MICHAEL GOVENDER
Regina,SK
Summary
Technically sophisticated and professional reflecting strong Cannabis/Hemp Quality and Food Safety Management skills, New Product Development, Feed Management (Animal and Pet food) and packaging development, coupled with project and Operation/ Process management. Highly seasoned and conscientious in Cannabis quality and food safety with the highest professional standards for safe Cannabis and food handling and distribution. Skilled researcher of evolving cannabis and food production trends to optimize safety and sanitation of all products. Adept multitasker able to address a high volume of customer and management projects and questions with full professionalism and accuracy. Have personally instituted Cannabis quality and food safety systems in the three companies that have dramatically improved the company image and work culture within the organizations. Have drafted, implemented, and received certifications in Cannabis as per Health Canada regulatory requirements (Cannabis Act, Cannabis Regulation, Packaging, and labeling and GFSI recognized quality and food safety standards (GPP, GMP, EUGMP, SQF., BRC, ISO 22000 (FSSC 22000)ISO 9001- 2015, ISO 45000, ISO 14001) Strong experience working with customers, suppliers and auditors yielding superior ratings i.e., FSEP, FSMA, Halal and Kosher agencies, Gluten and Organic certifying bodies. Knowledge in control of pests on site and use of pesticides especially monitoring farmers using the chemicals approved by health Canada. Extensive background in problem solving utilizing root cause analysis and continuous improvement plan. Strategic-thinking individual experienced in turning low-performing organizations into top revenue producers. Offering engaging and pleasant personality with expertise improving customer relationships. Dynamic Director oversees every facet of production with strong project management and decision-making skills. planning and technical operations. Skilled at coordinating production plans and personnel resources to complete work under tight deadlines. Highly organized and detail-oriented leader who successfully manages projects, plans productions and leads teams. Experienced in budget management and client engagement. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Dynamic Director oversees every facet of quality and production with strong management and decision-making skills. Brings comprehensive knowledge of quality and production, planning and technical operations. Skilled at coordinating quality and production plans and personnel resources to complete work under tight deadlines.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, QA/QC & Regulatory Compliance
WESTCANN Processing Inc
09.2021 - 04.2023
- Oversees both quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA) and Compliance as per Division 1, Subdivision D and compliance with Health Canada’s QA guidelines pertaining to business, production, facility, security, storage, packaging, labeling and Good Production Practices for Cannabis Act program
- Establishing and enforcing GAP, GMP, HACCP, and Quality Assurance standards, providing technical and regulatory services in growing inputs, packaging, and production of medical marijuana
- Supports continuous quality improvement of medical marijuana through reinforcement of product quality and food safety programs, sanitation program and oversight of security system
- Ability to review regulations, documents and reports pertaining to Cannabis Act, Non-confirming
- Reports (NCR), Corrective Action Reports (CAR), Food and Drugs Act (FDA), Controlled Drugs and
- Substances Act (CDSA) and Pest Control Products Act (PCPA)
- Ability to develop, update and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Quality Manuals
- Oversee critical/technical review of documents, test results, procedures, and production equipment, including equipment qualification and validation
- Review certificates of analysis and results of laboratory tests for compliance to specification
- Ensure compliance with regulations through auditing and quality systems
- Investigate product non-conformances, conduct material reviews for complaints, and document findings and responses
- Manage product holds, reprocessing actions, and final disposition processes for noncompliant resources
- Manage procedures and processes pertaining to incidents, complaints, deviations, and recall
- Manage audit and information requests from Health Canada pertaining to Quality Assurance and Quality
- I am security cleared by Health Canada as QAP (Quality Assurance Person) and (Alternate Responsible Person)
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide quality and operational strategy.
- Established departmental performance goals and provided feedback for underperforming areas.
- Evaluated company documentation to verify alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Assisted with sales and marketing strategies to foster achievement of revenue goals.
- Remained highly composed and calm in very fast-paced, stressful and constantly changing environments to provide optimal leadership and achieve desired results.
