1. Job Purpose

To operate and monitor retort sterilization equipment safely and efficiently to ensure food products are processed according to approved time, temperature, and pressure parameters, maintaining product safety, quality, and food safety standards.

1. Key Responsibilities

- Operate retort equipment as per approved production schedules and SOPs.

- Check and verify retort machine condition before starting operations.

- Ensure correct loading and arrangement of food products inside the retort basket or trolley.

- Follow approved sterilization schedules, including processing time, temperature, and pressure.

- Monitor and record retort processing parameters throughout the sterilization cycle.

- Ensure proper venting, come-up time, holding time, and cooling procedures.

- Maintain accurate retort batch records and production documentation.

- Ensure all temperature gauges, pressure gauges, sensors, and recording instruments are functioning correctly.

- Immediately report any deviations, equipment failures, or abnormal operating conditions to the supervisor.

- Follow food safety, hygiene, GMP, and HACCP requirements.

- Ensure proper handling of products before and after retort processing.

- Maintain cleanliness of the retort machine and surrounding work area.

- Coordinate with the quality control and production teams during processing.

- Follow safety procedures while handling high-temperature equipment, steam, and pressurized systems.

- Support preventive maintenance and report maintenance requirements.

1. Quality and Food Safety Responsibilities

- Ensure each batch is processed according to the validated scheduled process.

- Never change processing parameters without authorization.





- Ensure batch identification and traceability are maintained.

- Maintain records of critical processing parameters.

- Report any incomplete or interrupted retort cycle immediately.

- Ensure processed products are properly cooled and transferred for further inspection.

- Follow corrective actions instructed by the QA/QC department.

1. Required Qualifications

- Minimum Plus Two / ITI / Diploma preferred.

- Experience in food processing or retort operations is an advantage.

- Knowledge of sterilization processes, steam pressure, temperature, and food safety is preferred.

- Basic documentation and record-keeping skills.

1. Skills and Competencies

- Knowledge of retort machine operation.

- Understanding of temperature, pressure, and processing time.

- Ability to follow SOPs and work instructions.

- Good observation and problem-solving skills.

- Responsible and disciplined approach to work.

- Ability to work in shifts when required.

1. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Compliance with approved retort processing schedules.

- Accuracy and completeness of batch records.

- Zero unauthorized process deviations.

- Proper equipment operation and handling.

- Compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

- Reduction in processing errors and product rejection.

1. Safety Responsibilities

- Use appropriate PPE during operations.

- Never open the retort door while under pressure.

- Follow lockout/tagout and equipment safety procedures.

- Ensure pressure is fully released before opening the retort.

- Report unsafe conditions immediately.

Pay: ₹15,000.00 - ₹20,000.00 per month

Perks

- Cell phone reimbursement

- Provident Fund

Experience

- Expert: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Machine Operator/Retort Operator (Kolenchery)
🏢 PKM Fine Foods and Spices
📍 Kolenchery