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