Supervisor - Microbiology

About the role

NFPC, a company with a large portfolio of food and beverage products, is looking for a Microbiology Supervisor to lead the day-to-day operation of its microbiology laboratory. The role covers microbiological testing of incoming ingredients, in-process materials and finished products, and the technical and administrative work required to keep procedures compliant with ISO 17025.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process samples and finished dairy products.
• Develop, update and implement sampling plans and testing regimes, and establish test protocols in line with local standards, industry guidelines and ISO 17025.
• Evaluate results, decide when retesting is needed, escalate abnormal results to the Quality Manager, interpret findings and support troubleshooting of microbiological quality issues.
• Record all results accurately in the laboratory information system.
• Ensure testing follows approved protocols, quality specifications and regulatory requirements, and set up a monitoring system to check the accuracy of sampling and testing.
• Write and update procedures for the laboratory procedure manuals.
• Validate new methods, technologies and process improvements, and plan and run shelf-life and challenge studies.
• Carry out periodic laboratory risk assessments, ensure QC Technicians complete documented HSE training, and maintain equipment, housekeeping and hygiene standards in line with GMP and HACCP.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology or Food Microbiology.
• 5+ years of experience in a similar role, ideally in FMCG or dairy manufacturing.
• Proven team leadership and people management.

Required skills

• Solid knowledge of culture media preparation, quality control and equipment calibration.
• Working knowledge of ISO 17025, GMP and HACCP.