Microbiologist

Company: RCL Foods

Functions: SHEQ

Job Type Classification: Permanent

Location - Town / City: Boksburg

Job Description: RCL FOODS is a deeply rooted South African food manufacturer that produces some of the country's most-loved brands, including Yum Yum peanut butter, Nola mayonnaise, Ouma rusks, and Selati sugar, just to name a few. At the heart of our culture and strategy is our Purpose – WE GROW WHAT MATTERS – which reflects our belief in collectively doing that little more to create a positive impact that truly matters. Visit our website: www.rclfoods.com Siqalo Foods is seeking a Microbiologist to join their Spreads Division. The role will be based in Boksburg and will report to the Quality Specialist. Purpose of the role: To ensure that all incoming raw materials and all outgoing packed products meet Siqalo microbiological standards. Monitor and identify substandard situations / processes in terms of manufacturing hygiene compliance on site. Act as a reference for microbiological and hygienic standards and behaviour on site.

Minimum Requirements

National Diploma in Food Technology / Diploma in Biotechnology or BSc in Food Science/Microbiology Knowledge and Skill:

• Knowledge of SAP (Purchasing, Release and blockage of stock.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

Duties & Responsibilities

Product Safety

• Is responsible for the identification and monitoring of microbiological standards.
• Develops and reviews the incoming raw material and outgoing product test regime and monitors the program, recommending corrective action where required.
• Tests and releases raw materials to the factory, WIP and finished products based on the successful test results.
• Conducts analysis of development samples, packed products and consumer complaint sample and recommends changes to processes.
• Validates and verifies effectiveness of cleaning processes and procedures and recommends corrective action where required
• Identifies behaviours that will impact microbiologically on raw materials, product or WIP, equipment etc and recommends relevant actions
• Coordinate training and awareness for site teams of microbiology, hygiene, good manufacturing practices and its implications and controls.
• Understanding of HACCP requirements and participates in HACCP reviews
• Understanding in Food safety and forms part of food safety team

Hygiene

• Ensures that the manufacturing process is hygienic and microbiologically safe for the production, by monitoring the implementation of appropriate and sustainable hygiene program is in place, according to GMP
• Conducts audit and together with the SHEQ manager and Production team identify suitable corrective action
• Ensures that immediate corrective action is implemented in the case of non-conformance and possible risk to product safety.
• Conducts hygiene audits of the factory environment, site canteens and ablutions, people and 3rd Party, makes recommendations with respect to changes that need to be made to management or the maintenance department.
• Swab analysis as required as per GMP Training
• Conducts training on GMP and food safety for new personnel and refresher training for existing personnel.

Stock Returns

• Conduct relevant micro tests trade returns, raw materials, in-process and packed product that may be substandard or over age.
• Makes stock return judgement based on the micro safety of the products and recommends the necessary action in line with site and Company policy.
• Co-ordinates the paper work and supervises the physical action to ensure the follow through of recommendation

Other

• Co-ordinates and monitors site pest control program (internal and external)
• Generates reports as and when required to provide consumer safety information to the business/ site