Senior Laboratory Analyst

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE : Permanent

SECTOR : Quality

BASIC SALARY : Market related

START DATE : A.S.A.P / Immediate

REQUIREMENTS:

Matric (Grade 12)

Degree or High National Diploma in Micro, Food Technology, or Biotechnology

2-3 years of experience in a similar role

Extensive Laboratory Knowledge

Extensive chemical analysis knowledge specific to wine quality (pH, SOâ, VA, alcohol)

Working Knowledge Cellar / wine production process

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)

Analytical Skills

Accurate record keeping

Good communication skillsDUTIES:

Administer and maintain the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring data integrity and SANAS 17025 compliance

Optimize microbiological systems and processes to support wine quality and food safety

Conduct chemical analysis including pH, titratable acidity, sulfur dioxide, volatile acidity, and alcohol content

Align laboratory goals and objectives with companies quality and compliance strategy

Manage and optimize the microbiology laboratory, including workflow improvements and hygiene governance

Calibrate, validate, and troubleshoot analytical equipment to maintain SANAS 17025 accreditation

Conduct staff training on LIMS functionality, chemical/micro analysis techniques, and SANAS 17025 protocols

Act as a technical signatory to validate analytical results for SANAS compliance

Protect companies reputation through scientific integrity, audit readiness, and analytical accuracy

Ensure compliance with SANAS 17025, ISO 22000, and industry specifications

Maintain integrity and traceability of analytical results and laboratory records

Analyse data to identify risks to wine quality, shelf life, and consumer safety

Conduct microbiological testing for yeast and bacterial spoilage organisms

Lead site hygiene governance, including microbial monitoring, root cause analysis, and corrective actions

Ensure compliance to microbiological methods, standards, and reporting protocols

Drive problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives related to quality and hygiene

Manage a high-performance culture of accountability, excellence, and accuracy

Apply advanced microbiological knowledge, including enzymatic assays, culturing, and PCR

Participate in normal routine analysis in the main laboratory as a stand-in when required

Conduct feasibility assessments for international market compliance and engage with global stakeholders

COMPETENCIES:

Extensive chemical analysis knowledge specific to wine quality (pH, SOâ, VA, alcohol)

Extensive microbiological knowledge including wine spoilage organisms and hygiene governance

Innovative, with a proactive mindset toward continuous improvement in lab systems

Passionate about quality, accuracy, and microbiological integrity in wine production

Advanced problem-solving skills for both technical and compliance-related challenges

Ability to interpret analytical trends and assess quality and food safety risks

Proficient in LIMS administration, including system configuration and data compliance under SANAS 17025

Diligent work ethic with a focus on precision, consistency, and audit traceability

Analytical and logical thinker capable of designing and implementing technical solutions

Exceptional attention to detail in data handling, equipment calibration, and record keeping

Strong quality-driven mindset aligned with companies compliance goals

Accurate and audit-ready record keeping for SANAS and ISO 22000 requirements

Excellent report writing and communication skills for both internal and external technical audiences

Proven technical signatory experience with a sound understanding of SANAS 17025 requirements

Advanced Excel skills for data analysis, visualization, and report generation

Ability to train staff and ensure competence in LIMS, analysis methods, and hygiene protocols