- Conducted meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to attain production objectives.
- Identified and approved equipment and elements required for productions.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy
- Managed daily operations while overseeing multiple locations to foster increased productivity
- Established departmental performance goals and provided feedback for underperforming areas
- Mentored and coached team members on QA topics and strategies.
- Created and achieved product quality objectives and met product specifications.
Director QA/QC
Decibel Cannabis Company
10.2018 - 08.2021
- Oversees both quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA) and Compliance as per Division 1, Subdivision D and compliance with Health Canada’s QA guidelines pertaining to business, production, facility, security, storage, packaging, labeling and Good Production Practices for Cannabis Act Program
- Establishing and enforcing GAP, GMP, HACCP, and Quality Assurance standards, providing technical and regulatory services in growing inputs, packaging, and production of medical marijuana
- Supports continuous quality improvement of medical marijuana through reinforcement of product quality and food safety programs, sanitation program and oversight of security system
- Ability to review regulations, documents and reports pertaining to Cannabis Act, Non-confirming
- Reports (NCR), Corrective Action Reports (CAR), Food and Drugs Act (FDA), Controlled Drugs and
- Substances Act (CDSA) and Pest Control Products Act (PCPA)
- Ability to develop, update and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Quality Manuals
- Oversee critical/technical review of documents, test results, procedures, and production equipment, including equipment qualification and validation
- Review certificates of analysis and results of laboratory tests for compliance to specification
- Ensure compliance with regulations through auditing and quality systems
- Investigate product non-conformances, conduct material reviews for complaints, and document findings and responses
- Manage product holds, reprocessing actions, and final disposition processes for noncompliant resources
- Manage procedures and processes pertaining to incidents, complaints, deviations, and recall
- Manage audit and information requests from Health Canada pertaining to Quality Assurance and Quality
- Control and compliance
- I am security cleared by Health Canada as QAP (Quality Assurance Person) and (Responsible Person)
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked well in team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Group Quality and Food Safety Manager
Joriki Inc
07.2017 - 08.2018
- Joriki Manufactures and packages Juices and Drinks for Multinational customers
- Packaging varies from PET, HDPE, and paper cartons
- Strategically leads business so that standards remain consistent and at important level
- Directs communication of beverage safety standards; creates and fosters culture that understands and recognizes food safety and quality as top priority
- Provides overall direction, leadership, and policy development regarding execution, communication, and training for all systems
- (FSSC 22000, ISO 9001-2015, ISO 14001 (Environmental Monitoring programs), ISO 45000 (Occupational Health and Safety) and meeting all AIB standards) related to FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA), as well as USDA and CFIA Regulatory agencies
- Collaborates with other high- level administrators regarding overall policy implementation
- Develops processes to prevent customer complaints, recalls, withdrawals, and loss of customers due to quality issues; research and recommend enhancements to food safety, product quality, production procedures, equipment, and management practices
- Identifies strategic training needs of organization related to food safety and quality
- Works closely with internal and external partners to ensure that staff and management are fully trained and can identify areas that are of utmost importance in life- cycle of food
- Sets and implements policy which speaks to highest level of food safety, product quality, production procedures, equipment, and management practices
- Oversees development and maintenance of documentation such as standard operating procedures and key performance indicators related to food safety and quality, training manuals, and other critical documents
- Products are produced to ESL
- (Extended Shelf Life) and Aseptic (Sterilized) and shelf life of six to nine weeks
- Solid knowledge of total process of Juices and Drinks (tea) from Batching, Pasteurizing, Filling, Packaging, Storage and Shipping to customers.
- Identified non-conforming food products and led decision-making process for disposition based on risk to food safety and quality.
- Created safe and healthy work environment throughout plant, adhered to safety policies and procedures and drove safe work behaviors in leadership and front line staff.
- Adapted to shifting priorities and aligned food safety activities to meet organizational goals.
