Introduction
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.
Duties & Responsibilities
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.
- Promote a culture of food safety, quality, hygiene, and continuous improvement across the facility.
- Ensure all food quality and safety requirements are consistently met and maintained.
- Perform any other reasonable duties associated with a Food Safety, Quality Assurance, or Laboratory function as required by management.
Desired Experience & Qualification
- Grade 12 (Matric).
- National Diploma or equivalent qualification in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related discipline.
- Additional training or short courses in Food Safety, Food Plant Hygiene, Sanitation, Quality Assurance, or related fields will be advantageous.
- Certification in Food Hygiene, Food Handling, HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, or other recognised food safety management systems will be beneficial.
- Working knowledge and understanding of food safety, quality assurance, and laboratory systems, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
- Knowledge of food and beverage sample collection, preparation, handling, testing, and laboratory procedures in accordance with established quality standards and protocols.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), with the ability to accurately record, analyse, and report data.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify quality, hygiene, food safety, sanitation, and pest control non-conformances and implement corrective actions where required.
Key Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organisational and record-keeping abilities.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Commitment to food safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional integrity.
- Provide your feedback on BizChat.
Package & Remuneration
Negotiable, depending on qualifications and experience.
Interested?
Should you wish to apply for this position, and meet all the requirements, please forward your CV to Nontobeko Khuzwayo at nkhuzwayo@indgro.com.
Also, please register on our database as follows:
We are very excited to introduce our Resumé (CV) Builder, allowing you to create your own Resumé (CV). Your details will automatically and immediately be registered on our database. To apply for this position, click here.
Please remember to update your Resumé (CV) if any of the following details have changed:
- Personal Details, i.e., Marital Status and Contact Details
- Education, i.e., Additional qualifications obtained, or courses completed.
- Employment information
If you do not have the listed qualifications and experience, please do not apply, as you will unfortunately not be considered for this position. We aim to reply to all applicants; however, it is not always possible due to the high interest in our vacancies. Therefore, please consider your application unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 2 (Two) weeks.
Important Notice
Indgro Outsourcing (Pty) Ltd, Trading as Indgro Multi Services Group™ (the Company), is a member of APSO and, as such, is bound by the Code of Ethics and Codes of Professional Practice, which include but are not limited to:
- The Company does not, as an Employment Services Provider, charge, directly or indirectly, work seekers (candidates) any fees for services rendered, which is by Clause 15 of the Employment Service Act 2014.
- The Company, as Employment Services Provider, further will not discriminate unfairly at any time in the recruitment process regardless of ethnic origin, color, gender, age, religion, political opinion, nationality, social origin, sexual orientation, or any other distinguishing characteristics within the proviso under the Employment Equity Act.
- No Promise of Employment:
Applying for a position at the Company or submitting your CV to the Company is or will NOT construe (express or implied) that the Company or any of its affiliates will guarantee you any position for any particular period or at any specific compensation or benefit rate.
