WHO WE ARE

Baldwin Richardson Foods, Co. is a global manufacturer of custom food and beverage ingredients and one of the largest African American family-owned and-operated businesses in the food industry. The Company has strong supply relationships with some of the world’s largest Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and Food Service customers. Iconic, global food brands entrust Baldwin Richardson Foods as their partner to deliver the highest quality products that exceed industry standards. The Company also manufactures and markets Mrs. Richardson’s Ice Cream Toppings and Nance’s Mustards and Condiments. BRF maintains its headquarters and a manufacturing facility in Macedon, New York; with a Culinary Innovation Center in Westmont, Illinois; and offices and manufacturing facilities in Williamson, New York; Pennsauken, New Jersey; and Corona, California. This role will be based in Pennsauken, NJ (Hybrid).

WHAT WE NEED

The Manager Food Safety & Thermal Processing will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing corporate food safety standards and best practices in the areas of Thermal Processing, Aseptic Processing & Packaging, Hygienic & Sanitary Design, Microbiology, and Sanitation programs across all our facilities and operations. This position requires an experienced professional with extensive knowledge of food safety regulations and thermal processing in food manufacturing. This position will be located at any of our BRF offices with frequent travel to all manufacturing locations.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead in partnership with Plant Quality Managers the development and implementation of Food Safety Plans, HACCP, pre-requisite programs, and all food safety related programs to meet regulatory and/or customer requirements.
• Develop sanitary design standards and support site sanitations teams with design, implementation, and validation of Sanitation Program and SSOPs.
• Responsible for ensuring our manufacturing sites properly executes procedures to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance (FSMA, HACCP, GMP, Pest Control, Allergen, Chemical Control, Formula Control, mock trace and recall, LACF, environmental monitoring…etc.). Ensures all processes are documented, standardized, and kept current.
• Design and optimize thermal processing systems:
  • Develop and implement thermal processing parameters, including time and temperature profiles, to ensure the safety and quality of our beverage products.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, production, and quality assurance, to design and optimize thermal processing systems that meet regulatory requirements and product specifications.
  • Conduct feasibility studies to assess the applicability of new technologies or process improvements in thermal processing.
• Conduct heat penetration studies and process validations:
  • Plan and execute heat penetration studies to validate thermal processing parameters and ensure proper heat distribution throughout the beverage containers.
  • Analyze heat penetration data, interpret results, and make recommendations for adjustments or improvements to thermal processing systems.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies or third-party laboratories, to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards.
• Provide technical expertise:
  • Serve as the subject matter expert on thermal processing technologies, equipment, and methodologies.
  • Advise and provide guidance to cross-functional teams on thermal processing-related matters, including process design, equipment selection, and troubleshooting.
  • Stay updated on the latest advancements and best practices in thermal processing technologies and incorporate them into our operations when applicable.
• Regulatory compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with local, regional, and national food safety regulations and industry-specific standards related to thermal processing.
  • Collaborate with regulatory agencies and external auditors during inspections and audits, providing necessary documentation and addressing any compliance-related concerns.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation of thermal process validations, equipment calibrations, and other relevant information.
• Continuous improvement:
  • Monitor and analyze process data, performance indicators, and quality metrics to identify areas for improvement in thermal processing.
  • Collaborate with teams to implement process optimization initiatives, such as reducing energy consumption, improving product quality, or enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects related to new product development, process scale-up, or equipment upgrades/modifications.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of Food Industry Experience.
• A minimum two (2) years people management experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience with HACCP, SQF, GFSI, FDA and/or USDA audits
• Prior experience with Thermal Processing in food manufacturing is required.

• Prior experience with Aseptic Processing & Packaging is preferred.

• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) and HACCP Certification required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Effectively communicates information in one-on-one and small group situations
• Ability to follow and implement written or oral instructions.
• Ability to problem solve with limited information.
• Ability to analyze a situation and investigate root cause.
• Critical thinking skills
• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) is required.
• Better Process Control training and/or Aseptic Training (Purdue or other) is preferred.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Basic Outlook, Intermediate Microsoft Word/PowerPoint/Excel, Basic Microsoft Access and Microsoft Project. Basic Knowledge of SAP. SPC software (Minitab, Northwest Analytical).
• Due to SQF regulations, all employees must be able to fluently read, write, and converse in the English language.

You'll also receive a comprehensive benefits package including low premium and out of pocket cost medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k with company match, generous sick and vacation time, 9 paid holidays, birthday and floating holidays, volunteer time and more!

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