Lab Manager - Food Manufacturing

About the position

Our client is a leading spices, sources and other food ingredients supplier in SA.

 

Main Purpose of job:

• Oversee and manage the QA and QC laboratory teams
• Ensure tests are done to yield accurate results, and take action when the risk of producing incorrect results are presented
• Facilitate implementation and maintenance of Laboratory Quality Management system
• Ensure that the day-to-day requirements of the quality control laboratory functions are completed
• Supervise QC and QA Analysts
• Ensure equipment is serviced and calibrated
• Ensure Analysts are trained and competent to perform testing
• Conduct training when required on testing to Analysts
• Report noncomplying results to Technical Manager
• Ensure lab consumable supply is sufficient to ensure no stoppage in testing
• Test results must be available efficiently without unnecessary delays
• Benchmark the best practices of ISO 17025 when managing laboratory functions at all times e.g., method validations.
• Ensure the efficient and effective evaluation and release of final products and raw materials
• Approval of pre-shipment and buyers samples
• Work with Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) to ensure supplier and raw material risk registers are kept up to date
• Manage noncompliance by suppliers working with SQA, including issuing of Non-conformance Reports (NCRs)
• Ensure all raw materials accepted for our clients manufacturing needs meets the specification for that raw material.
• Update testing parameters and testing to ensure appropriate tests are done on raw materials as part of quality assurance of raw materials
• Ensure raw material samples are taken correctly to aid testing accuracy
• Liaise with external labs to source testing where accreditation of test results is required
• Assist product development at times regarding raw material queries and testing
• Assist in identification of expired stock, extensions where necessary and disposal when needed
• Arrange for samples to be taken from operations on final product for testing
• Ensure accuracy of testing
• Reject nonconforming product
• Assist with root cause investigation of nonconforming stock
• Release of final product
• Issue Certificate of Analysis (COAs) and concessions
• Assist with customer complaints and investigations

 

Decisions without Supervisor/Manager’s approval:

• Raise NCRs and take corrective and preventive action
• Approve and reject result but report to Technical Manager
• Make amendments and approve standard operating procedures, forms and records
• Report non-conforming results to Technical Manager

 

Recommendations to Supervisor/Manager:

• Purchasing of new equipment
• New methodologies and training opportunity
• Make amendments to policies
• Rejecting and disposal of stock, changing suppliers

 

Requirements:

• Tertiary qualification: BSc, Degree, B. Tech  or National Diploma in Food Technology/Food Science
• 5+ Food Manufacturing experience
• Background in Laboratory Testing and Lab Management experience 
• Experience in the Food Manufacturing
• Experience in implementing and maintaining a Laboratory Quality Program
• Computer literate (MS Office, Syspro 7)
• Sound report writing & presentation skills

 

Competencies:

• Perform well under pressure and be flexible in working hours
• Strong Laboratory Quality Management systems and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) background
• High analytical capability, implementing processes and systems to ensure compliance
• Able to work across divisions with a view to align integrated systems e.g., FSSC 22000 and SANS 17025

 

Desired Skills:

• Food Processing
• Food Safety Management
• Laboratory Analysis
• Quality Auditing
• Supervising
• Testing
• Training