Laboratory Manager

SUMMARY:
A large food manufacturer based in Swellendam is seeking a Laboratory Manager to oversee laboratory staff management and training, maintain laboratory functions and testing procedures, ensure the effective operation and calibration of laboratory equipment across all company sites, and uphold food safety and quality standards in line with the company’s Food Safety and Quality Management System.

POSITION INFO:
Key duties and responsibilities

• Operate, service, maintain, calibrate, and verify laboratory instrumentation and equipment
• Maintain and improve the ISO Laboratory Management System
• Handle laboratory queries, COA requests, test result verification, method validation, and investigations into non-conforming results
• Support food safety, quality assurance, research projects, data interpretation, and report writing
• Conduct safety and cleanliness checks and ensure compliance with laboratory standards
• Assist with staff and student training, mentoring, assessments, audits, and verification of training effectiveness
• Manage laboratory chemicals, consumables, budgeting, sampling plans, and external analysis schedules
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and health and safety requirements
• Participate in safety meetings, report incidents, distribute safety information, and wear PPE where required
• Support employee performance management, development planning, communication, succession planning, and resource allocation
• Oversee student workplace learning (WIL), ensuring training, project alignment, mentoring, and timely submission of required documentation

• BSc (Honors) Degree in Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Microbiology or Food Sciences
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a Managerial Capacity
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a Laboratory
• Implementation of the ISO 17025 Management System
• Knowledge of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems (HACCP, ISO, and FSSC)
• Knowledge of specialized Laboratory instruments (GC, ICP, NIR, Lovibond, Spectrophotometer, HPLC-GC-MS)