About this role
<p><strong>About the role</strong></p> <p>At Barry Callebaut, we aim to achieve a high level of assurance in microbiological and analytical testing, ensuring full compliance with Lab Good Practice (GLP) Standard and Food Safety Microbiology procedures. </p> <p>This contract role supports this objective by partnering closely with the Regional lab lead, while providing practical support to laboratories and manufacturing facilities across the APAC region. The position plays a key role in strengthening lab capabilities, driving standardization, and enhancing food safety performance.</p> <p>Key deliverables:</p> <ul> <li>Conduct lab gap analysis and verify microbiological and analytical testing practices to ensure compliance with BC SOPs and drive continuous improvement.</li> <li>Conduct food safety microbiology gap analysis and contribute to regional FS microbiology projects to support zero-defect product ambition.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Key responsibilities include</strong></p> <p>Laboratory Assessment & Continuous Improvement</p> <ul> <li>Conduct lab gap analysis and verify procedures to ensure alignment with BC SOPs and promote continuous improvement initiatives.</li> <li>Evaluate Micro lab practices against key Good Lab Practice (GLP) principles, including:</li> <li style="list-style-type:none"> <ul> <li>Environmental monitoring programs.</li> <li>Laboratory process flow and controls</li> <li>Waste management practices, etc.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Ensure compliance with BC Global standards as well as applicable international standards (eg. ISO guidelines).</li> <li>Assess and verify local lab analytical and micro test procedures to ensure consistency and standardization across sites.</li> <li>Collaborate with site lab manager and QA manager to close identified gaps and drive timely implementation of corrective and preventive action plans arising from audits and non-conformities.</li> <li>Verify the integrity, accuracy, and traceability of lab data, ensuring robust documentation and audit readiness.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Food Safety Microbiology & Project Support</p> <ul> <li>Perform targeted food safety microbiology gap analysis in response to microbiological issues identified at factory level.</li> <li>Participate in and support regional food safety projects focusing on risk reduction and continuous improvements, strengthening micro controls across manufacturing operations.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>About you</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Bachelor's degree in microbiology, food science and technology, biology, or related discipline.</li> <li>3 - 5 years of relevant experience in leading food industry laboratories, including leading lab operations and supporting food safety initiatives within manufacturing environments.</li> <li>Proven hands-on in microbiological testing, including pathogen testing, with demonstrated capability in managing micro labs.</li> <li>Experience in analytical laboratories operations is considered an advantage.</li> <li>Formal certification or training in ISO 17025 Lab Requirement is required.</li> <li>Working knowledge or formal training in FSSC 22000, HACCP, QMS 9001 quality management systems are preferred.</li> <li>Strong proficiency in English (written and spoken) to supportive effective communication across regional stakeholders.</li> <li>Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Applications with strong data analysis and reporting skills.</li> <li>Willingness to travel across APAC region to support lab and factory assessments. </li> <li>The role requires on-site verification activities including physical visits to BC labs and facilities.</li> <li>Strong, hands-on expertise in food analytical and microbiological testing methods.</li> <li>Strong knowledge of food safety systems, manufacturing processes, and plant operations within the food industry.</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to analyze complex datasets, apply statistical concepts, and derive meaningful insights to support decision-making.</li> <li>Solid understanding of end-to end operational flows (man, material, information), with the ability to identify inefficiencies and drive process optimization and standardization.</li> <li>Strong ability to collaborate effectively across functions and stakeholders, fostering teamwork and alignment. </li> <li>Demonstrates a servant leadership mindset. </li> <li>Strong communication skills (written and verbal).</li> <li>Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, both independently and within teams, while maintaining high-performance standards.</li> <li>Strong multitasking and time management skills.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p>