Technical Laboratory Manager(FMCG)

Location: Swellendam, Cape Town (relocation assistance)
Salary: R45 000 to R55 000 + pension fund
Work hours: 7am- 5pm (company runs 24 hours, 11-hour shifts!!!)

The main purpose of this position is to take responsibility for the effective management and training of the laboratory employee complement; execution and continuous maintenance of the laboratory functions, procedures, and test methods; ensuring effective operation, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory equipment and instruments on all Client sites; and the continual assurance of food safety and quality per the companies Food Safety and Quality Management System.

Key Responsibilities:

1. General operation, service and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and equipment
2. Ensure calibration and verification checks are performed on laboratory instrumentation
3. Manage the implementation, maintenance and improvement of an ISO Laboratory Management System
4. Handling of general queries and requests from internal departments and external customers
5. Conducting monthly safety checks as and where necessary
6. Handling special COA requests
7. Verification of test results and product information
8. Conduct method validation and quality verification checks
9. Investigate and report on questionable test results
10. Responsible for laboratory functions and general tasks relating to food safety and quality
11. Assist with training and verification of training effectiveness
12. Participate in internal assessments and audits
13. Ensure that cleanliness and safety standards are maintained in the Laboratory
14. Assist with research projects and conduct test studies
15. Interpret data and write reports
16. Assist with the purchasing of Laboratory chemicals and consumables
17. Preparing the Laboratory budget
18. Ensure preparation and handling of product samples as per External Analysis Schedule
19. Ensure adherence to Sampling Plans as per the Company policies and procedures

Health and Safety:

1. Participate in safety forums created by the company for example safety meetings and safety talks
2. Follow-up on any activities assigned through safety meetings / committees / representatives / management
3. Report all safety incidents to the relevant people
4. Attend safety education and refresher programmes
5. Comply with safety policies and procedures at the company
6. Distribute safety information as and when required
7. Wear protective clothing (where applicable) at all times

Employee Management and Development:

1. Ensure overall compliance to relevant procedures and policies.
2. Ensure that all team members have clearly defined job profiles
3. Regular goal review completed to assess achievement of results
4. Support, coaching and mentoring is continuously provided to ensure that objectives are met
5. Ensure that development plans are in place for each employee
6. Appropriate allocation of resources to meet operational demands
7. Ensure that events/activities taking place in the team are effectively communicated within team
8. Ensure adequate succession planning in order to meet ongoing and anticipated business requirements

Student Management and Development:

1. Ensure students are trained and verified
2. Ensure students’ research projects and practical exposure are aligned with institutes’ requirements and business objectives
3. Ensure institutes’ WIL implementation plan is successfully integrated within the department
4. Support, coaching and mentoring is continuously provided to ensure that objectives are met
5. Ensure all supporting documentation for WIL requirement is submitted timeously.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. BSc Honors Degree in Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Microbiology or Food Sciences
2. A minimum of 3 years of experience in a Managerial Capacity
3. A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a Laboratory
4. Implementation of the ISO 17025 Management System
5. Knowledge of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems (HACCP, ISO, and FSSC)
6. Knowledge of specialized Laboratory instruments (GC, ICP, NIR, Lovibond, Spectrophotometer, HPLC-GC-MS)