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APAC Regional Lab Improvement Specialist (Contract)

Location: 

Port Klang, MY, 42000

At Barry Callebaut, we are on a journey to transform the cocoa and chocolate industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, our actions truly shape the future of our industry. We are a business-to-business company, serving the entire food sector, from the cocoa bean to the finest chocolate product. We are a company with a purpose, we believe in doing well by doing good and reinvesting in the communities we operate. We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and our goal is to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future. We are headquartered in Zurich, and have more than 12,000 passionate Employees working in more than 40 countries worldwide. We are very proud of who we are and what we do. And of course, we are always looking for talented people to help us have a positive impact on our industry and beyond!

About the role

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. 

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.

Key deliverables:

  • Conduct lab gap analysis and verify microbiological and analytical testing practices to ensure compliance with BC SOPs and drive continuous improvement.
  • Conduct food safety microbiology gap analysis and contribute to regional FS microbiology projects to support zero-defect product ambition.

 

Key responsibilities include

Laboratory Assessment & Continuous Improvement

  • Conduct lab gap analysis and verify procedures to ensure alignment with BC SOPs and promote continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Evaluate Micro lab practices against key Good Lab Practice (GLP) principles, including:
    • Environmental monitoring programs.
    • Laboratory process flow and controls
    • Waste management practices, etc.
  • Ensure compliance with BC Global standards as well as applicable international standards (eg. ISO guidelines).
  • Assess and verify local lab analytical and micro test procedures to ensure consistency and standardization across sites.
  • 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.
  • Verify the integrity, accuracy, and traceability of lab data, ensuring robust documentation and audit readiness.

 

Food Safety Microbiology & Project Support

  • Perform targeted food safety microbiology gap analysis in response to microbiological issues identified at factory level.
  • Participate in and support regional food safety projects focusing on risk reduction and continuous improvements, strengthening micro controls across manufacturing operations.

 

About you

  • Bachelor's degree in microbiology, food science and technology, biology, or related discipline.
  • 3 - 5 years of relevant experience in leading food industry laboratories, including leading lab operations and supporting food safety initiatives within manufacturing environments.
  • Proven hands-on in microbiological testing, including pathogen testing, with demonstrated capability in managing micro labs.
  • Experience in analytical laboratories operations is considered an advantage.
  • Formal certification or training in ISO 17025 Lab Requirement is required.
  • Working knowledge or formal training in FSSC 22000, HACCP, QMS 9001 quality management systems are preferred.
  • Strong proficiency in English (written and spoken) to supportive effective communication across regional stakeholders.
  • Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Applications with strong data analysis and reporting skills.
  • Willingness to travel across APAC region to support lab and factory assessments.  
  • The role requires on-site verification activities including physical visits to BC labs and facilities.
  • Strong, hands-on expertise in food analytical and microbiological testing methods.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety systems, manufacturing processes, and plant operations within the food industry.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex datasets, apply statistical concepts, and derive meaningful insights to support decision-making.
  • Solid understanding of end-to end operational flows (man, material, information), with the ability to identify inefficiencies and drive process optimization and standardization.
  • Strong ability to collaborate effectively across functions and stakeholders, fostering teamwork and alignment.  
  • Demonstrates a servant leadership mindset.  
  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, both independently and within teams, while maintaining high-performance standards.
  • Strong multitasking and time management skills.

 

 

At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.

If you want to learn more about Barry Callebaut, please find further information here.

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