Global Sterilization Specialist

Global Sterilization Specialist

A role supporting the Innovation, Supply, and External Manufacturing teams from product concept development to launch, leading thermal process development projects for all packaging formats within the wet and fresh meal.

• M.S. or PhD in Food Science, Microbiology, Engineering or related field
• 5+ years experience in Thermal Processing in Food or Pet food industry with R&D Thermal Process Authority
• Expert knowledge of factory unit operations
• Experience with diverse food manufacturing equipment and processes across ambient, refrigerated, frozen states
• Strong engineering fundamentals and familiarity with experimental design and statistical data analysis
• Advanced understanding of retort systems (steam, steam‑air, water spray, cascading retorts) and hydrostatic cookers
• Experience with microbiology validation protocols, including development and execution of validation studies
• Understanding of US FDA and USDA regulations for Thermally Processed Low‑acid and Acidified foods
• Ability to maintain relationships with regulatory bodies and ensure compliance with scheduled processes and filings
• Experience leading technical project teams
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Project Management experience and expertise preferred
• Communication skills across local, regional, and global Process technology network and external expertise
• Proficiency in Microsoft, Word, PowerPoint, experimental design software, and engineering drawings (e.g., AutoCAD)
• Up to 30% travel

• Develop and test equipment, validation activities for kill steps, identify sterilization opportunities, scale up cooking processes, and ensure compliance with kill step requirements for product validation
• Collaborate with Innovation, Quality Control/Assurance, Engineering, and global thermal process specialists to evaluate new technologies and design effective kill steps, integrating protocols into HACCP plans
• Serve as a global expert for standardization and compliance across internal and external plants in the Royal Canin Division; support local sites as required
• Peer review and knowledge transfer with other Thermal Process Experts
• Lead harmonization of Thermal Processing standards within the Royal Canin business to establish global best practices
• Ensure global activities consider all regulatory influences and scientific validity testing for food safety and shelf stability
• Verify site compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA for NA), maintain documentation, and support FDA filing process
• Support R&D teams to validate that Thermal Processing Standards meet product, pack, and process specifications and regulatory requirements
• Provide technical support to factories and pilot plant installations worldwide
• Deliver expertise and risk assessment on global or local thermal processing issues; make key decisions regarding product safety
• Determine operational impact of electronic system validations (PLC, instrumentation, control program, cycle parameters) and recommend process design and continuous improvement, including energy and water usage
• Lead design and implementation of microbiology validation protocols, conduct in‑plant experiments, analyze data, and report results
• Develop actions, plans, and recommendations for shelf‑stability operational and investment continuous improvement
• Support regulatory audit preparations and interface with regulatory officials
  
  Train local experts and teams on thermal processing, standards, food safety, and product quality; mentor Thermal Process Technologists

• Work with diverse and talented Associates guided by the Five Principles
• Purpose‑driven company committed to building a better world
• Best‑in‑class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University
• Industry‑competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus