Assistant Thermal Processing Manager

JOB TITLE: Assistant Thermal Process Manager Reports To: Thermal Process Manager

EEO: Technical PAY TYPE: Exempt

Department: Thermal Processing Location: Bennettsville

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the design, execution, and evaluation of heat penetration and temperature distribution studies for retorts, products, and packaging systems.
• Develop knowledge of thermal processing principles, calculations, microbial risks, critical factors, heat transfer, and commercial sterilization technologies.
• Assist with process validation, verification, process deviations, spoilage investigations, and product dispositions.
• Operate and troubleshoot retorts; assist with retort setup, recipes, and processing procedures.
• Collect, analyze, maintain, and document thermal processing data and records to meet regulatory and customer requirements.
• Identify processing or equipment issues that could affect product safety or quality and communicate findings and recommendations to management and maintenance.
• Maintain and secure thermal processing data collection equipment.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of applicable FDA, USDA FSIS, and South Carolina Department of Agriculture requirements, including 21 CFR Parts 113 and 114 and applicable 9 CFR requirements.
• Support regulatory and customer audits and explain thermal processing equipment, procedures, and controls.
• Provide direction and training to Thermal Processing Records Reviewers, Retort Operators, Retort Clerks, and Thermal Processing Technicians.
• Provide support in related Food Safety and Quality functions, including GFSI, HACCP, Food Defense, label review, specifications, and special claims.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Assistant Thermal Process Manager is expected to continually develop expertise in:

• Hot Fill, Low-Acid Canned Foods, Acidified Foods, Aseptic Processing, and Microwave-Assisted Thermal Sterilization.
• Thermal process calculations and commercial sterilization technologies.
• Experimental design and product development.
• Thermal process filings for new products, processes, and packages.
• Emerging and alternative thermal processing technologies.
• Continuing education and participation in IFTPS and other relevant professional organizations.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

The Assistant Thermal Process Manager must demonstrate a commitment to food safety, regulatory compliance, technical accuracy, continuous learning, and effective communication while supporting SOPAKCO's thermal processing operations and overall quality objectives.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

SOPAKCO does not sponsor employment visas for this position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Employees are expected to comply with all applicable food safety regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation requirements, and company policies.

Equal Employment Opportunity

SOPAKCO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

EEO/M/F/D/V/VEVRAA

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field.
• Working knowledge of food safety, food microbiology, and food chemistry.
• Must complete Better Process Control School (BPCS) certification.
• Must complete applicable Thermal Process Determination training and certification.
• Must complete HACCP certification.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn thermal processing equipment and operations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to learn and use thermal processing software such as CALSOFT, DataTrace, Ellab, and NumeriCAL.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Thermal Process Manager supports the development, implementation, validation, and evaluation of thermal and aseptic processes to ensure the production of safe, commercially sterile products. This position develops expertise in thermal processing, regulatory compliance, process troubleshooting, data analysis, and process documentation while providing technical support to plant operations.