Microbiology & Lab Technician

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. 

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

JOB PURPOSE

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. 

The purpose of this role is to perform microbiological testing for product quality of raw materials and finished goods, and evaluation of company sanitation programs and procedures. Assist with the quality department to the business to ensure that products produced by the company are fit for use by the consumers according to Company’s specifications and standards. Coordinate all the Laboratory activities. To drive zero defect culture within the organization. In driving the hygiene agenda, this role will report into the Microbiology & Hygiene Specialist role.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

Staff Supervision 

• Oversee the operation of both Microbiology and Analytical Laboratory. 
• Manage a skills matrix to promote employee development and versatility.
• Conduct performance appraisals and monitor individual and team growth.

• Guide and supervise in-service trainees

Compliance 

• Ensure laboratory operations comply with ISO 17025 standards & other applicable regulations.
• Identify and report risks, enforcing strict adherence to Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards.
• Compliance with ISO 17025, FSSC 22000, GMP and internal standards through audits.
• Service: Foster effective relationships with internal and external parties to deliver high-quality service.
• Collaborate to identify and resolve issues while maintaining integrity and professionalism.
• Ensure that scheduled SANAS equipment calibration is up to date.
• Daily verification of micro lab equipment’s.
• OPRPs/CCP monitoring and verification. Deploy HACCP Program   
• Product & Food Safety: Responsible for the identification & monitoring of microbiological standards, develops and review all the incoming raw material, outgoing product test regime and monitors the program, recommending corrective action where required. Recommend changes to processes.
• Validates & verifies effectiveness of cleaning processes, procedures and recommends corrective action
• Hygiene: 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 and PRP requirements.
• Swab analysis as required as per GMP, Owns and deploys Global Personnel Hygiene Standards
• Drives cleaning and validation program for site and manages site pest control.
• Ensure the environmental testing (Listeria spp, water and air testing) is being done as per schedule.
• Report and support the Microbiology & Hygiene specialist
• Provide employee training and food safety induction to internal and external parties

Equipment and Budgets 

• Ensure all laboratory equipment is well-maintained and serviced.
• Contribute to budget planning, monitor expenditures, and explore opportunities to reduce costs.

Laboratory Operations Testing & Reporting 

• Conduct testing for incoming products, manufactured in-process samples, and finished products.
• Manage third-party laboratory testing and audit finished products for compliance.
• Analyze and present data in statistical formats for easy review.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely reporting of test results.
• Identify Risks and immediately report to Site Quality Lead
• Support microbiology in driving sensory evaluation sessions/Taste panel.
• Tests and releases raw materials to the factory, WIP and finished products based on the successful test results  
• Be the custodian of SAP-QM User- Transfer posting system stock releases and blocking
• Conducts audit and identify suitable corrective action and ensures that immediate corrective action is implemented in the case of non-conformance and possible risk to product safety.  
• Generates reports as and when required to provide consumer safety information to the business
• Support the factory during stock take

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

• National Diploma in Food Technology/ Diploma in Biotechnology or BSc in Food Science/Microbiology 
• 2 years Microbiologist knowledge and experience in a FMCG environment
• Implementation of the ISO 17025 Management System
•  Knowledge of LIMS, Food Safety and Quality Management Systems (HACCP, ISO, and FSSC)
• Knowledge of specialized Laboratory instruments (NIR, Lovibond colorimeter, Autoclave)
• Working knowledge of SAP (Purchasing, Release and blockage of stock) will be an advantage 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) 
• Valid driver’s license and own working motor vehicle is essential  
• Must be able to travel between 2 Factory sites  

Skills

• Laboratory operations
• Microbiology Laboratory
• HACCP Management
• Contamination Control
• Consumer focus

Leadership

• You are energized by delivering fantastic results. You are an example to others – both your results and your resilience. You are constantly on the lookout for better ways to do things, engaging and collaborating with others along the way.
• As an individual you are the one responsible for your own wellbeing and delivering high standards of work. You must also focus on the Consumer and what they need. You are humble and have your head up, looking around to interpret evidence and data smartly, spot issues and opportunities to make things better.

• Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors
  • PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results. Has an owner’s mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.
  • PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Actively builds own wellbeing and resilience.
  • CONSUMER LOVE: Whatever their role, always looks for better ways to serve consumers. Invests time inside and outside to understand the needs of consumers.
  • PURPOSE & SERVICE: Has humility, understanding that leadership is service to others, inside and outside Unilever.
  • AGILITY: Explores the world around them, continually learning and developing their skills.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. 

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment journey. Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact your Talent Partner.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.