Microbiology Specialist in Ipswich

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Microbiology Specialist to join our beverage manufacturing team. This role is critical in ensuring product safety, quality, and compliance through robust microbiological practices and strong laboratory leadership. You will play a key role in driving a proactive food safety culture, with a strong GEMBA-focused approach, working closely with production teams on the floor to identify risks, implement controls, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day microbiology laboratory operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Perform and oversee microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products.
• Assist the site Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP), including design, execution, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct environmental sampling (air, surfaces, water) and interpret results to identify risks and drive preventative actions.
• Maintain and improve calibration and verification programs for laboratory equipment and methods.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and timely reporting of results.
• Actively engage in GEMBA walks, collaborating with production teams to identify risks and drive corrective actions.
• Investigate out-of-specification and environmental deviations, implementing effective root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance microbiological control and operational efficiency.
• Support internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Assist in development, review, and maintain SOPs and laboratory documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and training to team members.

About You

As well as being outcome-focused with a positive can-do attitude you will demonstrate the following:

• Degree in Microbiology, Food Science, or a related discipline with 3-5 years’ experience.
• Experience in beverage, food, or FMCG manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of environmental monitoring programs, contamination control, and hygienic zoning.
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory management, calibration, and verification systems.
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy and data integrity.
• Proven ability to work autonomously while also collaborating effectively across teams.
• Proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Why Join Us?

• A Suntory Day – enjoy your birthday by taking a day off on us!
• Grow your career – we like to promote from within and have incredible learning and development opportunities around the world.
• Quarterly product discounts and allowances.
• Flexible working – work the way that suits you.
• We are committed to giving back to our communities, so we provide you with volunteer leave to do so.
• Opportunity to purchase additional leave to give you more time to recharge.
• SunnyStars – get recognised for your hard work with our recognition programme.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic. Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.