We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Laboratory Technician to support quality control operations at our vegetable oil extraction plant in Bonje, Kwale County. The successful candidate will perform laboratory testing on raw materials, in-process products, finished products, and by-products to ensure compliance with company specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards. The role will also support production through timely analytical results, maintain laboratory quality systems, and ensure safe and efficient laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct sampling and laboratory analysis of raw materials, in-process products, finished products, by-products, water, and utilities.
• Perform routine chemical and instrumental analyses using approved laboratory methods and recognized analytical standards.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Verify product compliance with quality specifications and report non-conforming materials or products.
• Provide timely laboratory results to support production and process optimization.
• Maintain laboratory quality management systems, records, and documentation in compliance with GLP, GMP, ISO, HACCP, and company quality standards.
• Support method validation, internal quality control programmes, proficiency testing, and laboratory audits.
• Ensure proper sample identification, storage, traceability, and retention.
• Manage laboratory chemicals, reagents, consumables, and reference standards while ensuring safe handling and storage.
• Support regulatory inspections, customer audits, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain compliance with Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) requirements and promote safe laboratory practices.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and provide technical support to Production and other plant departments.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the QC Coordinator or Plant Management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years’ experience in an analytical or industrial laboratory, preferably within the food processing, edible oils, manufacturing, or chemical processing industry.
• Working knowledge of laboratory analytical techniques, wet chemistry, and analytical instrumentation.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality management systems, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), ISO standards, and HACCP principles.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and professional certification in Quality Management will be an added advantage.