A leading dairy production company in Abu Dhabi, UAE is seeking a highly experienced, technically rigorous, and leadership-capable Microbiology Supervisor to oversee all microbiological testing activities across raw materials, in-process samples, and finished dairy products. This critical food safety and quality role requires comprehensive knowledge of ISO 17025, HACCP, GMP, and UAE food safety regulations — along with the supervisory skills to manage and develop a team of QC microbiologists, ensure 100% capture of non-conforming materials, achieve zero false test results, conduct shelf-life and challenge studies, and maintain full audit compliance. The role combines hands-on laboratory leadership with team performance management, documentation oversight, HSE compliance, and applied microbiology research — making it one of the most comprehensive and professionally important laboratory supervisor positions available in Abu Dhabi’s dairy manufacturing sector.
About the Role — Supervisor Microbiology, Dairy Lab Abu Dhabi UAE
Sector: Dairy production and food manufacturing — microbiological quality control laboratory in Abu Dhabi
Testing Scope: Raw materials, in-process samples, and finished dairy product microbiological testing
Standards: ISO 17025 accreditation, HACCP food safety, GMP sanitation and hygiene compliance
Research: Shelf-life studies, challenge studies, protocol validation, and applied microbiology research projects
Team: Supervising QC Microbiologists — training, performance management, and professional development
Career Opportunity — Microbiology Supervision in Abu Dhabi UAE
Leadership Role: Senior supervisory position overseeing the full microbiology testing function in a dairy QC laboratory
ISO 17025 Scope: Apply accreditation expertise to develop, validate, and maintain testing protocols and procedures
Research Impact: Lead shelf-life and challenge studies that directly inform product quality and food safety decisions
Career Growth: Clear pathway to Microbiology Manager, Lab Manager, or Quality Assurance Director in UAE dairy sector
Position Overview
This Supervisor — Microbiology role at a dairy production facility in Abu Dhabi is a technically demanding, KPI-driven, and people-leadership-focused position at the heart of the company’s food safety and quality assurance function. The Microbiology Supervisor will oversee and coordinate all microbiological testing activities for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished dairy products — establishing and maintaining correct test protocols, interpreting results, troubleshooting, and preparing sampling plans in line with ISO 17025, HACCP, and GMP standards. The role also encompasses validation studies for new protocols and technologies, applied research including shelf-life studies and challenge studies, team performance management and training, documentation compliance, HSE compliance oversight, and regular risk assessments. Key performance indicators include 100% non-conforming material capture, zero false test results, and full audit compliance — making this a role that demands both technical excellence and disciplined operational leadership.
Why This Role Matters: As Microbiology Supervisor in Abu Dhabi’s dairy production sector, you are the scientific guardian of every microbiological quality standard that protects UAE consumers from unsafe products. Your test protocols, sampling plans, validation studies, and QC team leadership ensure that every batch of dairy product leaving the facility meets the highest food safety standards — and your zero-tolerance KPIs for false results and non-conforming material capture reflect the genuine and non-negotiable consumer protection responsibility that this role carries every single day.
