Micro Technician

Danone; Boksburg; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company in Gauteng is seeking an experienced Microbiologist to ensure that all raw materials and finished products meet microbiological standards. You will monitor manufacturing hygiene, conduct tests, and oversee training within a fast-paced environment. Candidates should possess a relevant diploma or degree and 2-3 years of microbiology experience in the food industry, preferably with a focus on dairy processing.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years’ experience as a microbiologist, preferably in the food industry.
• Knowledge in Quality discipline within FMCG, Packaging, or laboratory environments.
• Understanding of Quality & Food Safety systems and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Ensure raw materials and finished products meet microbiological standards.
• Conduct hygiene audits and recommend improvements.
• Report micro results and escalate out-of-spec findings within 24 hours.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

National Diploma in Food Technology/Biotechnology or BSc in Food Science/Microbiology

Training in GLP & GMP, ISO 9001, ISO 17025 or similar

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

About The Job

• Ensure that all incoming raw materials and outgoing packed products meet Danone microbiological standards.
• Execute and comply with the environmental monitoring plan (EMP).
• Monitor, identify, and escalate substandard materials, products, environment, and processes in terms of micro compliance.
• Provide efficient, timely, accurate, precise, and cost-effective analytical services to relevant departments.

Scope shall cover all controls, procedures, and analyses conducted in the plant and away from the plant (subcontracted analyses, milk reception, raws & packs, process & filling lines, CIP, and utilities).

Key Areas of Responsibility

Ensure raw materials and finished products meet microbiological standards. Monitor and address manufacturing hygiene compliance and act as a reference for microbiological and hygienic standards onsite.

Product Safety

• Identify and monitor microbiological standards.
• Develop and review testing regimes for raw materials and products, recommending corrective actions as needed.
• Test and release raw materials, WIP, and finished products based on test results.
• Prepare, dispense, and sterilize reagents.
• Analyze development samples, packed products, and consumer complaint samples.
• Recommend process changes.
• Validate and verify cleaning processes, recommending corrective actions.
• Identify behaviors impacting microbiological safety and recommend actions.
• Coordinate microbiology and hygiene training for site teams.
• Understand and participate in HACCP reviews.

Hygiene

• Ensure hygienic manufacturing processes according to GMP.
• Implement corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Conduct hygiene audits and recommend improvements.
• Perform swab analyses and environmental sampling.

Training

• Conduct microbiology and GMP training for new and existing personnel.

Stock Returns

• Perform micro tests on trade returns, raw materials, and products.
• Assess and recommend actions based on micro safety.
• Manage documentation and supervise follow-through actions.

Reporting

• Report micro results and escalate out-of-spec findings within 24 hours.

Other

• Generate micro performance reports.
• Ensure environmental policies and waste management practices are followed.
• Comply with safety protocols and participate in audits and action plans.

About You

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Food Technology/Biotechnology or BSc in Food Science/Microbiology.
• Training in GLP & GMP, ISO 9001, ISO 17025 or similar.
• Knowledge of HACCP/Food Safety Management System is advantageous.
• Knowledge of SAP and Microsoft Office suite.

Experience and Skills

• 2-3 years’ experience as a microbiologist, preferably in the food industry.
• Knowledge in Quality discipline within FMCG, Packaging, or laboratory environments.
• Dairy processing experience is a plus.
• Attention to detail, organizational, leadership, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical methods, and MS Office.
• Understanding of Quality & Food Safety systems and risk management.
• Problem-solving skills.

About Us

Join a dynamic environment that values innovation, entrepreneurship, and your development. Work with renowned brands like Nutriday, Yogisip, Inkomazi, and more. Explore careers at careers.danone.com.