025:2017 and internal auditing practices.
• Strong people management, planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team development
• Quality and food safety focus
• Attention to detail
• Regulatory compliance
• Root cause analysis and problem-solving
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Continuous improvement mindset