R&D Thermal Food Processing Lead

• Lead the way in developing and creating food safe processes at Mars Food & Nutrition Australia.
• Mars Food & Nutrition Australia home to market leading brands such as MasterFoods ®, DOLMIO® and, BEN’S ORIGINAL®.
• Permanent Full-time opportunity based onsite Wyong, (NSW Central Coast), gym access and onsite canteen

At Mars, our Purpose – Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow. – is at the heart of everything we do. We believe access to delicious, nutritious food is fundamental to human wellbeing. 

We have a unique opportunity for a R&D Thermal Food Processing Lead to join our onsite Q&FS team.

You'll lead and govern the preservation standards at Mars Food Australia to support the delivery of safe, legal, KQA compliant products through the development, implementation, management and continuous improvement of processes and procedures.

As part of your role, you’ll also support the implementation of new products through developing Commercial process letters prior to launch, as well as new processes and technologies which may impact product safety or stability. 

What would be your key responsibilities?

• Providing thermal process, microbiology and preservation support to technical R&D segments and Operations, conducting technical risk assessment, and decision on process deviation.
• Site Sterilisation Expert (SSE), Site Pasteurisation Expert (SPE) and Ambient / High Clean Filling Stability Expert.
• Research and work collaboratively to solve complex challenges, drive continuous improvement and implement new processes cross-functionally through technical and Quality leadership, stake-holders engagement, and maintenance of accurate documentation.
• Conduct gap assessment, develop action plans, lead projects to implement solutions and achieve 100% compliance to preservation standards.
• Provide Q&FS Leadership across the business for Operational excellence, Project implementation, Product Design and Factory Trials.
• Manage Validation on all CCP's attaining to Thermal processing and preservation including Heat penetration studies, Temperature and Heat Distribution studies, Acidification Studies. 
• Develop, maintain, and deliver training content for technical preservation related topics to ensure competency of all relevant functions.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience in a food manufacturing environment, where scientific principles have been practically applied.
• Science, Food Science, Microbiology or Chemical Engineering Degree or equivalent
• Advanced Thermal Processing Qualification
• HACCP Certification and good understanding of GMP and QMP
• Lead Food Safety Auditor Qualification 
• Ability to clearly communicate technical and scientific concepts and decisions to a wide audience. 
• Strong and confident microbiological thermal process & food safety knowledge with Food Processing application
• Experience in Root Cause analysis, incident investigation, and risk assessment

What can you expect from Mars?

• Genuine focus on your development with access to world class training
• Global health and wellbeing program to support work-life balance
• Opportunity to make a difference with our volunteer and ambassador programs
• Work in an environment with a true foodie culture.

Please note: This advertisement will close: midnight Sunday 10th of March, 2024

Internal applicants, please be sure to discuss with your current Line Manager prior to application. This role is also known internally as ‘Senior Q&FS Food Preservation Technologist – Site Sterilisation Expert (SSE)’