Laboratory Technician

Bevco; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 201,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

Bevco in Bellville, Cape Town is seeking a Laboratory Technician to conduct microbiological and analytical tests on raw materials and finished beverages. You will use approved methods, communicate results, and support quality and safety standards.

You will perform environmental and product testing, calibration of equipment, and assist root-cause investigations. The role requires Grade 12 and a relevant science qualification, with at least one year of laboratory experience in FMCG.

Qualifications

• Grade 12.
• BSc in Microbiology, BSc/Biotechnology Diploma or B.Tech/Food Technology qualification.
• 1 year product testing in FMCG.
• 1 year laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct microbiological and analytical testing on products using approved methods as per SOP.
• Perform tests on Carbonated Soft Drinks, Alcoholic beverages, and Incoming Raw Material.
• External verification tests by a SANAS Accredited Laboratory.
• Equipment Calibration and/or daily verification.
• Communicate deviations to the Team Leader and assist root cause analysis.
• Adhere to safety, quality standards and waste disposal procedures.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Analytical Thinking

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Integrity

Adaptability

Safety

Education

Grade 12

BSc in Microbiology

BSc/Biotechnology Diploma or B.Tech/Food Technology

Job description

Operations

Responsible for laboratory testing and analysis of raw materials and finished products to support food safety, quality and production standards.

Job Purpose

To conduct microbiological and analytical tests on raw material and finished products manufactured ensuring results are communicated and corrected. To comply with the organisational as well as legal standards and procedures. To carry out any other relevant duties as required.

Key Accountabilities and Outputs

Product & Raw Material Testing

• Conduct microbiological and analytical testing on the following products using approved testing methods as per SOP:
• Carbonated Soft Drink and Alcoholic beverages
• Incoming Raw Material and verification of consignment products.
• External verification tests by a SANAS Accredited Laboratory.
• Equipment Calibration and/or daily verification
• Conduct analytical tests in water as follows: pH., Brix, CO2, FSO2, Turbidity and Alcohol %, TSO2, etc.
• Organoleptic checks
• Packaging Quality Checks
• Seam Evaluation Quality Control checks
• Conducting microbiocidal testing of the final product, surfaces and the environment, etc.

Non-product environmental testing

• Conduct micro-testing on equipment, environment, water, and air by plating on Agar plates
• Conducting micro – testing on environmental swabs

Communication, reporting of results and deviations, and Investigation

• Communicate any deviations to the Team Leader and/or Quality Manager and assist in root cause analysis to identify the source of deviation / non-conformity..
• Ensure all reagents to be used are available and discard all waste generated during analysis
• Plans work accordingly and request reagents if not available or about to expire.
• Correct and safe packing of waste for disposal

Health, Safety, Quality and FSSC 22 000

• Visual inspection on plant and products.
• Ensure adherence to standards.
• Ensure that all work is done in a safe manner and all equipment used complies with Safety Standards.
• Support the companies Health and Safety as well as Quality programme to achieve the identified objectives and targets and fulfil the responsibilities assigned by management.
• Adhere to all Food Safey Standards and report on all issues with regards to the Food Safety Management System to the Food Safety Team.
• Ensure that the Critical Control Points (CCP 1) and Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRP 2) are measured, monitored and verified at predetermined frequencies as per the SOP.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12.
• BSc in Microbiology, BSc/Biotechnology Diploma or B.Tech/Food Technology qualification.
• 1 year product testing in FCMG.
• 1 year laboratory experience.

Key Qualities & Behavioural Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in observing deviations and ensuring precise measurements to maintain product consistency.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate data, identify trends, and troubleshoot quality issues proactively.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset: Applies root-cause analysis to resolve defects, inspired by continuous improvement practices. Ability to investigate issues and implement solutions under pressure.
• Teamwork and Communication: Collaborates with production teams and communicates findings clearly to drive corrective actions, fostering a quality-focused culture.
• Integrity and Accountability: Upholds ethical standards in testing and reporting, taking ownership of quality outcomes.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic manufacturing setting, handling shift work and responding to realtime production challenges.
• Safety: Commitment to safety and quality, demonstrating integrity in upholding standards without compromise.

Additional duties

• When required, perform analysis on the purchased Raw materials in accordance with RMQC plan.
• Additional QC duties required as per business requirements

Laboratory Technician • Bellville, City of Cape Town, South Africa