Micro Technician

Job Description

The Micro Technician is responsible for ensuring that all incoming raw materials and finished products meet Danone’s strict microbiological standards. This role involves monitoring manufacturing hygiene, performing laboratory tests, and acting as a key reference for microbiological and hygienic standards on site. The technician will also be involved in training, reporting, and supporting the overall product safety and quality assurance initiatives.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Food Technology/ Biotechnology or BSc in Food Science/Microbiology.
• Certified training in appropriate Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) & Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): i.e. ISO 9001, ISO 17025 or equivalent
• Knowledge of HACCP / Food Safety Management System would be an advantage
• Knowledge of SAP (Purchasing, Release and blockage of stock. – we make use of Clover system for block and release of stock
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• At least 2 to 3 years’ experience as a microbiologist (preferably food industry)
• Knowledge within the Quality discipline in an FMCG / Packaging environment or laboratory environment
• Dairy processing & technology experience would be an advantage
• Strong attention to detail, observation, organizational, and leadership skills
• Strong knowledge of mathematics, data analysis, and statistical methods
• Strong computer skills: Advanced MS Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel). Data analysis & management, graphs, tables, etc.
• Strong knowledge of Quality & Food safety management and laboratory management systems
• Analysis & risk management skills
• Problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

• Is responsible for the identification and monitoring of microbiological standards.
• Participates in the development and reviews the incoming raw material and outgoing product test regime and monitors the program, recommending corrective action where required.
• Tests and releases raw materials to the factory, intermediate product (WIP) and finished products based on the successful test results.
• Prepare, dispense and sterilization of reagents
• Conducts analysis of development samples, packed products and consumer complaint sample
• Recommends changes to processes.
• Validates and verifies effectiveness of cleaning processes and procedures and recommends corrective action where required
• Identifies behaviours that will impact microbiologically on raw materials, product or WIP, equipment etc and recommends relevant actions
• Coordinate training and awareness for site teams of microbiology, hygiene, good manufacturing practices and its implications and controls.
• Understanding of HACCP requirements and participates in HACCP reviews
• Understanding in Food safety
• Ensures that the manufacturing process is hygienic and microbiologically safe for the production, by monitoring the implementation of appropriate and sustainable hygiene program is in place, according to GMP
• Ensures that immediate corrective action is implemented in the case of non-conformance and possible risk to product safety.
• Identifies suitable corrective action plans to address non conformances
• Conducts hygiene audits of the factory environment, site canteens and ablutions, people and 3rd Party, makes recommendations with respect to changes that need to be made to management or the maintenance department.
• Swab analysis as required as per GMP
• Conducts environmental sampling, analyses, reporting and escalation of non-compliance.
• Conducts training on Micro and GMP new personnel and refresher training for existing personnel when required
• Conduct relevant micro tests trade returns, raw materials, in-process and packed product that may be substandard or over age.
• Makes stock return judgement based on the micro safety of the products and recommends the necessary action in line with site and Company policy.
• Co-ordinates the paperwork and supervises the physical action to ensure the follow through of recommendation
• Responsible for all reporting of micro results on relevant systems.
• Escalation of out of spec micro results to Lab team leader within 24 hours of detecting the result.
• Generates reports as and when required to provide micro performance to the business/ site
• Ensure adherence to environmental policies, procedures and standards
• Monitor and manage adherence to waste management practices and standards
• Comply to the departmental safety agenda, audits & action plans