Retort Technical

RETORT- TECHNICAL

• Supervising Retort Operations:

  Overseeing the entire retort process, including loading, processing, and unloading of products, ensuring adherence to established procedures and schedules.

• Staff Management:

  Training, supervising, and scheduling retort operators and other related personnel, ensuring proper execution of tasks and maintaining a safe working environment.

• Quality Control:

  Monitoring product quality throughout the retort process, conducting regular checks, and identifying and resolving any deviations from established standards.

• Equipment Maintenance:

  Ensuring all retort equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and functioning correctly, coordinating maintenance and repairs as needed.

• Safety Compliance:

  Enforcing strict adherence to safety regulations and procedures related to retort operations, including proper handling of chemicals and equipment.

• Process Improvement:

  Identifying areas for improvement in the retort process, recommending and implementing changes to enhance efficiency, safety, and product quality.

• Record Keeping:

  Maintaining accurate records of retort operations, including processing parameters, quality control data, and equipment maintenance.

• Inventory Management:

  Managing the inventory of retort supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels to support continuous operations.

• Collaboration:

  Working closely with other departments, such as production, quality control, and maintenance, to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

• Reporting:

  Preparing and submitting regular reports on retort operations, including production data, quality metrics, and any issues encountered.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  A Bachelor's/Masters degree in food science, Food Technology, Biotechnology, or a related field like Chemistry, Microbiology, or even Biology is required.

• Experience:

  Minimum 5-6 years of experience in food processing specifically with retort operations, preferably within the food industry (sweets, confectionery, or similar).

Skills:

• Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of retort processes, sterilization temperatures, and shelf-life studies, thorough knowledge of product wise cycle timing, heat penetration in gravy products, rice items, vegetables, etc.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards like

  HACCP

  and

  GMP,

  as well as regulatory requirements.
• Ability to analyze data, identify issues, and implement effective solutions.
• Controlling retort chamber (steam pressure cooker) to cook canned/Pouched foods according to specifications
• Pushing trucks or lowers baskets of canned foods into chamber of retort, using hoist
• Observing dials and thermometers
• Time & Temperature
• Knowledge about temperature penetration validation
• Controlling valves to admit steam to retort
• Opening retort and moving basket of canned food for cooling trough, using hoist
• Managing valves to control temperature, pressure and cooking time
• Closing retort door or lid to seal chamber
• Turning valves to release steam
• Admitting cooling water into chamber to prevent overcooking at end of cooking cycle
• Knowledge about retort packaging material
• Microbiology

Operational Skills:

• Project Management:

  Managing projects related to retort operations, including planning, execution, and reporting.

• Cost Management:

  Understanding and managing costs associated with retort operations, including energy consumption, material usage, and labor.

• Scheduling:

  Creating and managing production schedules for retort operations, ensuring optimal utilization of resources.

• Supervisory Skills:

  Overseeing and guiding the retort team, ensuring adherence to procedures and maintaining a safe work environment.

Key Competencies: -

• Knowledge of relevant tools and equipment
• Knowledge of safety and hygiene regulations
• Knowledge of controlling/handling valves
• Ability to handle and control temperature regularly
• Skilled in controlling pressure inside a chamber
• Skilled in monitoring gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure machine is working properly
• Ability to handle equipment like hoists, etc.