- Mandated compliance to regulatory, customer and corporate standards and led and participated in food safety audits.
- Cultivated and maintained customer-focused mindset that acknowledged importance and value of food safety for customers.
- Performed regular inspections of production lines to guarantee sanitary environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of industry best practices regarding labeling and packaging.
- Provided guidance on improved quality control measures to increase customer satisfaction.
- Developed extensions and improvements to food product lines.
- Communicated and negotiated with ingredient suppliers and vendors to order new ingredients.
- Tested new, alternative raw materials through analysis, sourcing and trials.
- Maintained laboratory conditions by managing and transferring raw materials and flavor stocks.
- Facilitated cost reduction through product improvements.
- Packaged and sent product samples to clients and outside laboratories for testing and evaluation.
- Formulated recipes to deliver optimal flavor systems, complying with cost, product design and sensory and regulatory requirements.
- Converted developed formulas into production formulas to prepare for manufacturing facilities.
- Performed research on latest technologies and current markets to develop new product concepts, successfully developing many new products.
- Operated and maintained lab equipment to perform research work.
Director of QA and Regulatory Compliance
AGT FOODS AND INGREDIENTS INC
02.2011 - 05.2017
- Quality Assurance and Food Safety
- AGT Foods offers diverse portfolio of pulse ingredients, including pulse bran (fibers), pulse proteins, PulsePlus.
- Overall responsibility of forty facilities globally
- Leading quality and food safety team of twenty-one direct reports globally and total team of thirty- five and dotted line reports of plant managers
- Since coming aboard in May 2011 have built solid Quality and Food Safety/ HACCP/HARPC programs and provided clear leadership and structure to company that was severely in need
- Leading local and global teams to ensure the effective design, execution & management of internal regulatory quality and food safety systems: change control, deviation control, CAPA, validation, document control, archiving environmental monitoring, complaints, equipment & shipment qualifications, SOPs, recalls, quality agreements, QA/QC self-inspection, audits, continuous quality improvement and remediation
- Developed strong quality and food safety policy that was approved by COO and CEO
- Leading FSSC 22000/BRC/ISO 9001 GFSI based quality and food safety programs to ensure effective implementation of quality and food safety standards within the operation facilities
- Responsible for all internal and external quality and food safety matters including hosting regulatory agencies, customer and certification audit inspectors and responding to customer complaints in timely manner
- Function as primary authority for liaison with customers and regulatory authorities regarding quality and food safety matters
- Monitored a $500 000 budget for the Quality and Food safety department globally (Travel and entertainment (Air tickets and cars), Training (External), conferences, quality and food safety certifications, Lead for customer/ quality & qualification audits, FDA (FSMA) and Health Canada government inspections, business ethics, personnel engagement, and quality operations/compliance technical training facilitation
- Quality and Food Safety Managers had Key Performance Indicators to achieve every quarter and progress was monitored monthly
- Traveled extensively locally (Within Canada) and globally (UK, Turkey, Australia, Spain, Holland, and China) to visit customers, facilities, and conduct supplier audits
- Knowledge in Microsoft Dynamics – used to monitor suppliers and track and trace product,
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Organized and detail-oriented with strong work ethic.
