Microbiologist at Nestle

Position Summary

With a history spanning over 150 years, Nestlé didn’t become the world’s leading food and beverages brand by chance. Perfection is at the heart of what we do and our people are always looking for the next big idea to cement our status. We’re now looking for a Microbiologist to join our team in Estcourt, KwaZulu Natal.
A Microbiologist maintains product quality & safety. He/She co-ordinates laboratory analysis and releases RM, PM and Final product, he/she ensures that GLP and ICP are maintained in Micro lab and in-line labs.

A day in the life of
A Microbiologist
Budget

• Compile annually and monitor Micro expenditure monthly

Management of Human Resources

• Relieve the Food Safety Specialist/Hygienist when on leave or off sick
• Assist Food Safety Specialist/Hygienist in day to day issues
• Assist with plant release in absence of Food Safety Specialist/Hygienist

Product Quality

• Ensure corrective action is taken for out of norm final products through use of CAR
• Assist in achieving Factory objectives – FTQ, OTR, Consumer complaints and Costs
• Conduct analysis on Finished product and raw materials
• Conduct second examination of Finished Product when out of norm exist
• Conduct analysis on In-line, environmental and water samples
• Conduct analysis of canteen swabs
• Update EB and ‘S’ trend analysis graphs
• Prepare media according to relevant LI’s or suppliers instructions
• Draw up and implement written procedures for Micro
• Decontamination of glassware, media and waste through autoclaving

Food Safety

• Perform ‘S’ sampling according to plan
• Dispatch ‘S’ samples to NQAC as per schedule
• Review and update ‘S’ plan
• Increase sampling and inform Food Safety Specialist/Hygienist if out of norm is found
• Conduct basic micro training to Processing Departments
• Co-ordinate and implement changes in ‘S’ level due to maintenance or out of norm situation

GLP/ICP

• Ensure ICP and GLP is maintained in Micro lab
• Conduct daily calibration checks for All Micro equipments
• Enter micro results in SAP
• Maintain positive cultures for all tests
• Implement new methods when LI’s are updated

What Will Make You Successful

• BSc. Degree/Diploma in Microbiology/Food Technology/BioTechnology
• Minimum 3 years
• Knowledge of food safety
• Sound Knowledge of all Hazards, Microbiological, chemical, allergen & Physical
• Deep understanding of microbiological methods and application
• Ability to interpret processing conditions in relation to food safety results
• Strong written and oral communication
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good presentation and training skills
• Computer literate (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical & problem solving skills.