Lab Technician at Danone

Job description

AFC - Danone Southern Africa (Pty),a subsidiary of Danone, is looking for Lab Technician South Africa (ZA) Benoni Danone is a global food company holding top positions in healthy food through its four businesses Fresh Dairy Products, Early Life Nutrition, Waters, and Medical Nutrition. Its mission, bringing health through food to as many people as possible, embodies commitment to human progress and business success. It gives meaning to the work of our 100,000 Danoners worldwide on an everyday basis. For passionate people looking for autonomy and exciting career opportunities, Danone truly has something special inside!

To provide laboratory services to the Factory and Research and Development departments (including sample collection and testing, equipment maintenance, and compliance and adherence to Laboratory Management Systems)

Services to internal customers from microbiology, chemistry, packaging laboratories

Key Responsibilities

• Quality
• Ensure adherence to quality standards, procedures, policies and practices (GLP, ISO 17025, ISO 9001, GMP and HACCP) as well Analytical Performance Basics.
• Ensure that all lab related activities are carried out to high standards of workmanship
• Comply with housekeeping standards ensure that work area and equipment is kept clean at all times, clean work areas and equipment as required
• Monitor and ensure that the industrial team produces product to the required quality standards
• Ensure that internal customer complaints are kept to a minimal
• Participate in quality related problem solving initiatives
• Costs
• Reduce wastage of consumables and ensure to curtail costs associated with duties and apply FIFO principles
• Continuously identify cost effect ways of delivering world class service, identify cost saving initiatives and recommend improvements
• Delivery
• Collect on line samples as stipulated on the sampling and testing plans.
• Prepare testing solutions and reagents as required for the different tests to be done (Media, diluents and chemical solutions).
• Test samples from milk reception; processing; packaging and utilities as required by various control plans.
• Record results on appropriate result recording sheets.
• Escalate all deviations from specifications to the Quality Engineer on shift and Lab Manager
• Ensure that laboratory non-conforming results are handled as per the non-conformance procedure; and action implemented to prevent reoccurrence.
• Assist R&D department with ad hoc testing
• Ensure that all test results are submitted to the requester
• Ensure that follow up samples are tested for quality assurance
• Check, verify and calibrate lab equipment as per procedure (and stipulated frequency)
• Apply "clean as you go" principles
• Participate in projects and trials as required
• Participate in ad hoc testing as required
• Develop working procedures as required
• Participate in audits
• Ensure that shift handovers are done at end of each shift, and ensure that documentation is completed and verified by the next person coming on shift
• Participant in yearly proficiency testing schemes
• Team Management/Morale
• Motivate, engage, inspire team members encourage team members to strive for excellence in all that they do (act as a role model in this regard)
• Coach and train team members and operators as required
• Drive communication within the teams
• Be the custodian of the company values
• Adhere to company policies and procedures as well as the company disciplinary code
• Monitor KPIs and participate in initiatives aimed at achieving targets set
• Stand in for colleagues (during periods of sick leave, training, etc.) as required to ensure that all shifts are optimally manned
• Take responsibility for your own learning and development (subject to budgetary constraints) and performance
• Participate in the "sign off procedure" relating to the development of new procedures and SOPS as required
• Participate in team and factory meetings
• Participate in the 15 minute handover meeting at the beginning/end of each shift. Prepare for the handover meeting as appropriate and ensure that all relevant information is discussed to ensure a smooth transition from one shift to the other.
• Environment
• Ensure adherence to environmental policies, procedures and standards
• Adhere to waste management practices and standards
• Safety
• Adhere to safety regulations, procedures and policies
• Identify, and report safety hazards
• Execute safety incident/accident investigations as required
• Participate in safety dialogues as per guidelines
• Participate in safety audits and action plan implementation as and when required

ACADEMIC AND TRADE QUALIFICATION

• National Diploma in Food Technology/Biotechnology, or BSc
• (or equivalent)
• 3 years' experience within quality in a FMCG/Lab environment
• Strong computer skills (intermediate excel skills)

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• Goal-oriented
• Ability to work independently
• Proactive
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent administrative skills
• High levels of integrity
• High levels of resilience
• Ability to provide input on strategic business management issues
• Problem solving ability

For more information about Danone, its people and its business, please visit danone.com We have something special inside, do you?

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