Senior Lab Quality Assurance Technologist at The Coca-Cola Company

Job Description

• Product quality and food safety testing
• Statistical process control and trend analysis
• Non-conformance management and RCA
• Quality system adherence (FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, KORE)
• Laboratory equipment operation and calibration
• Support of audits and quality inspections
• HACCP and GMP compliance monitoring
• Documentation and data integrity
• Quality awareness and coaching at line level

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations Oversight

• Lead daily lab operations to ensure accurate and timely testing of raw materials, intermediates, packaging, and finished products.
• Coordinate work schedules, prioritise sampling, and ensure full coverage of all required testing.
• Supervise the QA Quality Controllers to ensure adherence to test protocols and result integrity.

Product and Process Quality Control

• Ensure all results meet The Coca-Cola Company specifications and local regulatory standards before product release.
• Perform trend analysis and statistical reviews of lab data to support operational decisions.
• Identify deviations and ensure effective corrective actions are implemented.

Instrument Calibration and Method Verification

• Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated and maintained according to SOPs and OEM requirements.
• Lead method validation, verification, and troubleshooting for analytical tests.
• Manage lab equipment performance and escalate technical issues where necessary.

Compliance and Quality System Support

• Support implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, FSSC 22000, and KORE systems.
• Ensure adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), GMP, and food safety protocols.
• Maintain documentation and records in line with system and audit requirements.

Audit Preparedness and Non-Conformance Management

• Prepare the laboratory for internal and external audits (regulatory, customer, KORE).
• Participate in root cause analysis for non-conformances, complaints, and quality incidents.
• Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes and follow-ups.

Coaching and Team Development

• Provide on-the-job training and competency development for QA Quality Controllers.
• Evaluate lab team performance and provide input for personal development plans.
• Promote a quality and food safety culture through active engagement and communication.

KBI

• First Time Right (FTR) performance (%)
• Product Quality Index / Conformance Rate (%)
• Number of quality non-conformances (internal and external)
• Consumer and customer complaints (per million units)
• Laboratory turnaround time and sample throughput
• Quality audit findings and closure rates
• Equipment calibration compliance (%)
• Product release accuracy and rejection rate

Skills, Experience & Education

Education

• Minimum 4–6 years’ experience in a quality assurance or laboratory environment in FMCG, beverage, or food manufacturing
• At least 2 years of experience supervising laboratory staff or operations

Experience

• Proven experience working with ISO/FSSC systems and food safety audits
• Strong track record in implementing and maintaining laboratory quality systems

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in laboratory testing methods (chemical, physical, microbiological)
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and GLP/GMP practices
• Proficient in quality system frameworks (KORE, ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, SANS standards)
• Skilled in root cause analysis tools (5 Whys, Ishikawa, CAPA)
• Competent in statistical process control (SPC) and data interpretation
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory instruments (e.g., spectrophotometers, titrators, incubators)
• Familiarity with document control systems and electronic lab management tools (e.g., LIMS, SAP, SharePoint)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational, planning, and analytical abilities

Deadline:17th February,2026