Director QA and Food Safety
COFCO
08.2006 - 12.2010
- With overall responsibility of twenty facilities, thirteen direct report and total team of twenty-four
- Fully responsible for twenty facilities in China (Rice)
- Designed Quality and Food Safety Strategy for Rice business and promoted parboiled rice in China
- Total responsibility for quality and Food safety for rice business
- Setting up and implementation of quality and food safety standards in total supply chain
- Implemented 5s, FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001 - 2008
- Leader of quality and food safety team to conduct internal audits, customer audits and day to day quality and food safety issues
- Monitored budgets, management of staff and effectively reduce waste, downtime, reprocessing and rework
- Ensured compliance with CFDA (China Food and Drug Administration)
- Responsible for quality and Food safety of parboiled rice exported to South Africa and other markets and help expand market share and enhance competitiveness of Chinese parboiled rice in South Africa and other markets
- I also collaborated closely with teams from other divisions especially dairy industry, chocolate (Leconte), Cooking oil, flour, and wines
- Provided technical assistance and advised to General Manager and Plant Manager to solve problems arising out of processing and inspection of processed and finished product
- Modified present standard of Chinese parboiled rice based upon reality and market requirement of
- China – approved by CFDA (China Food and Drug Act)
- Set detailed inspection standards from paddy to finished goods as per customer/consumer specifications
- Established rice research center inside COFCO Group
- Extensive local travel to rice facilities, farms, warehouses, and other facilities within COFCO Group
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked well in team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
Group Quality Assurance and Technical Manager
TIGERBRANDS LIMITED
04.1987 - 06.2006
- To Ensure conformity of products purchased, packed, and marketed to predetermined customer/consumer specifications to maintain Tiger Brands reputation and position as market leaders and suppliers of high-quality food safe packed product and Value-Added Products
- Knowledge of using Oracle software which was used for Finance and Inventory and to track and trace products
- Career started as quality and food safety technician and within 4-year spam I took over as corporate quality and food safety responsibility for rice business
- Within year, was promoted as Group Quality and Technical Manager for Tiger Brands with added responsibility for quality and food safety Brands (Chocolates, Cereal, Flour, Rice, Peanut butter, Mayonnaise, Baby Care Products (Purity)Canned Products and Pasta and Pulses businesses
- Staff of twelve direct managerial reports and total team of supervisors and technicians of forty- three
- Led teams to implement food safety systems to ensure safe and controlled supply chain
- Focused on training for quality and food safety teams so all are up to date with new standards and customer requirements
- Managed and monitored quality and food safety budget of $100 000 for quality and food safety department for facilities under my leadership control
- (Travel and Entertainment, Training, (Internally and Externally)
- Built strong quality and Food safety team within facilities
- Identified issues with current processes and implemented adjustments when required
- Responded to customer complaints and sought timely resolutions
- Performed internal quality audits on quarterly basis
- Set quality and food safety objectives
- Traveled locally and globally to visit rice facilities and monitor product being process before being shipped to South Africa
- Developed suggestions for technical process improvements to optimize resources.
- Guided, coached and lead project teams, delegating tasks and evaluating performance and progression of project pace.
- During travel, inspected ship holds to ensure no contamination of product (Rust scales, heat, water damage, etc.)
- Worked closely with customers to evaluate various types of risks such as impact, reputation and regulatory.
- Managed implementation of new technological improvements resulting in increased efficiency.
- Analyzed project-related information and made recommendations based on discoveries.
- Met with clients to gather and understand requirements and coordinated with system administrators and directors to plan and schedule project activities.
- Analyzed company processes to determine outsourcing feasibility.
- Evaluated customer impact risk, reputation risk and regulatory risk.
- Evaluated reputation risk and regulatory risk.
