Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership, mentoring, and management to Retort Operators, Thermal Processing Technicians, and Retort Supervisors, including headcount analysis, scheduling, and training
• Complete record review and process deviation analysis for all retort operations in compliance with AmeriQual Food Safety and Federal regulations
• Conduct and evaluate temperature distribution studies and heat penetration studies
•  Maintain accurate records and documentation of testing, validations, and other relevant information
• Review and develop thermal processing procedures, including time and temperature profiles to ensure the safety and quality of food products
• Collaborate with customers and regulatory personnel during visits, inspections, and audits
• Serve as subject matter expert and provide technical assistance to optimize thermal processes and resolve issues
• Other duties as deemed necessary

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field
• 3 years thermal processing experience in food manufacturing
• Working knowledge of retorts and retort operations and applicable thermal processing regulations
• Better Process Control School Certification and HACCP Manager Certification or capability of becoming certified
• Strong team mentality, with focus on ownership and accountability
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to tailor written and verbal communication to both technical and non-technical audiences; English-Spanish bilingual a plus
• Excellent work ethic, attention to detail, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability in working with customers, team members, and technical experts
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, anticipate changing project needs, and meet deadlines. 
• Understanding of GMP and OSHA’s regulations.
• Strong communication and motivational skills.

Physical requirements

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; push/pull up to 500 pounds with assistance, and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. Position will also frequent the production floor, specifically in retort area with elevated temperature and humidity levels, so operating in standard seasonal warehouse and food processing plant temperature conditions will be required. Work is completed in a facility where nuts, fruits and other allergens are present.