Lab Technician (Micro) - Prospecton Brewery at The South African Breweries (SAB)

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Specialist Analysis:

• Carry out specialised micro analysis according to standard and the minimum micro sampling plan.
• Ensure traceability of results and record on appropriate information systems
• Communicate results clearly and timeously to production teams and stakeholders
• Conduct ad hoc analysis to assist with problem solving
• Provide production with good quality, yeast for propagation free of contaminants
• Management and execution of basic maintenance and calibration schedules on test equipment

Quality Auditing:

• Conduct required and requested quality audits, completing the appropriate documentation and communicating the results
• Review quality analysis procedures for updates when required
• Where required, initiate corrective actions to close gaps generated by audits

Problem Solving:

• Support production teams in problem solving by providing specialist knowledge on micro sampling and techniques
• Lead, facilitate or take part in problem solving sessions as a functional expert when required

Training:

• Assist in training, coaching and mentoring of plant personnel on good hygiene practices
• Take part in the development of training material
• Complete the competency guide for the micro lab technician role

Continuous Improvement:

• Carry out specialised analyses in support of the evaluation of continuous improvement opportunities
• Where required, take part in team evaluations of continuous improvement opportunities
• Take part in regional and divisional process optimisation initiatives as required
• Drive the Quality VPO through adhering to the minimum micro sampling plan and standards
• Support the production teams with problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives
• Traceability of samples and accuracy results when reporting to production teams
• Effectively communicating with all levels of the business and follow up when necessary
• Working timeously and managing individual workloads effectively to ensure sample frequencies are met

Minimum Requirements:

• Microbiology/Bio-Chemistry Diploma/degree
• Biotechnology Diploma/degree
• Food Technology Diploma/degree
• 2 Years experience in the Food Industry and in a micro laboratory environment is ideal
• Packaging and/or Brewing experience is preferable
• Knowledge of SAP PDM, Microsoft Office packages and LIMS will be an advantage
• May be called on to work overtime as required
• Demonstrate Good Lab Practices and adherence to housekeeping (5S), health and safety standards
• Live by the ABInBev principles to drive and ensure compliance to the Quality VPO pillar
• Ability to utilise computer programmes extensively