Laboratory Microbiologist _ FTC

A. JOB SUMMARY:

The role of this position is to protect the trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company by assuring all Quality Control and Quality Assurance requirements specifically, microbiological are met for incoming raw materials, in-process monitoring, and final product which are used in company products worldwide. The main activities are to analyze ingredient, in-process and final concentrate samples against established specifications, review results and make the decision to approve or reject.

Work is performed through the application of a body of knowledge related to standard laboratory methods, practices, procedures, policies, regulations and laboratory materials and instrumentation.

Ability to evaluate information to determine compliance with regulations, specifications or standards is essential.

B. KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Laboratory and routine micro analysis of samples and laboratory work.
• Participate in root cause analysis as part of investigations into any non-conformances. Implement corrective actions (both external and internal to Conco LTD).
• Maintain and update SAP to control use and release of materials.
• Microbiological testing for the purpose of validation and verification of cleaning & sanitation practices, water quality, environmental survey ,air monitoring , investigations etc.
• Allergen testing
• Perform growth promotion of media and microbial identification testing.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation (e.g., troubleshooting, conducting preventative maintenance, calibrating and repairing).
• Provide microbiological assistance to the Laboratory and wider community as required.
• Training of Laboratory and Production team members on microbiological techniques.
• Assist in method validation & method transfer, liaison with The Coca-Cola system on microbiology related proficiency programmes.
• Ensure continued accreditation of the laboratory management system to ISO/IEC 17025 standard. (e.g. internal auditing, opinions and interpretations, nominated representative ..etc.)
• Compliance KORE requirements for training, documentation, instrumentation control / maintenance, conduct audits and follow procedures and Managing the Document Management Program at Conco through ETQ.
• Active participation in laboratory roles e.g. Safety Team, IATA training provided for shipment of samples, liaise with external laboratories, management of Proficiency Testing Programs, control of non-conforming material, Continuous Improvement, etc.
• Participate in team projects, inter-departmental groups or company-wide initiatives in order to share information or represent the Conco Laboratory.

Interpret data from analyses to validate that the materials meet The Coca-Cola Company specifications and approve for use in production or shipment to customers.

Work to ISO17025 / KORE requirements for training, documentation, instrumentation control / maintenance, conduct audits, follow procedures and Managing the Document Management Program at Conco through ETQ.

Ensure compliance with Occupational & Environmental safety, Food safety and all applicable standards and legal aspects around area of responsibility.

• Ensure that the work is done in full compliance to the Lab Quality manual (emphasis on section 5.2)

Ensure adherence to training according to VSM & development plans.

• Conduct shelf life Evaluation Request analysis as per KORE requirements

Environmental Management, Occupational Health & Safety, and Food Safety & Quality

• Cooperate and follow instructions given by the employer (CCS Leadership Team) , Commissioner of Labour, Inspector or any other person lawfully authorized to give such instructions in keeping the working conditions safe and without risk to health and injury in the field of that activity.
• Must ensure compliance to Food safety standards by behaving in a manner that will protect food from contamination; including timely reporting of incidents that may compromise them.
• Use, any means, appliance, equipment or other safety devise for securing safety and health as provided by the employer (CCS Leadership Team) for use and protection of the employee or property in any process an per the instructions given by the employer or any person lawfully authorized to do so.
• Report to the employer (CCS Leadership Team) any situation as soon as it becomes unsafe or unhealthy, or where an accident occurs report such accident to the employer or supervisor
• Ensure adherence to Environmental management, occupational health and safety, Food safety and quality procedures, work instructions, and work aids and not compromise the environment, occupational health and safety, food safety and quality.

Report all environmental, occupational health and safety, food safety and quality related incidents to their immediate supervisor without delay.

C. FINANCIAL/ JOB SCOPE:

• Analysis of ingredients and final products in support of the Coca Cola Swaziland manufacturing plant.

D. ORGANIZATION IMPACT/ INFLUENCE:

• Daily contact with Warehouse, Planning, Production, Customer Service and other QA functions
• Laboratory Associates from other CPS plants
• Work with Global SAP Power Users
• Work with BU Quality on issues
• Drive improvements working with CPS, R&I

E. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• From time to time may lead a project.

F. RELATED JOB REQUIREMENTS/ QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to handle laboratory instrumentation and samples

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Computer literacy (Excel and Word), SAP is an advantage

Maintain technical records and prepare reports

Knowledge of ISO17025

Analytical Decision Making

Problem Solving Skills

G. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Technical qualification in science,Degree in Microbiology.
• 1-2 years of experience in a Laboratory at a high volume manufacturing environment an advantage.

H. CULTURAL DIVERSITY:

Contact with Global CPS, R&D, Global Quality Laboratories, Customers and suppliers from a variety of countries / continents.

I. ANALYSIS:

• Interpretation of results, SPC, Controls, instrumentation software

Actions required if an out of specification result is obtained

Hold production if an in-process result is out of specification

Resolving paperwork issues e.g., certification of analysis

Interpretation of databases for specifications, methods and standards

J. JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING:

Release ingredients and final products within specification

Provide guidance on status of production rooms based on Microbiological activity.

K. WORKING CONDITIONS:

Hazards and risks associated with working in a laboratory with exposure to hazardous chemicals.

L. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Possibility to spend 5% travelling for meetings, training, CPS Plants visits, customer / supplier visits and bench marking.

Client-provided location(s): Manzini, Swaziland

Job ID: cocacola-150108879

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-12-06T23:32:27