Section Head Microbiology

Role Purpose

To ensure the efficient supervision of the microbiology team to ensure on time delivery

To ensure the efficient supervision of the microbiology team to ensure on time delivery

• Degree in Biomedical Technology/Microbiology
• 3-5 years working experience within a food/pharmaceutical laboratory
• At least 2 years’ experience with international requirements of GLP / GMP/HACCP/ISO 22000
• 2 – 3 years management/supervisory experience
• Knowledge of SANS 17025 is required

• Pro-active and energetic with a high level of attention to detail/accuracy.
• Organizational commitment and integrity
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Food Safety and Quality Culture (FSSC 22000 V6)
• Good planning and organizing skills
• Good verbal and written communication
• Good time management skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead and manage a team

• Propose, develop and continuously update methods and/or SOP’s for improving customer service
• Ensure improvement in outputs
• Plan and allocate work for the team daily
• Ensure the completion of daily assigned schedules
• Provide daily/ weekly/ monthly indicators to management
• Identify /report and investigate product failures/ deviations / out of specifications
• Take action to ensure improvements and empowerment of the team
• Ensure team compliance to Laboratory Quality Systems (SANS 17025) and GLP
• Ensure competency annually for accredited methods (technical signatory)
• Participate in team projects identified by the Quality Control Manager
• Assume active involvement and membership of HACCP team
• Responsible for the following Microbiology duties:
• Perform problem solving and troubleshooting (RCA)
• Rapid and accurate testing of raw materials, environmental, water and finished products
• Verification of results
• Generating relevant administration documentation
• Feedback to Production Departments
• Liaise with the respective supervisor and/ or manager in the factory with respect to the planning of work submitted to the laboratory
• Coordinate the following Maintenance duties:
• Evaluate finished product and raw material specifications
• Assist with the generation of maintenance and calibration schedules
• Maintain Breakdown and Usage Database for all laboratory instruments
• Assist with stability program including the receiving of samples & submission of results
• Ensure that relevant stock is in place i.e. reagents, consumables etc.