Job description

Job Purpose:

This position is responsible for raw milk and product testing and ingredient screening for presence of harmful bacteria. The role involves analyzing chemical composition by examining chemical or biological samples, identifying cell structures or locating bacteria or extraneous material using a microscope. 

Main Tasks & Accountabilities:

General Responsibilities 

Microbiological testing

• Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope
  • Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms
  • Analyze chemical compounds or substances

Preparing sample

• Prepare or incubate slides with cell cultures
  • Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis

Support product development

• Mix, blend, or cultivate ingredients to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products
  • Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing

Health, Hygiene and safety

• Design, document and help implement hygiene programs and ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMP's)
• Ensure HACCP / ISO compliance
• Conduct audits for workplace hygiene to ensure compliance
• Implement training programs to create awareness about the importance of hygiene in dairy operations

Address complaints from consumers

Handle complaints or enquiries from customers on food hygiene matters forwarded by the hygiene specialist

Teamwork

• Support in developing, organizing, and administering training for HACCP and hygiene, and food safety topics
• Effective communication within and outside the team
• Create a supportive environment for the team members
• Contribute to the team, letting others know information that may be useful or important
• Help to create a fun, supportive work environment

People management and reporting responsibilities

• Liaison with management and other line managers (as part of cross function team) for implementing company quality policy and procedures
• Conduct scheduled and adhoc hygiene meetings.
• Produce end of month hygiene report highlighting concerns if any
• Ensure tasks are understood by the team members, and performed responsibly and diligently
• Help others in the team if needed; Support relief staff in their duties

Main Contacts and Working Relationships

• Internal: All Department Heads and Line Managers.
• External: Stakeholders, customers, agencies etc.

Education Level –    Minimum Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Food Science, biotechnology, or related field preferred

Professional   Qualifications

• Professional certificate in microbiology is preferred
• Valid driver’s license

Work Experience

• Experience of 3 years in a similar position; Experience in dairy plant preferred
• Knowledge of chemistry/microbiology
• Familiarity with all applicable equipment and perform quality inspections on all related items
• Familiarity with and working knowledge of documentation required for quality testing and control procedures
• Being able to resolve technical issues

Job Specific Skills

• Testing and development 
• Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of industry safety practices

Generic Skills

• Must be alert, strive for accuracy, and have ability to exercise independent thinking and judgment, be a self- motivator, and attention to detail
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Integrity, discretion and loyalty

Position Location 

To be based in Al Suninah and travelling to all depots in Oman