Laboratory Technician at AB InBev

The key purpose of this role is to provide laboratory support to the value chain by performing checks and analysis on VOP's raw materials to enable production to produce beer that conforms to AB InBev quality standards

Key Outputs and Responsibilities:

Specialist Analysis:

• Carry out specialized and highly specialized quality analyses where required.
• Record the results of analyses conducted on appropriate information systems and communicate results accordingly.
• Conduct analysis of results to identify problems and improvement opportunities timeously.
• Assist the plant in the execution of quality analysis, where required.
• Conduct calibration of specialist equipment for which the labs are responsible.
• Operates the weighbridge and dispatch malt trucks.

Quality Auditing:

• Conduct required and requested quality audits, completing the appropriate documentation and communicating the results.
• Review quality analysis procedures of production teams, identifying problems or training needs and communicating these to the team leader.
• Conduct regular audits of calibration procedures of production teams and communicating results.
• Conduct audits of analytic procedures to ensure compliance with Zone/Global guidelines, and identifying corrective actions required.
• Where required, initiate corrective actions coming out of the quality audits in areas that impact the laboratory.

Problem-Solving:

• Support the production teams in problem solving, providing specialist assistance and techniques.
• Assist with coaching/mentoring of production teams on problem solving and correct use of problem-solving techniques as required.

Training: 

• Support the training of the production teams.
• Assist with coaching/mentoring of production teams on quality analyses and correct use of analytical techniques.

Measure Value:

Measure Explanation:

• Process Control
• Sampling is carried out as per manualized methods
• Samples are identified, verified and handled to retain integrity as per manual
• Samples are prepared and dispatched, if necessary, as per manualized method.
• Relevant apparatus, equipment and reagents are prepared as per manualized method
• Analysis is performed using fundamental laboratory techniques and practices.
• Accurate results generated at specified times.
• Results are recorded and reported as per standard manuals
• Nonconformance identified
• Out of control procedure adhered to
• VPO compliance
• Lab Equipment
• Equipment is maintained and calibrated according to manualized methods.
• Equipment calibration frequencies are adhered to
• Calibration records available and updated
• Safety and healthy work environment
• Adherence to PPE policy
• Unsafe conditions and work practices are identified and actioned
• Chemicals and reagents are handled as per manualized procedure
• Hazardous substances are stored, handled and disposed of as per procedures
• Adherence to documented lab safety rules, guides and practices
• Incidents are reported and actioned as per procedure.
• Housekeeping schedules are adhered to 

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• Min – National Diploma in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Food Science,
• Bachelor in Tech Chemistry or equivalent

Experience:

• 1-3 Years in Laboratory
• Understanding of process control within the malting process environment 
• Good understanding of the principles and practices of VPO

Training:

• 2-3 months on the job training plus Academy Basic Process Artisan
• Training Ideal – 3-6 months on the job plus ATO program L1-9 efficiency.

Skills:

• Proactive
• Proven leadership ability 
• Ability to utilize computer programs.
• Analytical ability. Communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Problem solving skills.