SENIOR MICROBIOLOGIST - SM Jaleel Ltd. (a Trinidad-based opportunity)

SENIOR MICROBIOLOGIST - SM Jaleel Ltd. (a Trinidad-based opportunity)

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Our Client, SM Jaleel Limited (SMJ), based in Trinidad and Tobago, is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to work in their operations in South Trinidad.  This is an exciting international opportunity for career growth for a qualified Microbiologist to work with a leading manufacturer and innovator in the beverage business.  The Client is seeking candidates who have experience in research and development, quality assurance or laboratory work in food manufacturing operations.

About the Company:

This year, S.M. Jaleel & Company Limited celebrated its 100^th anniversary of operations in Trinidad and Tobago and its expansive international reach through exports to 65 countries across 5 continents.   The team at SMJ is known to be purpose-driven through its Spirit-centred Leadership.  S.M Jaleel is one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of non-alcoholic drinks in the English-speaking Caribbean, growing through foreign direct investments in overseas manufacturing operations, joint ventures, licensing and partnerships.  The company is differentiated through its deep experience in pioneering product innovation and brand strength.  SMJ brands include Fruta, Chubby, Busta, Oasis, Futopia, Cole Cold, Altitude and Turbo.

About the Role:

The Senior Microbiologist role 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. 

The role: 

• Serves as in-house technical expert, providing technical support and troubleshooting and/or data analysis in managing situations and issues relative to quality and/or food safety. 
• 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. 
• Assists in food safety audits of plants and support product development manager with evaluation of new sensitive products re: shelf life. 
• Monitors microbiological performance at relevant points in the supply chain process: plant/process/environment/raw packaging and finished goods. 
• Trends 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 
• Ensures compliance and record keeping for all mandated quality checks, testing, sampling and sanitation activities within the plant 
• Monitors the microbiological program; collect and conduct microbiological analysis of product and process samples when necessary 
• Performs water testing equipment evaluations and calibrations when necessary or required 

• Is 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 
• Supervises and enforces proper sanitation and housekeeping procedures. 
• 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). 
• Conducts sensitization sessions for employees on microbiological food safety and sanitation processes and procedures at the intervals specified in SOP'S. 
• Conducts quality and food safety audits, individually or as part of a team at internal plant locations. 
• Studies the processing and packaging of foods. 
• Recommends improvements while ensuring legal and certification requirements are met by the company 
• Studies food spoilage and methods of preservation. 
• Provides training to plant teams for issue management and procedure compliance. 
• Performs new method development and implementation for newly approved methodologies. 
• Conducts non-routine, specialized microbiological analyses as needed. 
• Understands the transmission of foodborne diseases in order to prevent their occurrence and share findings to promote effective food and health and safety practices. 
• Reviews QA technicians reports and practices to evaluate the accuracy of their results. 
• Researches the findings of other Microbiologists in the Beverage Manufacturing Industry and attend conferences to stay up to date. 

About the Person:

The preferred candidate will have the following Education, Experience and General knowledge skills and abilities: 

• Master’s Degree in Microbiology or a  Degree in Microbiology WITH advanced certified training in food technology/manufacturing.
• 5+ years’ experience in microbiology in R&D, quality assurance or laboratory work for a leading food or manufacturing company of which at least three (3) years are in a Supervisory / Lead capacity
• Expert Knowledge in Non-alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing, specifically juice/Beer is optional, milk would be an asset but not mandatory. 
• Knowledge for Food thermal process, Beverage processing, Sanitation and Quality management systems, such as HACCP, and ISO are preferable. 
• Possesses experience in factual-based root cause analysis and problem-solving, with a strong commitment to maintaining quality. 
• Certification and training in GMP & HACCP Training.  
• CIP/COP and external equipment cleaning operations and regulatory compliance. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint. 

• 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 
• Methodical, Quality Focused, Proactive and Reliable 

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 
• Solution and Detail Oriented with Strong analytical skills 

How to Apply & Timeline

If you match the above profile and are keen to consider this overseas opportunity, please apply before December 28, 2024.  The Company will offer standard relocation support and competitive compensation.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, regret to advise that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.