Spectra Tech, Inc. is hiring for a Fermentation Manager in Memphis, TennesseeJob DescriptionSpectra Tech, Inc. is seeking a
Fermentation Manager to oversee fermentation operations within a food manufacturing environment. In this role, you will manage microbial cultivation processes used to produce high-quality food and beverage products. You will lead a team of technicians, optimize process yields, ensure strict food safety standards, and scale production from pilot to commercial volumes.
Responsibilities- Production Oversight: Manage daily fermentation operations, including culture propagation, media preparation, inoculation, and harvest.
- Process Optimization: Monitor and adjust critical parameters like temperature, pH, agitation, and dissolved oxygen to maximize yield and consistency.
- Food Safety & Quality: Enforce strict hygiene, aseptic techniques, Clean-in-Place (CIP), and Sterilize-in-Place (SIP) protocols to prevent contamination.
- Compliance & HACCP: Ensure all operations comply with FDA, USDA, SQF, and HACCP standards for food manufacturing.
- Team Leadership: Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor fermentation technicians and plant operators.
- Data & Documentation: Maintain precise batch records, draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and log data in tracking software.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D for product scale-up and Quality Assurance (QA) for final product approval.
Educational RequirementsPreferred - Bachelor's or Master's degree in
Food Science, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.Experience & Qualifications- Experience: 5+ years of hands-on fermentation experience in a commercial food or beverage manufacturing facility.
- Leadership: 2+ years of experience in a supervisory or management role on a production floor.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety regulations.
- Technical Skills: Experience operating industrial bioreactors, automated control systems (SCADA/PLC), and analytical laboratory equipment.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with food fermentation processes, including precision fermentation, alternative proteins, dairy cultures, or brewing.
- Active HACCP, PCQI, or SQF Practitioner certifications.
