Lab and Food Safety Assistant KwaZulu-Natal

Vacancy:
Lab and Food Safety Assistant – Durban, Kwa Zulu-Natal

One of our Clients, a leader in the Manufacturing Industry, is seeking to appoint an experienced Lab and Food Safety Assistant  to join their dynamic team.

This role is responsible for conducting laboratory testing, supporting food safety and quality assurance systems, maintaining compliance with HACCP and related standards, and assisting with audits, product development, and customer quality requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food safety principles, excellent analytical skills, and a passion for maintaining the highest standards of product quality and food safety.
Applicants must reside in and around the Durban, Umbilo area.

Laboratory Analysis and Quality Control

• Conduct routine analysis of wheat, flour, premixes, and finished products in accordance with established specifications and quality standards.
• Perform laboratory testing including HLM, falling number, protein, moisture, screenings, mixograph, farinograph, extensograph, alveograph, gluten, ash, starch damage, colour, sieve, and starch analyses.
• Carry out baking tests and evaluate product performance and quality.
• Operate laboratory equipment, including the CD1 Mill, and ensure accurate recording and reporting of test results.
• Capture, compile, and communicate laboratory results to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Monitor product quality throughout the production process and provide recommendations to production and gristing teams to ensure product compliance.

Food Safety and Quality Management

• Support the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, regulatory requirements, and company food safety standards.
• Monitor and verify adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality requirements, and food safety protocols throughout the facility.
• Participate in HACCP team activities, food safety reviews, risk assessments, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Validate changes to food safety plans, quality plans, and food safety fundamentals to ensure the continued production of safe and quality food products.

Auditing, Compliance and Documentation

• Assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of internal, external, certification, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Maintain accurate food safety, quality assurance, and laboratory documentation and records.
• Conduct regular facility inspections, food safety audits, housekeeping assessments, and security audits.
• Identify non-conformances and implement corrective and preventative actions where required.
• Prepare reports on quality performance, audit outcomes, inspections, and food safety compliance for management review.

Product Development and Continuous Improvement

• Support new product development initiatives, including product trials, testing, evaluation, and launch activities.
• Coordinate the development and testing of premixes and contribute to ongoing research and product improvement projects.
• Analyse competitor products and provide recommendations to support product enhancement and market competitiveness.
• Assist in developing and implementing new quality, food safety, and process control systems where required.

Customer and Supplier Support

• Investigate customer complaints relating to product quality and food safety.
• Implement corrective actions and monitor effectiveness to prevent recurrence.
• Liaise with customers on quality-related matters and provide technical support where required.
• Ensure customer specifications and quality expectations are consistently achieved.

Training and Team Support

• Assist with the training and development of employees on HACCP, food safety, quality systems, and good manufacturing practices.
• Coordinate and support annual food safety, quality, and compliance training programmes.
• Provide guidance and support to quality and laboratory personnel on testing procedures and quality requirements.

Housekeeping and General Responsibilities

• Monitor housekeeping, sanitation, pest control, and fumigation activities to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
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