Job Description

The main purpose of this position is to take responsibility for the effective management and training of the laboratory employee compliment; execution and continuous maintenance of the laboratory functions, procedures, and test methods; ensuring effective operation, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory equipment and instruments on all sites; and the continual assurance of food safety and quality per the companies Food Safety and Quality Management System.
Duties:

• The general operation, service and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and equipment
• Ensure calibration and verification checks are performed on laboratory instrumentation

Health and Safety

• Participate in safety forums created for example safety meetings and safety talks
• Follow-up on any activities assigned through safety meetings / committees / representatives / management
• Report all safety incidents to the relevant people
• Attend safety education and refresher programmes
• Comply with safety policies and procedures
• Distribute safety information as and when required
• Wear protective clothing (where applicable) at all times

Employee management and development

• Ensure overall compliance to relevant procedures and policies.
• Ensure that all team members have clearly defined job profiles
• Regular goal review completed to assess achievement of results
• Support, coaching and mentoring is continuously provided to ensure that objectives are met
• Ensure that development plans are in place for each employee
• Appropriate allocation of resources to meet operational demands
• Ensure that events/activities taking place in the team are effectively communicated within team
• Ensure adequate succession planning in order to meet ongoing and anticipated business requirements

Student management and development

• Ensure students are trained and verified
• Ensure studentsxe2x80x99 research projects and practical exposure are aligned with institutesxe2x80x99 requirements and business objectives
• Ensure institutesxe2x80x99 WIL implementation plan is successful integrated within the department
• Support, coaching and mentoring is continuously provided to ensure that objectives are met
• Ensure all supporting documentation for WIL requirement is submitted timeously.
• Manage the implementation, maintenance and improvement of an ISO Laboratory Management System
• Handling of general queries and requests from internal departments and external customers
• Conducting monthly safety checks as and where necessary
• Handling special COA requests
• Verification of test results and product information
• Conduct method validation and quality verification checks
• Investigate and report on questionable test results
• Responsible for laboratory functions and general tasks relating to food safety and quality
• Assist with training and verification of training effectiveness
• Participate in internal assessments and audits
• Ensure that cleanliness and safety standard are maintained in the Laboratory
• Assist with research projects and conduct test studies
• Interpret data and write reports
• Assist with the purchasing of Laboratory chemicals and consumables
• Preparing the Laboratory budget
• Ensure preparation and handling of product samples as per External Analysis Schedule
• Ensure adherence to Sampling Plans as per the Company policies and procedures

Qualification and Experience

• BSc Honors Degree in Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Microbiology or Food Sciences
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a Managerial Capacity xe2x80x93 ie managing a team specialists.
• A minimum of 3 yearsxe2x80x99 experience in a Laboratory environment
• Implementation of the ISO 17025 Management System
• Knowledge of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems (HACCP, ISO, and FSSC)
• Knowledge of specialized Laboratory instruments (GC, ICP, NIR, Lovibond, Spectrophotometer, HPLC-GC-MS)

Should you not receive a response within 10 working days, please consider your application as unsuccessful

For more information please contact:
Elsabe Olckers