Philani Nkosi
Johannesburg
Summary
Experienced in developing laboratory systems (ISO 17025) for various testing laboratories, including ELIDZ CAS Lab and Famous Brands QC Laboratory. Key role in achieving SANAS Accreditation for ELIDZ CAS Lab and becoming a Microbiology Lab Technical signatory. Initially appointed as a full Technical Signatory for MicroChem Lab Services Lab in Benoni after graduation in 2012. Successfully facilitated Aspirata Testing Laboratory in obtaining Botswana Bureau of Standard (BOBS Certification) in 2016-2017, enabling lab results recognition in Botswana. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, relocated and established a new Famous Brands QC Laboratory on a new site within six months, while maintaining operational efficiency. Skilled in writing and implementing laboratory quality management systems based on ISO 17025:2017 standards. Proven track record of managing and leading diverse teams through successful food safety audits, SANAS audits, and regulatory compliance inspections.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Senior Laboratory Analyst/Supervisor (Chemistry Lab)
RCL Foods - Grocery Division
07.2024 - 12.2024
- Managing the laboratory functions, evaluating, developing, and implementing methodologies for testing, sampling and equipment.
- Ensure Continuous maintenance of SANAS Accreditation thereby ensuring that the Lab complies to the ISO 17025:2027 Requirement and all customer and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure all testing of human and Pet food products are done timeously and results are communicated effectively using the Access system.
- Ensure all products with Total Aflatoxin of >10 ppb (Peanuts and Peanuts Butter) are sent for external Aflatoxin B1 testing.
- Manage laboratory expenditure to ensure proper spending on lab consumables.
- Ensure training and development of laboratory personnel according to ISO 17025 and Lab procedures.
- Ensure all Laboratory equipment's are calibrated and serviced using accredited service providers (UPLC, Primacs, Hydrotec, Soxhlet, CoulorFlex, Salt and Acid Titrator, Flourometer).
- Ensure good laboratory performance on PT (AAFCO) and ILC Schemes and maintain a good standard of lab competency.
- Provide microbiological and technical expertise to support the RCL Manufacturing units on food safety.
- Assist the manufacturing units in problem solving regarding the quality and safety of the products manufactured for RCL foods.
- Manage the Positive Release on peanuts and peanut butter products on Syspro to ensure food safety is maintained.
- Ensure Laboratory compliance with OHS and environmental requirements as per the RCL Randfontein standard.
- Participate in the NPD product tasting to ensure consistency on the RCL products.
- Initiate the Lab CAPEX projects to ensure laboratory continuous improvements and equipment maintenance.
- Ensures that all Non-conformances are documented, addressed and closed on time on SHEQX.
- Assist on External and customer audits (SABS Audit, Woolworths Audit, PnP Audit, Environmental and OHS Audit, YUM Audit)
Quality Control Manager Verification (Laboratory)
Famous Brands Management
03.2019 - 06.2024
- Managing the laboratory functions, evaluate, develop, and implement methodology for testing, sampling and equipment.
- To establish, implement and maintenance of ISO 17025:2017 QMS thereby ensuring that all manufactured products meet the required quality and food safety standards and specifications.
- Manage laboratory budget to ensure proper spending of cash.
- Train and develop laboratory personnel according to ISO 17025 requirement.
- Ensure laboratory performance on PT (NLA) Schemes and maintain good standard of lab competency.
- Provide technical expertise and support to the Manufacturing units to ensure their optimal functioning.
- Assist the manufacturing units in problem solving regarding the quality and safety of the products manufactured for Famous Brands.
- Manage the Positive Release system of applicable manufactured products.
- Keep abreast of latest legislative compliance, technology and information.
- Communicate Laboratory technical and financial resources needs to Group Technical Management.
- Ensures that all Non-conformances are documented, addressed and closed on time.
- Assist in external certification Audits at the manufacturing units, where applicable, i.e. HACCP, ISO 22000, FSA Audit, Export Audit.
Acting Laboratory Manager / Technical Signatory
ASPIRATA
07.2015 - 02.2018
- Company Overview: South Africa
- Within my role, I supervise the day-to-day activities within the laboratory, ensuring the timely completion of service requests.
- Complete operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees and following up on work results, assessing and monitoring workflow to ensure quick turnaround times.
- Ensure monthly budget is achieved.
- Handle customer queries related to testing and results.
- Implement strategic plans to ensure targets set are achieved on time.
- Implement new programmes, tests, methods, instrumentation and procedures, and monitor progress.
- Ensure that staff members comply with all laboratory rules and regulations, including health and safety policies, to guarantee the highest quality of results.
- Establish quality standards, supervise quality control and inspect staff work.
- Evaluate and hire job applicants, and organise or administers training and laboratory orientation.
- Arrange work schedules, review staff performance and handle disciplinary actions and promotions.
- Supervise the maintenance of the laboratory and equipment.
- South Africa
Quality Microbiologist / Technical Signatory
ASPIRATA
07.2015 - 02.2017
- Company Overview: South Africa
- Responsible for daily supervision within the laboratory, ensuring standard requirements were followed and processes ran smoothly.
- Assisted the Quality Manager in maintaining and monitoring the Quality Management System in accordance with ISO 17025 and SANAS requirements.
- Ensured that internal audits were conducted as per the schedule and non-conformances were raised.
- Ensured that all non-conformances raised were closed out on time and corrective actions affected.
- Assisted in handling of customer queries and complaints.
- Reviewed documents and provided relevant training.
- Assisted the Technical Manager in checking and signing of pro-forma invoices.
- Ensured that environments were calibrated and maintained to the GLP and accreditation standard.
- Ensured that all consumables needed in the laboratory were available.
- Reported results to clients via LIMS and interpretation.
