Job Description:

Job: Operator 4 - Retort

Shift: Nights

Location: Mars Petcare (Fort Smith, AR)

Mars Petcare is seeking a Retort Operator to join our exciting pet food business at a Fort Smith, AR manufacturing plant. We focus on the unique needs of cats and dogs. Our obsession with detail allows us to deliver precise, effective nutrition and help them become their magnificent best.

As part of our overall total compensation package, Mars Petcare offers a competitive benefits package to all associates: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and 401k match. Associates are also immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, Sick Pay, Maternity & Parental Leave, and annual bonus earning potential, plus many other ancillary benefits not listed here.

The Retort Operator verifies that a complete and proper sterilization process is performed, coordinates the flow of product between mixing, filling, and packaging on identified lines, and communicates to packaging on all lines regarding holds, changeovers, quality tests, and all other pertinent data in order to deliver the shift Safety, Quality, Quantity and Cost objectives.

Responsibilities:

• To maintain safety standards by using LOTO and confined space entry procedures when working in the retort area.


• To monitor in-feed and discharge lines to ensure smooth flow of raw and cooked products


• To verify the proper cook information on retorts regarding steam times, initial temperatures, cook processes duration, proper pouch and tub code, etc.


• To monitor the steam times on the products to prevent process holds.


• To note process irregularities and communicate with the shift and system mechanics to help correct the problems.


• To perform preventative maintenance and inspections on retorts and shuttles.


• To isolate holds and tests through effective cross communication with all lines and the Quality Technician to minimize the amount of product placed on hold.


• To track and mark all changeovers and holds through the retorting process and into packaging.


• Coordinate process flow and scheduling for the entire processing area.


• Identify quality issues in raw or cooked products and decide whether to run, hold or scrap the evaluated product.


• Advise the Shift Manager on potential production stopping issues.


• Recommend action/tradeoffs to ensure optimal plant outputs are achieved.


• This position and all site associates are responsible for quality and food safety.


• This position monitors quality and food safety controls and makes corrective actions to the process if needed.


• Know and understand the site's CCP's and report any findings of deficiencies to the site's quality manager or designee.

Key Functional Skills/Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of the retort/batching process


• Must be fluent as a user of all the computer programs used when operating the equipment in the Retort and Shuttles area and be proficient with the PRMS inventory management system.


• Must be able to use the inventory management system (PRMS) to keep track of the quantity and location of all products.


• Demonstrate the ability to multitask by running different products at one time while keeping track of multiple changeovers.


• Must be able to access product quality and troubleshoot any issues associated with product quality\


• Troubleshoot the Retort and Shuttles system operation


• Organizational and planning skills


• Must have the knowledge and ability to operate a forklift


• Food Manufacturing experience and knowledge of food safety


• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices

Preferred Skills:

• Food manufacturing experience and knowledge of food safety.


• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices.


• Statistical Process Control


• Forklift certified

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of process coordination and/or leadership experience


• 2+ years of previous manufacturing experience


• High School diploma or equivalent


• Mechanical troubleshooting ability


• Career Readiness Certificate (CRC)


• Computer literate with experience with data base recording and retrieval reporting


• Ability to lift 50 pounds

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars is a family-owned business with over a century of history, making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world's best-loved brands: M&M's®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN'S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles - Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom - inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.