Lab Technician – AB InBev / Malting Zambia

About the Company

AB InBev is a global brewing company with a culture focused on innovation, performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The company provides employees with opportunities to develop their skills while contributing to quality-driven manufacturing and brewing operations.

About the Role

The Lab Technician will support the implementation and maintenance of optimal microbiological standards and work practices across the brewery environment. The position will focus on microbiological quality, hygiene standards, laboratory processes, product specifications, and compliance with established manufacturing requirements.

The successful candidate will work closely with Brewing, Packaging, Engineering, Safety, external suppliers, and other stakeholders to prevent microbiological contamination and continuously improve hygiene and laboratory performance.

Key Responsibilities

Microbiological Standards and Hygiene

• Implement and maintain brewery-wide microbiological standards and work practices.

• Work with internal departments and external cleaning contractors to optimise hygiene practices and prevent microbiological contamination.

• Apply a strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) across Brewing and Packaging processes.

• Review and improve operating practices to strengthen microbiological compliance.

• Support governance of brewery hygiene standards and supplier hygiene performance.

Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement

• Apply structured problem-solving and decision-making techniques to microbiological and hygiene-related challenges.

• Facilitate team-based problem-solving activities and support identification of effective solutions.

• Lead or support the Hygiene Steering Committee in assessing hygiene practices, analysing problems, and identifying improvement opportunities.

• Provide technical expertise in optimising microbiological work practices.

• Identify opportunities for technology and process improvements through relevant Quality Assurance projects.

• Support gap closure and continuous improvement initiatives.

Auditing and Compliance

• Conduct hygiene audits and surveys to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Support the implementation and monitoring of corrective actions.

• Audit the microbiological laboratory to ensure compliance with hub and global microbiological methodologies and required testing frequencies.

• Ensure microbiological processes and product specifications are consistently followed.

• Provide appropriate reports to brewery personnel, including operators and departmental heads, on microbiological performance.

Training and Capacity Building

• Conduct workplace training and assessments to improve compliance with microbiological standards and work practices.

• Provide technical guidance to employees on hygiene, microbiological controls, and laboratory practices.

• Support multidisciplinary teams in implementing effective hygiene and microbiological controls.

Laboratory Operations

• Conduct sampling in accordance with approved laboratory methods.

• Correctly identify, verify, handle, prepare, and dispatch samples while maintaining sample integrity.

• Prepare laboratory apparatus, equipment, and reagents according to approved procedures.

• Perform microbiological analyses using appropriate laboratory techniques.

• Generate accurate analytical results within specified timelines.

• Record and report results in accordance with established laboratory manuals and procedures.

• Identify non-conformances and follow appropriate out-of-control procedures.

Laboratory Equipment and Calibration

• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained and calibrated according to approved procedures.

• Adhere to established equipment calibration frequencies.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date calibration records.

• Ensure laboratory equipment remains suitable for required analytical activities.

Safety, Health & Environment

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Adhere to the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policy.

• Identify and take appropriate action regarding unsafe conditions and work practices.

• Handle chemicals and reagents in accordance with approved procedures.

• Ensure hazardous substances are stored, handled, and disposed of safely.

• Follow documented laboratory safety rules, guides, and practices.

• Report incidents in accordance with established procedures.

• Maintain required housekeeping standards and schedules.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should possess:

• A minimum of a B.Sc. or HND in Microbiology, Laboratory Technology, or another related field.

• 2–3 years of experience in laboratory, brewing, or packaging operations.

• Good knowledge of microbiological laboratory systems, processes, and analyses.

• Experience applying problem-solving techniques and statistics.

• Good understanding of HACCP, GMP standards, and CIP requirements.

• PC literacy and information systems knowledge.

• Good analytical ability.

• Good verbal and written communication skills.

• Good auditing skills.

• Ability to work effectively in teams.

• Demonstrated ability to work with multidisciplinary groups, specialists, and functions.

Added Advantage

• BTech in Chemistry.

Technical & Behavioural Skills

• Microbiological laboratory expertise.

• Laboratory sampling and analytical skills.

• Knowledge of brewing and packaging processes.

• Understanding of HACCP, GMP, and CIP requirements.

• Problem-solving and decision-making.

• Statistical and analytical skills.

• Auditing and compliance monitoring.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Continuous improvement mindset.

• Professionalism and commitment to safety.

Additional Information:

• Band: X

• AB InBev is an equal opportunity employer.

• Appointments are made in line with the company's employment equity plan and talent requirements.

• The company promotes gender equality.

• Internal applicants require Line Manager approval.

• Management reserves the right to use additional relevant information when shortlisting candidates.

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Job Summary

Employer: AB InBev / Malting Zambia
Position: Lab Technician
Location: Malting Zambia
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Brewing / Manufacturing / Laboratory / Quality Assurance
Minimum Qualification: B.Sc. or HND in Microbiology, Laboratory Technology, or related field
Experience: 2–3 years in laboratory, brewing, or packaging operations
Added Advantage: BTech Chemistry
Job Requisition ID: 30103733
Application Deadline: 23 September 2026