Director of Process Control and Interventions (Food Safety)

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

The Director of Process Control and Interventions will direct and provide complete oversight of the Harvest Process Control and Intervention Programs to ensure expected microbial performance is achieved to comply with all USDA FSIS Regulatory Food Safety requirements.

This position is remote based with 50% travel to Perdue facilities and Corporate HQ. Our ideal candidate will reside on the east coast with access to a major airport.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance in the development and implementation of Harvest Process Control procedures, implementation, monitoring and trending.
• Develops and maintains Corporate Intervention Programs to include target antimicrobial concentrations, Best Management Practices within 1st and 2nd Processing as related to Process Control and Microbial Interventions.
• Evaluates Internal and USDA Microbial results to determine proper antimicrobial setpoints needed to provide proper efficacy levels that deliver expected performance.
• Provide leadership around Continuous Improvement of Food Safety via current and future technology.
• Represents Perdue Foods and maintains active participation in Industry focus groups in relation to Food Safety and Regulatory matters.
• Provide leadership in Food Safety/Regulatory management, program development and mentoring of our Food Safety professionals working at Perdue.
• Provide direct food safety leadership on major projects and equipment purchases within the regions Harvest plants.
• Provide timely, accurate and relevant Food Safety/Regulatory data and analysis of information as required to ensure Perdue remains in full compliance with Regulatory agencies and Perdue internal policies.
• Acts as subject matter expert on all matters pertaining to Foods Safety in support to the VP’s of Operations and the Harvest operations.

Experience Requirements

BS degree or higher in the area of poultry science, microbiology, chemistry or food science with a minimum of 10+ years Food Safety experience in Meat or Poultry. Our ideal candidate will have:

• Excellent analytical and communication (both oral and written) skills.
• Knowledge of poultry/Food processing principles; Understanding of management principles and team concepts.
• Full knowledge of plant functions – production, maintenance, warehouse, shipping and sanitation.
• Strong depth of knowledge in regulatory and microbial interventions needed.

Education Preferred

MS or PhD degree in Food Safety, Microbiology or Chemical Engineering

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

When in a plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to dust, feathers and all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.
• Occasional exposure to carbon dioxide vapors 10ppm and chlorine less than 20 ppm.
• Able to stand for several hours.
• Work may include lifting (up to 50 lbs), reaching, bending, pushing boxes on conveyor assembly.
• Must be able to travel, at times without warning.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.