Hygiene Technologist (Microbiologist)

The Princes Group has over 7,000 employees with offices and production sites in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, France and Mauritius. Princes manufactures 350 different food and drink products responsibly sourced and enjoyed by consumers every day. None of this would be possible without striving to be an employer of choice, where our colleagues are proud to represent our business.

Working as part of the Technical team based on a 24/7 12 hour shift pattern. Managing the microbiological testing of raw materials, finished product, water and environmental swabbing & monitoring processes. Providing results and recommendations based on results obtained. Maintain CLAS microbiological accreditation including appropriate customer standards.

• Safety & Environment
  • Lead by example, undertaking your role safely, adhering to all site controls and safe working practices, challenging unsafe behaviour and practices of employees and peers.
  • Promote Health & Safety by adhering to and enforcing good practices.
  • Understand the team's impact on the environment and what can be done to reduce this.
  • Ensure laboratory areas are kept clean in accordance with the "clean as you go" policy.
  • Identify and report any Safety or Environmental issues to the Quality Improvement Leader.
  • Ensure PPE is worn correctly at all times, in accordance with site procedures and challenge non-conformance.
  • Understand the risks involved in your area of work and identify gaps within the risk assessments and resolve them methodically.
  • Ensure that accidents and near misses are reported properly.
  • Ensure that all chemicals are stored correctly.
• Quality
  • Ensure microbiological testing, methods and laboratory comply with CLAS and customer requirements.
  • Monitor environmental conditions by maintaining an effective plant hygiene monitoring system.
  • Assess the microbiological risk associated with raw ingredients.
  • Use D-Count equipment to test raw materials prior to tanker off-load and drum usage.
  • Carry out routine assessment of filled finished product to ensure conformance to specification.
  • Assist in the development of new products assessing the microbiological safety of the product prior to its launch.
  • Maintain the micro laboratory equipment and general operation to comply with accreditation systems.
  • Review and improve housekeeping, hygiene and GMP practices.
  • Provide additional information and findings to other internal departments.
  • Participate in equipment CIP & sterility validation & product routine shelf-life monitoring.
  • Be proficient in site analytical testing & provide support when required.
  • Have Internal Auditor training and be part of the site Internal Audit Team.
  • Involve the QA Manager and/or Technical Manager when decisions are outside provided guidelines.
• Cost
  • Control the use of all consumable materials used in the microbiological laboratory.
  • Continuously strive to improve work practices and identify more efficient ways of working.
• Delivery
  • Contribute to the achievement of OEE by communication relating to CIP ATP test trends, raw material & packed product trends, environmental testing and GMP / Hygiene findings.
  • Recognise, report and investigate faults / problems promptly.
• People
  • Respect your colleagues, peers and the Company.
  • Promote site vision, management decisions and all site policies and procedures.
  • Effectively communicate on a "one to one" and team basis.
  • Identify and report to the QA Manager any training or development needs required by their team.
  • Effectively listen to ideas or problems from team members.
  • Lead by example.
  • Support the company values.
  • Ensure that the Princes Code of Conduct is adhered to at all times.

These are the key daily tasks, not a comprehensive list of all tasks undertaken by the job holder. Flexibility is required by the business & this will be agreed with the individual's line manager.

• A current/previous hygiene background ideally from working for a Manufacturer. FMCG experience is advantageous.
• Experience with CIP (Clean-In-Place) managing automated cleaning within a Manufacturing facility.
• A Technical understanding of HACCP would be desirable.
• An understanding of Micro is preferred given the nature of the role.
• To maintain product Food Safety, Legality, Integrity, Authenticity and Quality standards.

• 25 Days Annual Leave plus Birthday off.
• 14.5% Pension – 5% employee opt in / 9.5% employer.
• Flexible Holiday Option - Buy 5 Additional Days.
• Enhanced Family Friendly & Carers Policies.
• Critical Illness Cover.
• Learning & Development Opportunities.
• Potential Corporate Incentive Scheme (company performance based).

At Princes we are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to all candidates. Please let us know as soon as possible of any additional support or reasonable adjustments you require through the recruitment process.