Thermal Process Specialist

This position supports the enterprise Thermal Processing Programs leadership as the technical resource for all ConAgra Foods regulated facilities (e.g., FDA, USDC, & USDA inspected facilities). This position will assist in the development and implementation, monitoring and continuously improve thermal processing compliance and food safety systems to ensure ConAgra Foods facilities are: 1) Operating in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements. 2) Maintaining a professional, proactive business relationship with the local plant, Circuit and District levels of the USDA and other regulatory jurisdictions affecting plants. Key Metrics: Non-compliance events (e.g., near misses), product retrievals, plant closures, enforcement actions, cost of non-compliance (e.g., monetary fines, product loss, destruction costs, etc.). This position typically requires minimal guidance, plan, schedule, and participate in the development of thermal processes in cooperation with product development, packaging development and services, quality assurance, quality control, and manufacturing for the development of new or improved products and packages. Prepare and submit necessary correspondence and reports in a professional and timely manner, provide assistance in the field of thermal processing to all ConAgra labs and departments, monitor all aspects of thermal processing for compliance with regulatory requirements, evaluate data generated during heat penetration studies through the use of computer graphics and process deviations and product spoilage associated with thermally processed products. Typically requires 3 years of food industrial experience in Quality AssurancePosition Responsibilities Plan, schedule, and participate in the development of thermal processes in cooperation with product development, packaging development and services, quality assurance, quality control, and manufacturing for the development of new or improved products and packages. Prepare and submit necessary correspondence and reports in a professional and timely manner. Provide assistance in the field of thermal processing to all ConAgra labs and departments. Monitor all aspects of thermal processing for compliance with regulatory requirements. Evaluate data generated during temperature distribution and heat penetration studies through the use of related computer software (such as CalSoft). Generate Thermal Process Schedules basis analyses of data generated during Heat Penetration and Thermal Death Time studies. Evaluate process deviations and product spoilage associated with thermally processed products. Train and certify Product Development and Pilot Plant thermal processing personnel for safe operation of retort simulators. Conduct periodic audits of thermal processing operations in ConAgra locations. Maintain adherence to company safety and environmental procedures and policies. Support each facility to maintain consistent with company continuous improvement processes. Utilize process metrics to anticipate potential problems and recognize existing problems that could affect product safety and quality. Identify root causes and resolve problems before they add risk and costs. Serve as liaison between plants and corporate staff on thermal processing issues management. Advise Operations (corporate and plant), R&D, and Marketing on the development and maintenance of HACCP SOP and SSOP plans to assure compliance to regulations and the production of safe products. Support plant management through regulatory audits (i.e., CSO, IDV, OIG), plant inspector challenges and other thermal processing issues. Review current control programs, in conjunction with the Regulatory Affairs Manager, to adapt to meet changing regulatory requirements. Support the development and ensure measures of compliance, with plant management staffs, to thermal processing programs. Maintain open communication with OG and plant quality staffs regarding metrics of compliance to thermal processing programs and activities. Support plants in answering and tracking NR s. Actively support plants with appeal determinations. Review NRs with plant management as necessary prior to registering appeals. Facilitate implementation of corrective action responses to address thermal processing trends (e.g., foreign materials, chill deviations, NR trends Ensure and facilitate that annual HACCP & SSOP reassessments are conducted. Be a part of a project team directed at, or associated with, initiatives dealing with thermal processing issues (non labeling related) (e.g., process improvement projects that potentially impact inspection capabilities). Support maintenance activities to ensure Grants of Inspection at all USDA facilities are up-to-date and accurate.Position Qualifications Minimum B.S. in Engineering, Food Science or related field or equivalent years of experience and training. Minimum 5 years of food industrial experience in thermal processing. Good experience with government regulatory requirements in the processing of food Good knowledge of food manufacturing processes and food safety Good knowledge in using a full range of statistical and analytical tools and fundamentals Good interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) Good relationship and team building skillsTo apply for this position, please Click Here Job Title: Thermal Process SpecialistCompany: ConAgraLocation: US-NE-OmahaStatus: Full TimeJob Category: Biotech/R&D/ScienceReference Code: 11794BR