Reporting to: Raw Material Technologist

Location: White River, Mpumalanga

The Laboratory Technologist is responsible for conducting accurate laboratory testing, data analysis, and quality control activities to ensure that all raw materials and finished products comply with internal specifications, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements. The role also supports New Product Development (NPD) shelf-life studies, quality system compliance, and effective laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Testing & Product Release

• Conduct comprehensive final product testing to confirm compliance with all quality, safety, and specification requirements prior to product release.
• Perform chemical analysis on incoming raw materials, verifying results against supplier Certificates of Analysis (COA) and internal specifications.

Data Analysis & Trending

• Perform detailed metal detection trending and statistical analysis for final products.
• Trend, analyze, and maintain accurate records of test results, non-conformances, and quality performance indicators.

New Product Development (NPD) & Shelf-Life Studies

• Drive and manage NPD shelf-life studies from initiation to completion, including sample scheduling and coordination with relevant departments.
• Prepare samples accurately for sensory evaluation panels.
• Conduct and coordinate analytical testing at defined intervals throughout shelf-life studies.
• Trend, analyze, document, and archive results to support product validation and shelf-life determinations.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Ensure all laboratory activities comply with FSSC 22000, ISO 17025, GMP, HACCP, and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Maintain quality records and ensure the laboratory is audit- and inspection-ready at all times.
• Write, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to laboratory testing and quality control processes.

Laboratory Operations & Equipment Management

• Manage and maintain the calibration schedule for all critical laboratory equipment, including FoodLab Fat Analyzer, Moisture Meter, Water Activity Meter, Refractometer, and Titration equipment.
• Coordinate with external service providers and maintain calibration certificates.
• Oversee laboratory inventory management via Syspro, including consumables, reagents, and chemicals.
• Generate purchase requisitions and verify incoming laboratory supplies.
• Capture and manage all laboratory and quality data accurately in the Entecom system to ensure full product traceability from raw material to finished product.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized records for all testing, calibration, inventory, and shelf-life study activities.

Qualifications:

• Matric certificate, National Diploma or Degree in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or a related scientific field.
• ISO 17025 laboratory training (advantageous).
• HACCP certification (required or willingness to obtain).

Experience:

• Minimum 1–2 years’ experience in a food manufacturing or FMCG laboratory environment.
• Experience with chemical analysis, finished product testing, and shelf-life studies.
• Exposure to FSSC 22000 and food safety audits.

Technical & Behavioural Competencies:

• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

Application:

Should you be interested in this position, please submit your clearly marked application to the Human Resources Department at recruitment@nutco.co.za. Please attach a copy of your CV, ID and all relevant qualifications to your application.
Closing date: 6 January 2026. Should you not receive feedback from us within two weeks of the closing date, please accept your application as unsuccessful.

Please note:
In order to consider any application for employment, we will have to process your personal information. The Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA), provides that when one processes another’s personal information, such collection, retention, dissemination and use of that person’s personal information must be done in a lawful and transparent manner.

To give effect to the above, we are required to provide you with information regarding the processing of your personal information. This information is recorded under the HR Processing Notice, which can be accessed and viewed on the Company website at https://www.libstar.co.za/legal/. Printed copies of this Processing Notice can also be accessed from the HR department. We kindly request that you read the HR Processing Notice to ensure that you understand how Libstar uses and processes your personal information.