Food Safety and Laboratory Lead
Nurture Brands
2026/07/10   Gauteng

Job Ref #: Mezé#003
Industry: Professional
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Meze Foods is recruiting for a Food Safety & Laboratory Lead!
Job Description

Food Safety & Laboratory Lead

?? Randvaal, Gauteng
?? Mezé Foods
?? Permanent

Mezé Foods is seeking an experienced Food Safety & Laboratory Lead to drive food safety excellence across our Cheese, Bakery and Kitchen manufacturing operations. This is a senior technical leadership role responsible for overseeing the Food Safety Management System, leading the laboratory function, ensuring compliance with FSSC 22000 and HACCP standards, and safeguarding product quality from raw material through to finished goods.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and continuously improve the Food Safety Management System across all manufacturing plants.
  • Own and maintain HACCP plans, food safety risk assessments, CCP and OPRP validation.
  • Manage allergen control programmes, environmental monitoring and hygiene verification processes.
  • Lead the in-house Chemistry and Microbiology laboratories, including testing schedules, product release decisions and investigation of non-conformances.
  • Oversee laboratory equipment calibration, method validation and proficiency testing.
  • Develop, coach and manage the Laboratory team.
  • Lead internal, customer and certification audits, ensuring timely closure of corrective actions.
  • Monitor regulatory changes and emerging food safety risks, advising the business on compliance requirements.
  • Deliver food safety training and drive a culture of continuous improvement across the business.
Job Requirements

Minimum Requirements

  • Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
  • HACCP Level 3 or 4 qualification.
  • Internal Auditor certification.
  • Minimum 5–7 years' experience in food safety and quality within a food manufacturing environment.
  • Previous laboratory management experience.
  • Sound knowledge of:
    • FSSC 22000
    • HACCP
    • GMP
    • GLP
    • ISO 17025 principles
    • South African food safety legislation.

We're Looking For

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proven leadership and people development experience.
  • A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating food safety risks.
  • A passion for quality, compliance and continuous improvement.

Why Join Mezé Foods?

Join a growing food manufacturing business producing premium dairy, bakery and speciality food products, where you'll have the opportunity to lead critical food safety initiatives, influence operational excellence and contribute to producing products of the highest quality.

Apply today if you have the technical expertise and leadership capability to ensure world-class food safety standards across a multi-site manufacturing environment.