Goodman Fielder Papua New Guinea is one of PNG’s largest food companies, manufacturing and distributing high-quality Flour, Stock Feed, Snacks and Bakery products throughout the country. The company owns a host of iconic brands which include; Flame Flour, Flame Stockfeed, Bilas Bread, Arthur's Pie, Twisties, Skel Rice and the Meadow Lea range.

At GFI, we care about making everyday food better for everyone.

Our goal is to be the leading and most innovative food company with a mission to meet our customers’ needs for superior quality foods with brands that are trusted by families everywhere. We are the go-to source of consumer, shopper, and customer insights to help our customer and business partners succeed.

We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Laboratory Technician to join our Quality Assurance team based in Lae. This role performs accurate and timely chemical and physical testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products (flour, feed, rice, snacks, and edible oils), ensuring compliance with product specifications, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements. The role supports product release decisions, process control, and continuous quality improvement across site operations.

KEY DELIVERABLES

Product Development & Trials

• Conduct baking trials and analysis to verify production quality
• Assist in the development and reformulation of Rice, snacks, oil, flour, bakery and ingredient products (e.g. breads, flour-based products).
• Plan, prepare and execute benchtop, pilot, and plant trials and accurately record trial data, observations, and results.
• Support scale-up from lab to factory where required, ensuring process capability and product consistency.

Laboratory & Analytical Testing

• Conduct physical, chemical, and sensory testing (e.g. moisture, texture, weight, volume).
• Prepare samples for internal and external testing where required.
• Maintain R&D laboratory equipment calibration and cleanliness.
• Ensure test methods are followed consistently and results are reliable.

Quality & Food Safety

• Ensure all development work complies with GF Quality Management Systems, HACCP, and food safety standards.
• Support root cause investigations for product quality issues (e.g. customer complaints, defects).
• Work closely with Quality to validate product specifications and shelf-life.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of formulations, trial data, and test results.
• Update product specifications, process instructions, and development reports.
• Support SAP or equivalent systems with product and trial data entry (if applicable).

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, cost, or efficiency.
• Support ingredient optimisation and alternative raw material evaluations.
• Participate in troubleshooting production issues related to product formulation or processing.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Quality, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams.
• Support technology transfer and training of production teams following successful trials.
• Contribute to site and group R&D initiatives.

KEY COMPETENCIES / EXPERIENCE

Technical/Functional Capabilities

• Basic understanding of food science, particularly bakery/flour-based systems
• Laboratory testing skills (physical and analytical methods)
• Ability to follow structured test methods and SOPs
• Competence with Excel and data recording tools

Experience / Qualifications Required

• A tertiary qualification in science or food science preferred
• 1-3 years in a food manufacturing, laboratory, or R&D environment (preferred)
• Experience in bakery, flour milling, rice, oil, snacks or FMCG production is advantageous

KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES (BIG ROCKS)

• Timely testing and assessment of the quality of finished products.
• Timely delivery of development projects
• Reduction in product defects and variability
• Compliance with food safety and quality standards
• Maintain cleanliness of R&D lab and equipment
• Effective support of problem-solving and root cause investigations

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Production teams, QC, Lab and QA personnel
• Sales and marketing personnel

Be part of the Skel life and join a team that values healthy eating and active lifestyles and wants to share that with all the people of PNG. Email your EOI and CV/Resume/Supporting Docs in 1 PDF file and send to email: [email protected].

In the subject line address as “Laboratory Technician".

Applications close Wednesday 28th October 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.