Senior Thermal Processing Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Scope of Job:  The Senior Manager of Thermal Processing is the primary thermal process authority (TPA) for Baxters North America and provides guidance and technical expertise for all thermal processing operations, including retort, aseptic, hot-fill, cook/chill, and other validated heat‑treat technologies. This role ensures all thermal processes are safe, compliant, efficient, scientifically validated, and optimized for product quality. Coaching and developing the Thermal Process Team, strengthening technical capabilities, and creating future leaders is a must.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Primary Thermal Process Authority (TPA) for Baxters North America, subject matter expert (SME) on thermal processing for low‑acid and acidified foods (e.g., CFR 21 Part 113/114, USDA, FDA, state, and international regulations). 
• Oversee development, validation, and documentation of all thermal processes, including retort schedules, aseptic processes, temperature distribution studies, and heat penetration studies. 
• Manage direct reports in the thermal process department including technicians and salaried personnel.
• File all scheduled thermal processes as required, ensuring they deliver safe food.
• Guide all Process Authority responsibilities, including approval of processing deviations and corrective actions.
• Partner with plant leadership to ensure operators, supervisors, and quality personnel are trained and competent in thermal processing procedures and safety. 
• Lead troubleshooting activities for retort performance, product quality issues, and equipment failures. 
• Guide the team in support of capital projects involving thermal systems, including equipment selection, commissioning, and validation.
• Own the thermal processing components of HACCP, Preventive Controls, and related food safety programs. 
• Ensure all audits are supported by the thermal process team.
• Validate changes in formulations, packaging, equipment, or process parameters that impact heat transfer or microbial safety. 
• Lead root cause analysis for temperature deviations, sterilization failures, or microbial incidents.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce cycle time, energy use, and spoilage while improving throughput and consistency. 
• Lead thermal processing team, providing constructive and developmental feedback to direct and indirect reports, both formally and informally. 
• Collaborate with production and supporting departments to ensure the food safety and quality of our products. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Education:  Bachelor’s degree required in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline. Better Process Control School (BPCS) certification. Thermal process calculations and deviations course completion.

Experience: Established and recognized Thermal Process Authority in LACF and flexible packaging. 7+ years of experience in food manufacturing, food industry, and food preservation methods. 7+ years of Management experience. Demonstrated expertise in heat-transfer modeling, validation studies, and regulatory compliance. 

Competencies : FDA/USDA Regulatory Compliance, Thermal Processing Standards, Retort Control Systems, Data Acquisition, Statistical Process Control, Scientific Testing, Test monitoring, Testing Results Analysis, Food Quality Inspection, Product Requirement, Quality Control/Testing, Test Documentation, Product Specification, Business Acumen, Strong Communication and Presentation Skills, Analytical, Detail Oriented, Initiative, Integrity, Problem Solving, Leadership, and Operational Excellence. 

Physical Requirements:  Primary work in office or laboratory environment. Occasionally work around steam and hot equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to ten pounds. 

Travel: 15-25% may be required.