Lab Technician (Micro) at The South African Breweries (SAB)

• The key purpose of this role is to carry out specialized analysis in support of production teams, problem solving, continuous improvement initiatives and training.

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.

Key Attributes & Competencies:

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.
• Demonstrate Good Lab Practices and adherence to housekeeping (5S), health and safety standards
• Live by the AB InBev principles to drive and ensure compliance to the Quality VPO pillar
• Ability to utilise computer programmes extensively.
• Analytical ability.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and appropriately (written & verbal) with all levels of the organization and work well within a team environment
• Positive attitude
• Mental alertness and display good judgement.
• Problem Solving Skills
• Attention to detail and working with precision and accuracy
• Strong ethic and discipline towards standard compliance
• Demonstrate sound interpersonal skills, including customers and supplier interaction
• Willing to take initiative and a strong bias for action.

Minimum Requirements:

• Microbiology/Biochemistry 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