No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #167160 - Villawood, New South Wales, Australia
**Who We Are**
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name
Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.
About Colgate-Palmolive
Do you want to come to work with a smile and leave with one as well? In between those smiles, your day consists of connecting with others across the world, full of stimulating discussions, and making impactful contributions
If this is how you see your career, Colgate is the place to be Our dependable household brands, dedicated employees, and sustainability commitments make us a company passionate about building a future to smile about for our employees, consumers, and surrounding communities. We win as a global organization by continually learning and collaborating. The pride in our brand fuels a workplace that encourages creative thinking, champions experimentation, and promotes authenticity which has contributed to our enduring success. If you want to work for a company that lives by their values, then give your career a reason to smile...every single day.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Plant Microbiologist to join our team on a** 12-month fixed term contract**. The Plant Microbiologist will lead Micro Control programmes to ensure all production meets the highest standards, specifically QS 023 (Microbiological Control), QS 040 (Water and Critical Utility Systems), and QS 045 (Cleaning and Sanitisation). You will manage Microbiology Laboratory operations, ensuring all testing aligns with Colgate-Palmolive's rigorous standards and guidelines. You'll also play a key role in the training and development of laboratory staff and plant operators, as well as liaising with regional and global teams to stay up to date with changes and best practice.
**Responsibilities**:
- Develop and implement microbiological sampling and testing programmes for water, raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), environmental samples & finished products at the facility as per QS 023 Microbiological Control.
- Conduct all testing in accordance with corporate methods, policies and good microbiological practices; manage the final release of finished goods from the facility.
- Document, maintain and accurately report all data and records; interpret results effectively and communicate findings to management and relevant stakeholders.
- Perform annual reviews and trend analysis of water and environmental monitoring results; compile and present monthly KPI reports to local and regional teams.
- Collaborate with Operations and Engineering to implement Cleaning & Sanitisation (C&S) programs and training; write and execute C&S validation protocols and summary reports.
- Identify and resolve routine problems and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory.
- Train and develop laboratory staff in microbiological techniques and verification methods; ensure testing schedules are adhered to, and samples are collected and analysed to schedule.
- Deliver microbiology training for plant floor managers and operators to enhance microbiological awareness across the plant.
- Participate in internal and external audits, including those for contract manufacturers, laboratories and suppliers; contribute as an active member of the Plant GMP & Quality/Microbiology Team.
- Liaise with Global and Divisional Microbiology teams to provide feedback on programs and procedures, implement new initiatives, and attend regional microbiology and global C&S meetings.
- Manage laboratory inventory, including consumables and media; oversee purchase orders, goods receipt, equipment maintenance, qualification, calibration and preventative maintenance.
- Maintain bacterial cultures to Colgate standards; ensure microbiological media QC is completed and qualified for testing compliance.
- Drive issue resolution and continuous improvement by capturing key learnings, monitoring trends, identifying best practices and communicating insights across global, divisional and local teams.
Required Education, Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related major. Must include significant course work in Microbiology (at least four courses)
- Minimum three years of industrial experience in a manufacturing environment with in Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, and/or Food industries
- Experience with both laboratory and plant floor microbiological controls and GMP
- Effective written and verbal communication skills i