Job Description

The industry organization, Fresh Produce Exporters Forum, runs a number of initiatives to bring about transformation in the fresh fruit export industry. The FPEF Graduate Placement Program places high caliber BEE graduates in junior commercial, logistics and technical (post-harvest quality management) roles at various South African fruit export companies/organisations for one year, potentially leading to long term career opportunities. The aim of this programme is to integrate a growing group of talented black individuals into the commercial and operational heart of the industry.

A FPEF member, a fruit producer, processor and export business in South Africa, is looking for a Quality Technician, responsible for testing of product samples brought to the laboratory. Work must be performed accurately and in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and safety regulations and specifications. Position is based in Tzaneen (Limpopo).

The company has an advanced facility able to extract, process and blend concentrated fruit juice, pulps and purees to customers exact specifications from their own harvested Fresh Fruit. They combine sophisticated processing technology with high-quality ingredients to formulate frozen aseptic and preserved fruit juice and vegetable products for local and export markets. They deliver high quality contract packaged products to established brands locally and internationally as well as an extensive range of bulk and small packaged concentrates.

Duties and responsibilities

Assist Lab Supervisor with:

Financial results - Manage laboratory consumables

• Use consumables as prescribed and without unnecessary wastage
• Report consumable levels to Lab supervisor
• Record use by dates on consumables when opened and verify within date prior to use.

Internal Processes - Best quality in the shortest time at the lowest cost

• Micro testing of samples as soon as sample is received but not later than 5 days after receipt
• Accurate sample analysis, recording and interpretation of results and communication with the Laboratory supervisor
• Accurate and timely communication of all other results to the Laboratory supervisor
• Pre-release for production line as per standard documentation
• Ensure that label samples are 100% correct
• General housekeeping in laboratory

Human Capital - Creating a skilled workforce

• Training of laboratory and production personnel on testing methods
• Proper and complete training of subordinates in laboratory

Any additional duties / functions that are normally associated with the position.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Diploma or degree in Food Science, Food Technology or Microbiology or similar
• Experience gained with laboratory testing methods is advantageous
• Technical Knowledge of Safety Regulations, Quality Assurance, FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001 principles and in the field of Food Manufacturing/Processing, preferably juicing (Citrus and/or tropical fruits)
• MS Office
• Fluent in English, multilingual environment.
• Additional language: Tsonga and/or Afrikaans is advantageous
• Communication Skills
• Honesty and Discretion
• Accuracy and Quality
• Multi-tasking
• Working in a high pressured environment
• Willing to work shifts and weekends
• SA BEE Citizen
• Not older than 30 years of age.

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