Thermal Processing Manager

Baxters North America Inc•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

The Manager of Thermal Processing 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.

Requirements

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.
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.
FDA/USDA 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
Operational Excellence

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.
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.