MICROBIOLOGY SUPERVISOR

The Microbiology Supervisor leads a small team to ensure that microbiological, chemical and analytical testing services are conducted on all raw, packaged materials and finished goods for the facility to contribute to development of company objectives. .

 JOB TITLE: Microbiology Supervisor

Position Summary:

The Microbiology Supervisor exercises independent judgment in scientific development methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. He / She ensures that all Raw Materials used in the manufacture of the company’s line of products, Finished Goods and Process Equipment are tested microbially and that the relevant related information is conveyed to all external departments and stakeholders.

General duties and responsibilities:

• Ensures compliance with the SQF, corporate and international regulatory requirements to reduce risk due to micro-biological contamination;
• Ensures all machinery sanitization is within specification according to master schedules and specified timeframes;
• Monitors sanitation to ensure there are no micro failures due to improper sanitation protocol.
• Assist in food safety audits of plants and support product development manager with evaluation of new sensitive products re: shelf life.
• Monitor microbiological performance at relevant points in the supply chain process: plant/process/environment/raw packaging and finished goods.
• Trend microbial data (product, rinse water, environmental monitoring etc.).
• Assists in designing cleaning (CIP/COP) and sanitization procedures (SIP/SOP) for new systems.
• Advises on optimal sanitation to minimize cost and downtime, while ensuring that products are protected where there are no food safety risks or risk of cross contamination.
• Performs and maintains testing the integrity of raw materials and maintaining contamination free environments throughout processing and manufacturing of the final product
• Reading, calculating and recording analysis data to produce reports of results 
• Ensure compliance and record keeping for all mandated quality checks, testing, sampling and sanitation activities within the plant
• Monitor the microbiological program; collect and conduct microbiological analysis of product and process samples when necessary
• Perform water testing equipment evaluations and calibrations when necessary or required
• Accountable for the safe quality of goods during every stage of production
• Communicates procedural and operational difficulties and delays as requested
• Works in conjunction with the Lab Supervisor in communicating arising issues and / or general information with respect to the operation of R & D, Raw Materials and Microbiology
• Supervise and enforce proper sanitation and housekeeping procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all Company Safety policies and standards, ensuring proper attire and PPE are worn. 
• Leads investigations of micro related quality issues, consumer complaints and regulation issues and ensures corrective actions are taken.
• Ensures that all documents related to micro, are in an audit ready state at all times and ensures all follow up actions are taken following an audit.
• Ensures all trending and tracking records are updated for reporting purposes and submitted within the specified timeframes. (within 2 hours of completion of the process).
• Conduct sensitization sessions for employees on microbiological food safety and sanitation processes and procedures at the intervals specified in SOP'S.

General knowledge skills and abilities:

• Good project management skills and ability to work as a team.
• Able to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Knowledge of Microbiology techniques and testing necessary for supervising lab personnel.
• Proficient in Data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to train and supervise others.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to recognize deviations, and recommend corrective action.

 Behavioural Competencies:

• Methodical
• Quality Focused
• Proactive and Reliable
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Solution Oriented
• Detailed Oriented
• Strong analytical skills

 Minimum Education & Experience:

• Bsc. in Chemistry/ Microbiology/ Food Science  / Natural Sciences or related field. 
• Certification and training in GMP & HACCP Training.
• At least two (2) years in a Supervisory  / Lead capacity.
• Minimum of Three (3) to Five (5) years’ experience in the Food & Beverage or Manufacturing Industry.
• CIP/COP and external equipment cleaning operations and regulatory compliance.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint.

• Thank you for your interest in our company and your application submission. However, please note that ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted.