Lea Wachowich
Calgary,AB
Summary
Hardworking Quality Assurance Manager with extensive knowledge of Quality systems and able to multitask effectively. Skilled at managing long-term quality goals and day-to-day organization. Experienced in translating technical requirements into functional business solutions. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manufacturing Quality Manger
Wonderbrands Bakeries
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Leveraged experience and knowledge to assist bakeries in addressing ongoing challenges and roadblock
- Assisted with addressing public health, and CFIA concerns and inquiries
- Supported bakeries with development and implementation of GFSI standard programs to meet audit standards for BRC, SQF and NSF standards
- Participated and supported bakeries through regulatory, customer and GFSI third party audits (2 bakeries achieving BRC AA+)
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Developed and updated Quality Management System (QMS) to reflect changes in approached in standards and industry accepted practices
- Managed and motivated employees in multiple locations to be productive and engaged in implementation of QMS
- Audited bakeries to ensure QMS requirements were implemented and properly executed on daily basis
- Supported and participated in cross-functional teams to ensure Quality and Safety requirements are incorporated in new programs or processes
- Monitored and supported swabbing and sampling program verifying sanitation program within each bakery
- Communicated clearly with employees, suppliers and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals.
Quality Assurance Manager - Edibles
Dycar Pharmecuticals
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Developed and implemented comprehensive quality assurance plans to monitor product quality and adherence to regulatory standards.
- Partnered with Quality Assurance Person (QAP) to update preventative control plans for each production processes
- Spearheaded implementation of allergen and micro swabbing programs and supported update of sanitation program
- Created and maintained quality management systems to align with industry standards
- Supported development and build of new production rooms within facility reviewing and approving equipment, design, and layout for quality standards
- Supported sampling testing of cannabis products and inputs to ensure compliance with regulations and meet final product specifications
- Partnered with operations team to develop and release 7 new products to market (conception to market)
- Investigated customer complaints and performed corrective actions to resolve quality issues.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to develop solutions to ongoing growth, challenges, or roadblocks
- Assisted in Health Canada audits and supported submission requirements for provincial suppliers, and new production notifications
- Ensured cannabis products were produced, packaged, labeled, stored, sampled and tested in accordance with Cannabis Regulations, GPP and SOP's
- Developed understanding application of cannabis regulations and legislation in growing flower, extracting and production of edible cannabis products
- Review and update Preventative Control Plans (PCP) for facility for various product lines as changes occur in regarding processing and production equipment
- Provided orientation, process change and on going training to all staff within facility, ensuring understanding and comprehension of required materials
- Support and participate in cross-functional teams to ensure Quality and regulatory requirements are were incorporated in new programs and products
HSQA Manager
Compass Group Canada
09.2020 - 10.2021
- Conducted Occupational Health and Safety and Food Safety audits in a large variety of food service locations,
- Provided guidance and mentorship supporting the implementation of the Compass Group Canada Health and Safety management Systems (HSMS) and Quality Assurance standards and policies (QMS)
- Developed a strong foundation of understanding and ability to implement self-checks to ensuring compliance with Health and Safety and Quality Assurance Standards
- Committed significant time supporting the development, implementation, and execution of COVID-19 programs
- Worked a key member of a regional cross functional team to support units on program development and implementation
- Worked with units to develop solutions to ongoing challenges or roadblocks
- Assisted units with public health and CFIA, and OHS concerns and inquiries regarding practices and policies,
- Demonstrated knowledge of government regulations (CFIA and OHSA) and Compass Group Canada Policies by working to update policies and procedures as well as working to continue to communicate updates and changes to COVID restrictions
- Developed and updated health and safety (JSA's toolbox and safework) and food safety programs to reflect the changes in approaches to safety and the standard industry requirements,
- Completed vendor audits ensuring potential vendors have appropriate safety practices prior to becoming an approved vendor,
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
Quality Assurance Manager
Compass Group Canada
01.2016 - 09.2020
- Conducted audits in various of food service locations, additionally completed audits with vendors looking to become suppliers
- Provided guidance and mentorship to locations supporting implementation of Compass Group Canada Quality Assurance standards and policies (QMS)
- Worked with units to develop a strong foundation and ability to implement self-checks to ensure Quality Assurance Standards were achieved
- Trained staff using TrainCan Food Safety courses (advanced and basic) in a variety of facilities to ensure teams were properly certified to exceed health requirements
- Worked with units to develop solutions to ongoing challenges or roadblocks
- Assisted units with public health and CFIA concerns and inquires regarding practices and policies,
- Demonstrated knowledge of government regulations and Compass Group Canada Policies by working with and auditing >150 different locations in three provinces and multiple regional jurisdictions,
- Developed and updated food safety programs to reflect changes in approaches to food safety and requirements to accepted industry practices,
- Participated in cross-functional teams to ensure that Quality Assurance and food safety requirements were incorporated in new programs and changing execution
- Educated employees on specific QA standards and confirmed maintenance of standards.
Food Safety Specialist
Sobeys
04.2009 - 11.2015
- Conducted food safety audits in retail stores and with vendors looking to become suppliers
- Guided and assisted stores in implementation of Sobeys Food Safety programs and policies
- Developed knowledgeable Food Safety Champions in each of store
- Instructed FoodWise training certification courses to provide staff and department managers with advanced understanding of food safety in retail environment
- Partnered with various levels of management for program development and role transitions to ensure consistent communication
- Collaborated with teams to refine the recall process from office to store level
- Supported stores in development of solutions to address ongoing challenges or road blocks
- Assisted stores with addressing public health and CFIA concerns and inquires as to practices and policies in store,
- Demonstrated knowledge of government regulations and Sobeys Food Safety Policies by completing audits in >30 different stores, along with assisting these stores achieve higher levels of compliance to company and regulatory audits,
- Instructed Foodwise courses for store staff to provide advanced understanding of food safety,
- Developed and updated food safety policies, SOP's and programs to reflect changes in the business
- Audited vendors to ensure appropriate food safety practices were in place prior to becoming a vendor for Sobeys,
- Administered recall program for Sobeys west
- Issued product recalls, ensuring closed loop process was fully completed, worked to ensure 100% completion within specified timelines.,
Food Safety Specialist
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
05.2006 - 03.2009
- Provided guidance and assistance through successful promotion and implementation of the Agricultural Policy Framework - Food Safety Initiative, in conjunction with the Alberta HACCP Advantage (AHA!) Standard
- Supported funding program with 196 applications, 165 grant agreements in place, and 148 clients successfully closed and paid out before the deadline
- Demonstrated knowledge of government regulations (i.e Meat Facility Standard) by assisting 12 provincial abattoirs in developing and implementing food safety programs to increase compliance to regulatory audits,
- Lead a team to developing a video and manual demonstrating Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's) and regulatory requirements for cattle dressing in small to medium facilities
- Assisted in completion of facility gap assessments and closing work plans
- Lead assessor, completing calibration and training of team members to become lead assessors/closers,
- Promoted application process via distribution of information packages and follow-up with all processors through communication blitz that warranted stimulated an increase in applicants who implemented incremental improvements to their food safety systems.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Education
Certificate in OccupationalHealth, Safety And Environmental -
University of Fredericton
Fredericton, NB04.2023
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science Technology
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB2007
Skills
- Audit Reporting
- Microsoft Office Expertise
- Compliance with GMPs
- Knowledge of Quality Systems
- Employee Training
- Strong Business Acumen
- Public Speaking
- Group and Individual Instruction
- Coaching and Development
- Time Management
- Government Regulations
- Team Leadership
Certification
- HACCP Certification
- SQF Auditor Training
- BRC auditor Training
- BRC version 9 training
- ASQ Auditor Training
- Foodwise Certified Trainer
- TrainCan Certified Trainer
- Project Management 101
Competitve Pistol Shooter
Member of Canadian National Shooting Team since 1999. 7 Time National Champion
Timeline
Manufacturing Quality Manger
Wonderbrands Bakeries
11.2022 - 05.2023
Quality Assurance Manager - Edibles
Dycar Pharmecuticals
11.2021 - 11.2022
HSQA Manager
Compass Group Canada
09.2020 - 10.2021
Quality Assurance Manager
Compass Group Canada
01.2016 - 09.2020
Food Safety Specialist
Sobeys
04.2009 - 11.2015
Food Safety Specialist
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
05.2006 - 03.2009
Certificate in OccupationalHealth, Safety And Environmental -
University of Fredericton
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science Technology
University of Alberta
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