Key Responsibilities
Microbiological Testing Oversight & Protocol Management
- Oversee and coordinate all microbiological testing for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished dairy products comprehensively
- Establish correct test protocols, interpret microbiological results accurately, and assist in troubleshooting complex or unusual findings
- Prepare, update, and implement sampling plans and testing regimes that effectively control materials and products at all production stages
- Prepare test procedures following local standards, manufacturer and industry guidelines, and ISO 17025 accreditation requirements
Quality Accuracy Monitoring & Validation
- Formulate and implement monitoring systems that verify the sampling and testing accuracy of all QC Microbiologists under supervision
- Evaluate microbiological data and test results — determining when retesting is necessary and managing all non-conforming result cases
- Perform validation studies for new testing protocols or technology and process improvements as assigned by the Quality Manager
- Ensure adherence to standardised testing protocols, quality specifications, and applicable UAE food safety regulatory requirements
Shelf-Life Studies, Challenge Studies & Applied Research
- Plan and conduct applied research projects including shelf-life studies, microbial challenge studies, and other special projects as required
- Design study protocols, manage sample collection and testing, interpret results, and prepare findings reports for management review
- Assist in laboratory evaluations of new procedures and support the writing and updating of microbiological procedure manuals
- Identify abnormal microbiological results promptly, refer to the Quality Manager, and enter all results accurately in the LIMS
Food Safety, GMP, HSE & Hygiene Compliance
- Maintain thorough knowledge of GMP sanitation and hygiene requirements and HACCP food safety principles across all lab activities
- Ensure HSE training is delivered and fully documented for all QC Technicians within the microbiology department
- Maintain workplace hygiene and cleanliness standards in accordance with company and regulatory guidelines at all times
- Conduct periodic risk assessments for laboratory activities — ensuring full compliance by all lab personnel with HSE procedures
Documentation, Reporting & Team Performance Management
- Maintain accurate, detailed, and auditable records of all microbiological testing procedures, results, and protocol deviations
- Prepare comprehensive internal and external reports highlighting key microbiological findings and areas for quality improvement
- Provide regular, constructive performance feedback and evaluations to all QC Microbiologists in the team
- Set clear, measurable goals for team members, identify training needs, and actively support professional development
- Address team conflicts promptly and ensure all team members adhere to company policies and performance management procedures
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a closely related scientific discipline
- ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation knowledge — and ideally HACCP lead auditor or food safety management certification
Experience Requirements
- Proven supervisory experience in a dairy, food manufacturing, or equivalent regulated QC microbiology laboratory environment
- Hands-on experience with microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished food or dairy products
- Demonstrated experience conducting shelf-life studies, microbial challenge studies, and protocol validation in a food laboratory
- Knowledge of LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) for test result entry, tracking, and reporting
Essential Skills
- Strong technical knowledge of ISO 17025, HACCP, GMP, and UAE food safety regulatory requirements for dairy microbiology
- Leadership capabilities — able to manage, train, motivate, and develop a team of QC Microbiologists effectively
- Excellent data interpretation, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills in a KPI-driven food safety laboratory context
- Strong documentation discipline — able to maintain audit-ready records and prepare clear, comprehensive technical reports
About the Company — Dairy Production, Abu Dhabi UAE
This Abu Dhabi-based dairy production company operates a state-of-the-art food manufacturing facility committed to the highest microbiological quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance standards. The company’s QC microbiology laboratory operates under ISO 17025 accreditation and HACCP-aligned food safety management, delivering rigorous testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished dairy products to protect consumers across the UAE. The Microbiology Supervisor role is a genuinely critical and professionally rewarding leadership position within this compliance-driven, quality-first dairy manufacturing environment — offering experienced microbiology professionals the opportunity to lead a skilled team, conduct meaningful applied research, and make a direct and measurable contribution to the food safety and product quality of one of Abu Dhabi’s important dairy operations.
Career Excellence: Join this Abu Dhabi dairy company — supervise ISO 17025 and HACCP-compliant microbiology testing, lead shelf-life and challenge study research, manage and develop a QC microbiologist team, ensure zero non-conformance escapes, and build a distinguished microbiology supervisory career in the UAE’s growing dairy and food manufacturing sector.
Who Should Apply?
- Dairy Microbiology Supervisors: With ISO 17025, HACCP, and dairy lab QC supervision experience in UAE or GCC
- Food Lab Team Leaders: With shelf-life study, challenge study, and protocol validation experience in Abu Dhabi or UAE
- ISO 17025 Accredited Lab Scientists: With supervisory and food safety compliance backgrounds seeking UAE dairy sector roles
- QC Microbiology Specialists: With raw material, in-process, and finished product testing experience in food manufacturing UAE
- HACCP GMP Compliance Officers: With team training, HSE compliance, and food safety audit management backgrounds in UAE
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