Education
Bachelor of Science - MICROBIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY
University of Durban Technology
Durban South Africa04.1996
Certificate - Finance For Non- Financial Managers
University of Witwatersrand
Johannesburg South Africa11.2000
Certificate - Food Safety Auditing
Yum Brands - KFC
Johannesburg - South Africa07.2004
Certificate - Practical Approach To HACCP
Council For Scientific And Industrial Research
Johannesburg - South Africa05.2002
Certificaet - Food Risk, Automation And Control
IMS
Johannesburg South Africa11.2004
Certificate - Overview FSSC 22000 Standards
Intertek
Minot, North Dakota, USA05.2014
Certificate - ISO 9001-2015 - Lead Auditor
SGS
Toronto - Canada 04.2017
Skills
- Extensive experience and knowledge in Cannabis and Hemp regulation
- Experience in auditing vendor's quality systems as HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) and HARPC (Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Prevention Controls)
- (Good production Practices) GHP (Good Hygiene Practices), cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices), GLP (Good laboratory Practices), FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) and EUGMP
- Extensive knowledge -ISO 14001, ISO 45001, 9001-2015, all GFSI approved Food safety standards ( SQF, BRC, Gluten free Certification Program, Global Gap, Kosher, Halal
- Solid working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing Strong Leadership in quality system implementation,
- Operations Management, quality auditing and system documentation, building teams with training
- And developing and building strong quality and food safety culture within organization
- Strong experience and knowledge in pest control management and new techniques
- Strong understanding of product labeling (Health Canada (Cannabis/Hemp Act/Regulation) CFIA, FDA, EU, Safe Food Canadian Act Regulatory standards)
- Proven successful experience working directly with government regulatory agencies ie, Health Canada
Accomplishments
- CFIA – (Canadian Food and inspection Agency) (, US – FDA/FSMA – (Food and Drug), USDA – (United
- States Department of Agriculture), EU – (European Union), SABS – (South African Bureau of Standards) and CFDA – (China Food and Drug Administration) and Australia
- Knowledge in the FSEP (Food Safety Enhancement Program) program – CFIA – SFCA (Safe Food Canadian
- ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Attended GFSI Global Conferences from 2013/14/15 (Anaheim, Malaysia, Berlin) and 10/11/12 Annual
- North American Summit on Food Safety
- Certificates in FSSC 22000, ISO 9001-2008, Quality Management, Packaging Principles and Practices,
- HACCP, Food Risk and Automation, Finance for Non-Financial Managers, Auditor Training, PrimusGFS
- Packaging House Certification, City and Guilds, Quality Management, and Lead Auditor Training – (ISO 9001-2015)
- Launched well-received program of professional development courses for all staff
- Mentored and coached employees resulting in an increase in productivity, Quality, Safety and Food
- Safety
- Reduced customer complaints
- ACMPR – Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulation
- Cannabis Act, Cannabis Regulation
- Reduced product waste – (Over processing, Inventory, Labor)
- High-value new clients for the company
- The quality and food safety systems have provided superior audit results, built product integrity, customer confidence and increased sales
- Conducting audits to FSSC 22000, SQF, ISO 9001/2015, ISO-14001-Environmental Monitoring Program, and ISO 45001- Occupational Health and Safety
- Skills
- Leadership, highly responsible and dependable, Works well under pressure, Exceptional people skills,
- Complex problem solving, Calm under pressure, Quality and Food Safety Knowledge, Staff development and staff motivation, Training and development, Organizational skills, Operations management, Effective communication at all levels in the total supply chain,Workflow planning, Risk management (Quality
- Assurance and Food Safety), Analytical skills
- Achievement Worldwide Branding Lifetime Achievement Honor– 2016 Certificate of Recognition – Elite Worldwide – Executives and Professionals Professional of the Year – The World-Wide Registry of Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs – 2015/2016
Timeline
Director, QA/QC & Regulatory Compliance
WESTCANN Processing Inc
09.2021 - 04.2023
Director QA/QC
Decibel Cannabis Company
10.2018 - 08.2021
Group Quality and Food Safety Manager
Joriki Inc
07.2017 - 08.2018
Director of QA and Regulatory Compliance
AGT FOODS AND INGREDIENTS INC
02.2011 - 05.2017
Director QA and Food Safety
COFCO
08.2006 - 12.2010
Group Quality Assurance and Technical Manager
TIGERBRANDS LIMITED
04.1987 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Science - MICROBIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY
University of Durban Technology
Certificate - Finance For Non- Financial Managers
University of Witwatersrand
Certificate - Food Safety Auditing
Yum Brands - KFC
Certificate - Practical Approach To HACCP
Council For Scientific And Industrial Research
Certificaet - Food Risk, Automation And Control
IMS
Certificate - Overview FSSC 22000 Standards
Intertek
Certificate - ISO 9001-2015 - Lead Auditor
SGS
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