Senior Thermal Processing Leader for Food Safety & Quality

Baxters North America, Inc.; Cincinnati, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Baxters North America, Inc. is seeking a Senior Thermal Processing Manager in Cincinnati, OH to serve as the primary authority for thermal processing across the North American region.

You will guide validation, documentation, and optimization of retort, aseptic, hot-fill, and other validated heat-treat processes. You will lead a team of technicians and professionals, drive continuous improvement, ensure safety, and partner with plant leadership to train staff in robust thermal practices and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Better Process Control School (BPCS) certification.
• 7+ years in food manufacturing with management experience; expertise in heat-transfer modeling and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Primary thermal process authority (TPA) for Baxters North America and SME on thermal processing for low-acid and acidified foods.
• Oversee development, validation, and documentation of all thermal processes and heat transfer studies.
• Manage direct reports in the thermal process department including technicians and salaried personnel.
• File all scheduled thermal processes; ensure processes deliver safe food.
• Guide Process Authority responsibilities including deviations and corrective actions.
• Train operators, supervisors, and quality personnel in thermal processing procedures and safety.
• Lead troubleshooting for retort performance, product quality issues, and equipment failures.
• Support capital projects involving thermal systems, including equipment selection, commissioning and validation.
• Own HACCP, Preventive Controls, and related food safety program components.
• Ensure audits are supported by the thermal process team.
• Validate changes in formulations, packaging, equipment, or process parameters affecting heat transfer or safety.
• Lead root cause analysis for temperature deviations or microbial incidents.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce cycle time, energy use, and spoilage while increasing throughput.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical

Detail-oriented

Initiative

Integrity

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/Engineering

BPCS certification

Thermal process calculations coursework

Job description

Baxters North America, Inc. is seeking a Senior Thermal Processing Manager in Cincinnati, OH to serve as the primary authority for thermal processing across the North American region.

You will guide validation, documentation, and optimization of retort, aseptic, hot-fill, and other validated heat-treat processes. You will lead a team of technicians and professionals, drive continuous improvement, ensure safety, and partner with plant leadership to train staff in robust thermal practices and