- Conducted method validations for all accredited methods used in the laboratory.
- Handled Proficiency Testing and ensured that all outlier results were investigated and corrective actions taken.
- Ensured that all laboratory staff were trained and deemed competent on all the methods used.
- Responsible for the identification of bacteria, using Vitek MS.
- South Africa
Laboratory Analyst/Technical Signatory
East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ)
08.2013 - 06.2015
- Company Overview: South Africa
- Responsible for the receipt and logging of samples, interpreting results and capturing data on LIMS.
- Calibrated and verified all equipment before use as per the SOP in place.
- Assisted in the reception of all laboratory consumables and goods.
- Assisted in maintaining the laboratory quality system.
- Responsible for the preparation of samples for testing needs and conducted analyses using different instruments.
- Maintained a good laboratory practices at all level of operations.
- Developed and implemented laboratory SOPs as necessary.
- Raised non-complying work, investigated and compiled Corrective Action Reports (CAR) for the improvement of the system.
- Conducted NLA proficiency and analysed relevant reports.
- Assisted in verification and method validation duties.
- Monitored and controlled laboratory environmental conditions.
- Provided training to in-service trainees and graduates.
- Appointed as Technical Signatory for Microbiology Water Analysis.
- Responsible for signing off on analysis reports.
- South Africa
Microbiologist/Technical Signatory
Microchem Lab Services
01.2011 - 07.2013
- Company Overview: South Africa
- Performed daily laboratory tasks to ensure good laboratory practices, including calibration and verification of equipment, media preparation and sterility checks.
- Responsible for environmental monitoring.
- Validated methods of analysis.
- Calibrated instruments according to SOPs and developed new methods as required.
- Responsible for confirmation testing of analyses for isolation and identification of microbes.
- Ensured that all samples from customers were tested according to the appropriate methodology.
- Performed any other reasonable and lawful duties, which may be required.
- Assessed and placed orders depending on the need.
- Prepared stock cultures, conducted plate counting and interpreted results.
- Performed follow-ups on pathogens.
- Captured and interpret the results on LIMS.
- Supervised junior laboratory staff and trained interns.
- As Technical Signatory, I was responsible for generation of Certificates of Analysis for customers.
- Attended to non-conformances and customer complaints as per SOP.
- Reviewed and updated SOPs.
- Assisted the Laboratory Manager in all technical aspects of the laboratory.
- South Africa
Education
Generic Management Certificate - undefined
SETA
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Awareness Training Course - undefined
SGS Academy
Implementation of GMP, HACCP and FMSA Prevention Controls for Human Food - undefined
SGS Academy
ISO 22000:2018: Food Safety management System Implementation Training Course - undefined
SGS Academy
Management and Leadership Development - undefined
Imsimbi Training Academy
Finance for Non-Financial Managers - undefined
Imsimbi Training Academy
Internal Audit Course - Based on ISO 17025:2017
SANAS Knowledge Transfer
SANS 17025:2017 Laboratory Standard Transition - undefined
SANAS Knowledge Transfer
Root Cause Analysis Certificate - undefined
Links Consulting
SANS 17025:2005 Laboratory Standard - undefined
SANAS Knowledge Transfer
National Diploma in Biotechnology - undefined
Vaal University of Technology
Skills
Microbiology
Personal Information
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Code 10 Driver's Licence
Education And Career Development
- Generic Management Certificate NQF Level 5, SETA, 2023
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Awareness Training Course, SGS Academy, 2019
- Implementation of GMP, HACCP and FMSA Prevention Controls for Human Food, SGS Academy, 2019
- ISO 22000:2018: Food Safety management System Implementation Training Course, SGS Academy, 2019
- Management and Leadership Development, Imsimbi Training Academy, 2018
- Finance for Non-Financial Managers, Imsimbi Training Academy, 2018
- Internal Audit Course (Based on ISO 17025:2017), SANAS Knowledge Transfer, 2018
- SANS 17025:2017 Laboratory Standard Transition, SANAS Knowledge Transfer, 2018
- Root Cause Analysis Certificate, Links Consulting, 2015
- SANS 17025:2005 Laboratory Standard, SANAS Knowledge Transfer, 2014
- National Diploma in Biotechnology, Vaal University of Technology, 2011
- Senior Certificate, Dingukwazi High School, 2005
Timeline
Senior Laboratory Analyst/Supervisor (Chemistry Lab)
RCL Foods - Grocery Division
07.2024 - 12.2024
Quality Control Manager Verification (Laboratory)
Famous Brands Management
03.2019 - 06.2024
Acting Laboratory Manager / Technical Signatory
ASPIRATA
07.2015 - 02.2018
Quality Microbiologist / Technical Signatory
ASPIRATA
07.2015 - 02.2017
Laboratory Analyst/Technical Signatory
East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ)
08.2013 - 06.2015
Microbiologist/Technical Signatory
Microchem Lab Services
01.2011 - 07.2013
Generic Management Certificate - undefined
SETA
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Awareness Training Course - undefined
SGS Academy
Implementation of GMP, HACCP and FMSA Prevention Controls for Human Food - undefined
SGS Academy
ISO 22000:2018: Food Safety management System Implementation Training Course - undefined
SGS Academy
Management and Leadership Development - undefined
Imsimbi Training Academy
Finance for Non-Financial Managers - undefined
Imsimbi Training Academy
Internal Audit Course - Based on ISO 17025:2017
SANAS Knowledge Transfer
SANS 17025:2017 Laboratory Standard Transition - undefined
SANAS Knowledge Transfer
Root Cause Analysis Certificate - undefined
Links Consulting
SANS 17025:2005 Laboratory Standard - undefined
SANAS Knowledge Transfer
National Diploma in Biotechnology - undefined
Vaal University of Technology
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