Microbiologist/Hygienist at Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL)

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for conducting microbiology tests of all finished products, line samples, process- swabs, special samples, water as a main process input, and raw materials, as per established sampling plans and providing analytical reports and trends for decision making.  The role holder will lead and maintain the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation in the production facilities through implementation of GMP/ hygiene protocols and as directed by Heineken Beverage (HB) standards for manufacturing and FSSC v6 requirements facilities. 

Main Responsibilities

Microbiological Testing

• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance Laboratory Team Lead to define and update the specific quality procedures, instructions and tools that are directly related to microbiological testing and microbial lab.
• Execute sampling plan and conduct microbial tests on raw materials, process water , in-process materials, and finished products to detect and identify micro-organisms.
• Participate in the laboratory proficiency testing such as ILEC analysis -microbiology testing.

Hygiene Planning and Strategy

• Develop hygiene plans, policies, standards, and procedures to consistently produce and distribute products in accordance with HBI benchmarked guidelines and FSSC standards.  
• Ensure a clean and safe working environment both in the manufacturing plant as a whole and the site canteen/kitchens.
• Spearhead the implementation of hygiene strategies and plans across KWAL's processing and production plant to improve on the quality and reduce the cost of poor quality related to food safety & hygiene protocol failures.
• Develop and implement hygiene practices and standards that improve manufacturing plant efficiencies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders within the manufacturing processes to identify and mitigate systemic issues related to hygiene practices. 
• Lead hygiene audits to ensure compliance with internal and HBI protocols on hygiene practices.
• Routinely validate and lead improvements in Clean-In-Place (CIP) processes in line with hygiene standards, CIP- protocols and sustainable development goals on water and energy management.

Quality Assurance

• Routine Sampling and microbial analysis   of samples from the manufacturing environment and brewing/winery processes, process-water, intrinsic materials, to ensure compliance to the food safety and legal specifications. 
• Analyse, track and trend the microbiological quality of finished products to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards as a release criterion 
• Routinely identify potential sources of cross-contamination in the manufacturing processes end-to end and implement corrective actions to prevent product degradation proactively.

Laboratory Management

• Maintain an up to date catalogue of laboratory equipment within the microlab and, ensuring proper servicing, calibration and maintenance per the compliance requirement
• Develop and document acceptable methods of analysis for microbiological lab in liaison with KWALs’ and HB standards.
• Develop and implement compliant protocols for management of microbial waste post laboratory analysis.
• Manage stock control and initiate purchase requisitions for consumables in the microbiology lab.
• Ensure the integrity of micro laboratories for measurement and monitoring process steps, WIP and Finished product compliance through the development of standards. 
• Management of micro-lab to comply with the requirements of the LSS systems as given by Heineken.

Reporting 

• Prepare and track analytical reports and trends outlining any abnormalities and quality deviations, recommend corrective actions and on approval by the Manager, Quality Assurance, oversee the implementation of the corrective action.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records of all microbio-laboratory activities, including test results, findings, microbial procedures, and equipment maintenance/servicing

Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies related to microbiological testing and laboratory operations.
• Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations, such as Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and ISO standards.

Research and Development

• Participate in research projects to develop new testing methods and improve existing protocols.
• Participate in HACCP studies to provide microbiology and food safety assistance.

TPM and Continuous Improvement

• Support the TPM way of working.
• Support the implementation of the improvement activities

Minimum Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science /Microbiology/ Chemistry/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry/ or a related field.

Professional Qualifications

• Qualified auditor- QMS and FSSC v.6 ISO standards.
• Lead auditor- QMS and FSSC v.6 Iso standards.
• Qualified/ or lead auditor – ISO 17025 standard.

Experience 

• At least 4 years’ experience as a microbiologist in a manufacturing laboratory set up or in product development in a manufacturing or quality control environment with exposure in microbiological testing and analysis.
• Experience in the FMCG industry or manufacturing is an added advantage.
• Practical experience in the use of MS packages and ERP systems.

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• In-depth understanding and implementation of quality standards, food safety/HACCP systems. 
• Understanding and knowledge in alcoholic beverage standards.
• Competencies on industrial Laboratory management.
• Experience in Alcoholic beverages processing/ manufacturing.
• Documentation and reporting skills.
• Laboratory techniques and skills.
• Report writing skills.
• Problem solving methodologies.

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent communication skills (oral, written and listening).
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management and staff.
• Must be proactive and able to anticipate issues rather than being reactive.
• High level of integrity.
• Logical reasoning and critical analysis to evaluate information and make sound decisions.
• Decisive and able to look at the big picture while manning processes.
• Analytical skills to identify issues and develop effective solutions.
• Demonstrated commitment to enhance manufacturing and quality processes and performance. 
• Continuously seeks new opportunities to enhance productivity and efficiency.