Job Information
Barry Callebaut Lab Technician in Halle, Belgium
Lab Technician
Location:
Halle, BE, 1500
At Barry Callebaut, we are on a journey to transform the cocoa and chocolate industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, our actions truly shape the future of our industry. We are a business-to-business company, serving the entire food sector, from the cocoa bean to the finest chocolate product. We are a company with a purpose, we believe in doing well by doing good and reinvesting in the communities we operate. We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and our goal is to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future. We are headquartered in Zurich, and have more than 12,000 passionate Employees working in more than 40 countries worldwide. We are very proud of who we are and what we do. And of course, we are always looking for talented people to help us have a positive impact on our industry and beyond!
About the role:
As a Lab Technician, you will work at the heart of our quality assurance activities, where science and chocolate meet. This role goes beyond routine testing. You actively contribute to product quality, food safety and continuous improvement, from raw materials to finished chocolate products.
You will be part of a strong, multidisciplinary lab team covering microbiology, physico‑chemical analysis and sensory evaluation, with a direct impact on quality standards and factory performance.
Key responsibilities:
Perform PCR analyses on chocolate and environmental swabs and report results independently in SAP.
Prepare, incubate and manage culture media and pre‑enrichments.
Execute Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP): swabs, air sampling, allergen and pathogen controls.
Count and interpret microorganisms such as total viable count, coliforms, yeasts, moulds and Enterobacteriaceae.
Analyze fat and sugar content using NIR technology.
Perform rheology measurements and fineness analysis.
Take and process internal samples.
Participate daily in sensory panel sessions.
Evaluate aroma, taste and texture of finished products.
Monitor sensory trends and deviations.
Support approval of ingredients and reworked products.
Review and interpret analysis results; prepare certificates.
Verify supplier documentation and follow up deviations.
Actively contribute to internal audits (HACCP, food safety, sustainability).
Support training of colleagues on analytical methods and quality procedures.
Maintain contact with external laboratories.
About you:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Sciences or equivalent experience.
First experience in a laboratory or quality role is required.
Experience with PCR, EMP and physico‑chemical techniques is a strong advantage.
Knowledge of HACCP, GMP and GFSI standards (FSSC 22000, BRC, etc.).
Accurate, autonomous and proactive team player.
Strong communication skills in Dutch, French and English.
We offer:
38 days of annual leave.
Flexible working hours (starting between 7:30 and 9:30), working 7h45 per day.
Meal allowance - €10 per worked day.
Eco‑cheques - €250 per year for ecological purchases.
Transport allowance.
Bicycle allowance - €0.37 per km.
Group insurance (pension & risk coverage).
Health insurance for you and your family.
Dental care for you and your family.
A high‑tech working environment where science and passion for chocolate truly come together.
Training, development opportunities and a strong knowledge‑sharing team culture.
An international company with the atmosphere of a close‑knit local team.
And plenty of chocolate ?
At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.
If you want to learn more about Barry Callebaut, please find further information here.
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