Quality &Food Safety Technologist (Site Sterilization Expert)
Greenville, Mississippi

Job Purpose:
This position is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of thermal processes and procedures at the manufacturing site in order to achieve, maintain and audit compliance to MARS thermal processing standards and relevant governmental (city/local) regulations regarding thermal processing of shelf stable foods.

What we are looking for:
Minimum Requirements:

• Technical degree, preferably a B.S. Degree in Science, (Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Food Science) or adjacent technological studies (i.e. Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Meat Science)

• 2+ years in Food Manufacturing environment.

• Familiarity of food manufacturing equipment and processes for all temperature states (ambient, refrigerated, frozen).

• Regulatory audit compliance (FDA, GFSI)

• Awareness of shelf stable food regulations for region ( FDA)

• Statistics – Microsoft Excel, Minitab, etc.

• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for effective communications

• Comfortable with delivering training sessions

• Advanced thermal process calculation software: Ellab, Calsoft, NumeriCAL, Thermodl

• Packaging material seal performance and its relevance to food safety.

• Familiarity with microbiology and food safety of canned foods – Better Process School Training

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree in Science, (Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Food Science) or adjacent technological studies (i.e. Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Meat Science)

• Successfully attended a FDA sponsored Better Process Control School.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure full compliance of Mars Global Quality Standards for thermal processing (x2)

• Design and conduct heat penetration tests using Statistical Process Control for critical factors as a means of designing to worst case based on the plant’s ability to control.

• Complete analysis of Heat Penetration data in order to establish a thermal process schedule letter.

• Conduct TDHD (Temperature and Heat Distribution Testing) by analyzing and creating a report of the test situations conducted and impact to the thermal process schedule.

• Conduct deviation analysis and draft disposition release/scrap reports. 

• Ensure CAPA’s and PRIMPs are issued for thermal processing related deviations and drive continuous improvement.

• Maintain deviation tracker to aide in the troubleshooting of retort/control or operator training issues.

• Manage the thermal process letters by site/line (where needed)

• Assess impact to thermal processing on intended Project charter changes for ingredients, processing and packaging.

• Ensure annual retort surveys are conducted by Engineering/Maintenance.

• Liaise with maintenance & engineering staff to drive improved retort reliability.

• Ensure annual retort by-pass (i.e. raw-processed product traffic control) assessment is conducted.

• Ensure electronic system validations are conducted by appropriate personnel regarding (Yokogawa instrumentation).

• Participate and contribute to the Thermal Processing Community of Practice across the Food segment through the creation of documented practices (NEXUS).

• Responsible for local thermal processing training modules to new associates, recurring refresher training where relevant.

• Conducts T5/T6 audits against thermal standards at frequency established by the business.

What can you expect from Mars?
• The opportunity to learn, develop and take charge of your own career.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package.
• To be respected and valued.
• The Five Principles at the center of every decision we make.
• The opportunity to work cross functionally, add value and impact a better world for generations to come.

#LI-JH1

About Mars:
Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5â„¢, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitalsâ„¢, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCAâ„¢ and Pet Partnersâ„¢. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Disclaimer:
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.​​​​​​​

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:
Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific.  Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.