Lab Assistant - VKB Milling, Frankfort

Introduction to the VKB Group

The VKB Group is an agricultural company providing support to farmers and producing straight-from-the-farm foods for consumers. Apart from its various consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK.

Our roots are firmly planted in agriculture, with farming at our core, continuously growing and evolving throughout the years. Starting with providing everything needed on the farm to produce food, we now operate across the entire food supply chain, including processing, logistics, storage, handling and national and international market channels.

This "house of brands", established with the support of our farmer shareholders, forms the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future.

More About VKB Flour Mills

VKB Flour Mills plays a critical role in transforming quality grain into products that support food production and supply across South Africa. As part of the VKB Group's integrated agricultural value chain, the business is committed to maintaining high product standards, food safety, and operational excellence from raw material intake through to final production.

Working at VKB Flour Mills offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the production of quality food products while being part of an organisation that supports farmers, communities, and the future of sustainable agriculture.

Why This Role Matters

The Quality Assurance System Administrator plays an essential role in safeguarding product quality and maintaining the integrity of the quality assurance system within VKB Flour Mills. This position ensures that testing processes, quality standards, and compliance requirements are consistently applied throughout production operations.

By providing accurate quality data, maintaining strong quality controls, and identifying potential issues before they become risks, the successful candidate will help protect product excellence, food safety, customer trust, and operational performance.

Why Join VKB?

At VKB Group, your work contributes to a larger purpose: feeding communities and supporting South African agriculture. You will join a business that values continuous improvement, learning, and accountability while offering opportunities to grow your skills and broaden your industry knowledge.

As part of a team committed to quality and excellence, you will collaborate with experienced colleagues, contribute to meaningful outcomes, and help shape processes that have a direct impact on products reaching consumers. VKB's values-driven culture encourages people who are Humble, Hungry, Smart, Bold, and committed to working as One Team.

What Success Looks Like

• Delivers accurate and reliable quality testing results that support product consistency and compliance.
• Maintains effective quality assurance systems and records that enable traceability and informed decision-making.
• Identifies quality concerns promptly and escalates risks before they impact production or product quality.
• Supports compliance with food safety, quality assurance, and legislative requirements across operations.
• Improves quality monitoring processes through proactive evaluation and continuous attention to detail.
• Coordinates testing activities in line with established policies, procedures, and specifications.
• Promotes a safe, organised, and compliant laboratory environment at all times.
• Contributes to a culture of quality excellence through accountability, collaboration, and professionalism.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical individual who takes pride in maintaining high standards and producing accurate work. The ideal candidate enjoys working in a structured environment, values consistency, and is motivated by ensuring that products meet strict quality requirements.

This role will suit someone who remains calm under pressure, approaches challenges with a problem-solving mindset, and communicates effectively with colleagues across different functions. The successful candidate will align with VKB's values by being Humble in learning, Hungry for improvement, Smart in their interactions, Bold in addressing quality concerns, and committed to achieving results as One Team.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / NQF Level 4

Essential Experience

• Proven experience in a similar quality assurance, quality control, or laboratory-related role.
• Experience working with quality systems, testing procedures, and record keeping.

Competencies

• Analytical thinking
• Problem solving
• Planning and organising
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Accountability
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Ability to work under pressure
• Decision making
• Quality orientation

Skills Required

• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Quality testing and sampling techniques
• Quality record management
• Data capture and reporting
• Laboratory housekeeping practices
• Quality assurance system administration
• Food safety and compliance awareness
• Time management and scheduling

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct daily testing of wheat and mixing plant samples in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Collect samples according to established specifications and testing requirements.
• Record and maintain accurate testing and quality assurance data.
• Monitor product quality and identify deviations from standards.
• Report testing concerns, raw material issues, and product quality risks to management.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness within the laboratory environment.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is appropriately maintained and monitored.
• Support the effective implementation and administration of the quality assurance system.
• Evaluate quality assurance processes on an ongoing basis and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure adherence to internal quality control policies and procedures.
• Comply with applicable legislation relating to quality standards and food safety.
• Follow occupational health and safety requirements in all work activities.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives across the operation.

Important Information for Applicants

VKB Group reserves the right to close or withdraw any vacancy at its discretion. All personal information submitted through the Career Portal will be used solely for recruitment purposes and, where applicable, for matters related to employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, VKB Group is committed to Employment Equity, transformation, and the inclusion of People with Disabilities. Our recruitment decisions are aligned with the VKB Group Employment Equity Plan and Transformation Strategy.

When applying, please ensure that:

• You use Google Chrome to access the Career Portal.
• You upload a clear and professional CV in PDF or Word format only.
• Your CV does not contain handwritten notes or markings.
• Supporting documents such as your ID, driver's licence, certificates, or other documentation are uploaded in the designated sections and not combined with your CV.
• Your profile photo meets the minimum size requirement of 300 x 300 pixels.

A Note on Honesty and Integrity

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete a screening questionnaire. We strongly encourage all candidates to answer every question honestly and accurately.

At VKB Group, our culture is rooted in the values of being Humble, Hungry, Smart, Bold, and Playing as One Team. We believe in building authentic relationships and making sound decisions based on trust and integrity. Misrepresenting qualifications, experience, competencies, criminal history, or any other information may result in your application being withdrawn or your employment being terminated should discrepancies be identified during verification processes.

We respect your time and ask that you respect ours by providing truthful information throughout the recruitment process. This helps ensure that we focus on candidates who are genuinely aligned with the requirements of the role and the values of our organisation.