Amka is a South African home grown company with over 60 years in the Health and Beauty Industry. We are among the top 5 in South Africa. Our Vision is to be “Brand leaders in the Health, Beauty and Home Care Industry.” Our purpose is “To enrich people’s lives by creating and sharing Abundance.”With a portfolio of over 50 popular brands, Amka is a leading manufacturer in Skin Care, Bath Care, Hair Care, Home Care, Perfumes, Deodorants and Sun Screens.Our Health and Beauty brands include some of South Africa’s most-loved brands.

An agricultural manufacturing company in Centurion, Gauteng, part of the Amka Group, is seeking an experienced Microbiologist to join its Quality Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the microbiological compliance of raw materials, water systems, manufacturing environments, and finished products. The role focuses on microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, contamination control, quality assurance, GMP compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. Key Requirements Bachelor's Degree or National Diploma in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related field. 3-5 years' microbiology laboratory experience within an agricultural, FMCG, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing environment. Experience in microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and contamination investigations. Knowledge of soil microbes and greenhouse-based agricultural environments. Experience working within GMP, GLP, and ISO-regulated environments. Key Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and within a team. High levels of professionalism, integrity, and accountability. Main Responsibilities Perform microbiological testing on raw materials, finished products, water, and environmental samples. Conduct environmental monitoring and sanitation verification activities. Investigate contamination incidents and non-conforming products. Support CAPA investigations and quality improvement initiatives. Participate in audits and maintain laboratory records and reports. Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented microbiology professional with experience in agricultural or manufacturing environments who is passionate about quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Purpose of the Role

To ensure microbiological compliance of raw materials, manufacturing environments, water systems and finished products, while supporting product quality, GMP compliance, contamination control and continuous improvement within the manufacturing operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct microbiological testing on raw materials, finished products, water and environmental samples.
• Perform environmental monitoring and sanitation verification activities.
• Investigate contamination incidents, non-conforming products and out-of-specification results.
• Support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) investigations.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, GLP, ISO standards and company quality systems.
• Participate in internal and external audits.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, reports and trend analyses.
• Monitor laboratory equipment calibration, verification and maintenance schedules.
• Support customer complaint investigations and contamination reduction initiatives.
• Ensure laboratory housekeeping, safety and water quality standards are maintained.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or National Diploma in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences or a related scientific discipline.

Experience

• 3-5 years' microbiology laboratory experience within an FMCG, agricultural,  pharmaceutical or manufacturing environment.
• Experience in microbiological testing and environmental monitoring.
• Experience investigating contamination and non-conforming products.
• Experience with working with different types of soil microbes.
• Experience working within GMP, GLP and ISO-regulated environments.
• Experience working in an agricultural environment including greenhouse experiments.

Knowledge

• Good understanding of GMP, GLP and ISO standards.
• Environmental monitoring and contamination control.
• Root cause analysis and laboratory quality systems.
• Data analysis and reporting.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.