Regional Microbiologist - Pretoria at The Coca-Cola Company

Job Description    

• Drive compliance to Coca-Cola Operating Requirements (KORE) and regulatory standards for microbiological sampling and testing, and the implementation of environmental management plans to ensure pro-active resolution of problems and mitigation of risk to the business.

Key Duties & Responsibilities    
Regional Micro-analysis

• Ensure micro testing compliance to all Coca-Cola Operating Requirements (KORE) and food safety standards.
• Drive in-spec (within specified guidelines) compliance at all sampling points and corrective actions in case of out-of-specs (outside specified guidelines).
• Lead problem solving and micro risk mitigation activities for all sampling practices.
• Develop reports and communicate all micro-performance related issues to all stakeholders within the region.
• Monitoring of environmental plans and ensure that escalations and mitigation plans are in place.
• Conduct trend analysis to Monitor Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) and cleaning & sanitation activities to ensure effectiveness.
• Drives micro-capability building and implement improvements to micro monitoring program where required.
• Conduct validations of new micro equipment, micro-media, test methods etc.
• Ensure that plants participate in the Global micro proficiency testing routines.
• Record and report validation trial results and initiate corrective actions as appropriate.
• Participate in site Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) studies as a microbiology subject matter expert.

Process Validation and External Sampling    

• Develop validation protocols for cleaning chemicals and/or equipment and train users on the same protocols with the Quality Manager.
• Develop new micro-cleaning procedures and/or material validation in collaboration with the Quality Manager.
• Develop and participate in validation protocols for the manufacturing of sensitive beverages (e.g. Appletiser, juice, water, etc.).
• Ensure 100% execution and completion of all equipment validation including effective documentation of the process through Quality Controllers.
• Conduct and validate heat treatment methods and disinfection processes.
• Review external tests request as per KORE, and in line with internal micro & Physio-chemical testing.
• Conduct micro-sampling for external analysis according to the set frequency e.g., annual water sampling.
• Review and trend external analysis results and initiate corrective actions in case of out of spec.

Process Validation and External Sampling

• Develop validation protocols for cleaning chemicals and/or equipment and train users on the same protocols with the Quality Manager.
• Develop new micro-cleaning procedures and/or material validation in collaboration with the Quality Manager.
• Develop and participate in validation protocols for the manufacturing of sensitive beverages (e.g. Appletiser, juice, water, etc.).
• Ensure 100% execution and completion of all equipment validation including effective documentation of the process through Quality Controllers.
• Conduct and validate heat treatment methods and disinfection processes.
• Review external tests request as per KORE, and in line with internal micro & Physio-chemical testing.
• Conduct micro-sampling for external analysis according to the set frequency e.g., annual water sampling.
• Review and trend external analysis results and initiate corrective actions in case of out of specification.

Micro Training, Coaching and Lab Safety

• Conduct and or participate in micro-related training needs assessment and ensure inclusion in training plan for the region.
• Deliver micro-related training workshops to build capability in region.
• Conduct micro-related on-the-job coaching and provide support and guidance as necessary.
• Participate in micro-Cleaning- out- of- place (COP’s) and join African Operating Unit (AOU) Micro Subject Matter Expert network.
• Ensure Safety Systems adherence to standards to prevent any safety related incidents in the micro laboratory.
• Conduct risk assessments and inspections and report hazards for the micro laboratory.

Manage Costs

• Ensure that all micro laboratory consumables requirements are communicated and planned for as and when required.
• Ensure that all micro laboratory equipment is serviced and calibrated as per schedule.
• Ensure that all micro laboratory Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) requirements are communicated and planned for in the annual budget process according to the standard lab list.

Skills, Experience & Education    

• A degree in Microbiology or Biotechnology.
• 3 to 6 years’ experience as a Microbiologist in an FMCG, Bottling or food processing plant.