Senior Laboratory Officer - Food Manufacturing

About the role

Our client, a leading food manufacturing company with luxury brands such as ice cream, chocolates, and bread spreads, is looking for a Senior Laboratory Officer. The role will lead laboratory operations, ensuring accurate microbiological and chemical testing of raw materials, in‑process samples, finished products, water and environmental samples.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, organise and supervise daily laboratory activities and testing schedules.
• Develop and maintain a Laboratory Management System compliant with ISO/IEC 17025.
• Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000, regulatory requirements and internal QA procedures.
• Oversee microbiological testing programmes, including pathogen detection and environmental monitoring.
• Manage chemical and physico‑chemical analyses of products and raw materials.
• Validate, verify and standardise laboratory methods.
• Maintain equipment calibration and readiness.
• Review and approve laboratory reports and Certificates of Analysis.
• Support investigations, root‑cause analysis and CAPA for product failures or complaints.
• Train, supervise and develop laboratory staff.
• Collaborate with QA, Production, Supplier QA, Market QA and R&D on food‑safety initiatives.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science/Technology or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in a food‑lab environment.
• Experience implementing ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Management Systems.

Required skills

• ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory management.
• FSSC 22000 compliance.
• Microbiological testing techniques.
• Chemical and physico‑chemical analysis.
• Laboratory equipment calibration.
• Root‑cause analysis and CAPA processes.

What we offer

• Competitive salary of Ksh. 100,000.
• Opportunity to lead a high‑impact laboratory function within a renowned food brand portfolio.