Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Onkar Rattan

Fergus,ON

Summary

Experienced professional with a proven record of leading successful projects from conception to completion. Skilled in coordinating design teams, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards. Proficient in fostering collaboration among stakeholders to achieve project objectives. . Experienced in managing technical services, with a strong emphasis on project management, team leadership and strategic planning. Proven ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues while overseeing daily operations and ensuring customer satisfaction. Notable strengths include communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, all of which contribute to improving operational efficiency in past roles.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

R&D Professional

Pillers Fine Foods (A division of PBLOP)
Waterloo, Ontario
11.2023 - 01.2025

Assigned as Project Manager to transfer ready-to-eat meat products from Pillers Arthur Plant to Piller's Wismer Plant in Waterloo.

  • Developed and managed strategic plans for the project.
  • Liaised with R&D leadership and customers to build out the roadmap.
  • Assessed task completion to meet tight project deadlines.
  • Provided technical guidance and support during product transfers.
  • Collaborated with Operations, QA, and Procurement to ensure successful plant trials, and subsequently, product endorsement and product launches.
  • Evaluated the performance metrics of the project to identify areas for improvement.
  • Ensured compliance with legal regulations governing product standards.
  • Facilitated meetings between stakeholders to discuss project objectives and progress.
  • Help in creating plant trial schedules and resource allocation for this project.
  • Analyzed customer feedback data to inform changes to be implemented.
  • Facilitated communication between stakeholders throughout the product-transfer process.
  • Implemented quality control processes for all stages of product transferring.
  • Led cross-functional teams during the transfers of each product and the implementation of strategic control points.
  • Coordinated with vendors to secure necessary materials for R&D projects.
  • Identified potential risks associated with R&D projects and developed strategies to mitigate them.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.

Technical Services Manager

Golden Valley Farms Inc.
Arthur, Ontario
07.2009 - 11.2023
  • Planned, organized, and coordinated the activities of the Technical Services Department.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure successful deployment of projects.
  • Created product technical updates for systems.
  • Resolved escalated customer inquiries in a timely manner while maintaining high levels of professionalism.
  • Ensured customer satisfaction with prompt resolution of technical issues.
  • Provided training on new products to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Managed the selection and development of people and resources necessary to perform departmental functions.
  • Conducted regular assessments of existing systems to identify areas for improvement or replacement.
  • Generated concept designs, collaborated with customers to gain feedback and directed entire design process.
  • Documented all incidents, resolutions, changes in procedures, and other relevant information.
  • Maintained a high level of expertise in current technologies and industry trends.
  • Facilitated meetings between stakeholders to discuss project objectives and progress.
  • Made technical suggestions regarding modifications to documentation, product performance, and failure analysis.
  • Organized data and modeled information for use in key decision-making.
  • Advised clients about project concerns for in-development projects.
  • Encouraged team collaboration and motivated individual employees through positive reinforcement and technical recognition.
  • Managed and provided technical support to internal and external customers.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively in relation to R&D.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Contributed innovative ideas regarding product development.
  • Created an in-house labeling computer program for product labeling.
  • Assist in SR&RD claims write-offs annually.
  • Adopted a novel approach toward developing clean label RTE meat products.
  • Created organic and RTE meat products with special label claims, such as Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA), for Canadian and U.S. markets.

Quality Assurance Manager

Cargill Meats Canada
London
07.2007 - 04.2009
  • Supervised and guided inspectors, technicians, and other staff.
  • Conducted risk assessments and validation activities to mitigate potential quality and compliance risks.
  • Determined optimum points to sample products and created protocols to obtain reliable data.
  • Participated in meetings with customers regarding product specifications or other quality-related topics.
  • Compiled data on quality issues and vulnerabilities and reported findings with suggestions for improvement.
  • Performed root cause analysis on non-conforming materials or products in order to determine appropriate corrective actions.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategies for improving product quality.
  • Developed and implemented quality assurance policies and procedures.
  • Coordinated with production and development teams to integrate quality assurance measures into all phases of product lifecycle.
  • Reviewed customer complaints and identified trends in order to develop corrective action plans.
  • Managed the development and maintenance of quality management systems (QMS), ensuring continuous improvement and efficiency.
  • Managed continuous improvement strategies to improve manufacturing margins and reduce costs.
  • Facilitated regular quality reviews with senior management, providing insights and recommendations for quality improvement.
  • Represented the quality assurance department in cross-departmental meetings, contributing to strategic planning and operational efficiency.
  • Investigated customer feedback and developed strategies for addressing complaints quickly and efficiently.
  • Updated and maintained documentation related to quality assurance processes, procedures, and reports to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Reviewed current standards and policies.
  • Fielded customer complaints and rectified service issues.
  • Collaborated with R&D teams to establish quality criteria for new products, ensuring design for quality and manufacturability.
  • Conducted internal audits of processes, products, and systems to ensure compliance with quality standards.
  • Monitored product trends and suggested changes.
  • Coordinated with other departments such as engineering, manufacturing, sales. in order to resolve any issues related to product quality.
  • Analyzed quality control test results and provided feedback and interpretation to production management or staff.
  • Fostered a culture of quality across the organization by promoting awareness and understanding of quality standards and their importance.
  • Managed company onboarding processes, interviewing, and selecting new quality assurance personnel.
  • Managed customer complaints and non-conformance issues, ensuring swift resolutions and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.

Quality Assurance Manager

Golden Valley Farms Inc.
Arthur, Ontario
04.1999 - 07.2007
  • Supervised and guided inspectors, technicians, and other staff.
  • Conducted risk assessments and validation activities to mitigate potential quality and compliance risks.
  • Participated in meetings with customers regarding product specifications or other quality-related topics.
  • Performed root cause analysis on non-conforming materials or products in order to determine appropriate corrective actions.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategies for improving product quality.
  • Developed and implemented quality assurance policies and procedures.
  • Coordinated with production and development teams to integrate quality assurance measures into all phases of product lifecycle.
  • Reviewed customer complaints and identified trends in order to develop corrective action plans.
  • Created, edited, and updated project manuals and technical documentation used by entire QA team.
  • Trained personnel on the use of new technologies or techniques designed to improve product reliability or safety standards.
  • Managed continuous improvement strategies to improve manufacturing margins and reduce costs.
  • Facilitated regular quality reviews with senior management, providing insights and recommendations for quality improvement.
  • Represented the quality assurance department in cross-departmental meetings, contributing to strategic planning and operational efficiency.
  • Investigated customer feedback and developed strategies for addressing complaints quickly and efficiently.
  • Trained and mentored quality assurance staff, enhancing their skills and knowledge in quality standards and best practices.
  • Maintained records of all test results and monitored trends over time in order to detect potential problems early on.
  • Updated and maintained documentation related to quality assurance processes, procedures, and reports to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Troubleshot product issues and fixed problems.
  • Reviewed current standards and policies.
  • Fielded customer complaints and rectified service issues.
  • Conducted internal audits of processes, products, and systems to ensure compliance with quality standards.
  • Monitored product trends and suggested changes.
  • Established procedures and quality standards.
  • Evaluated supplier performance against pre-defined criteria and negotiated contract terms accordingly.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive quality assurance policies and procedures to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Documented all findings from investigations into non-conformances in order to track progress towards resolution.
  • Analyzed quality control test results and provided feedback and interpretation to production management or staff.
  • Fostered a culture of quality across the organization by promoting awareness and understanding of quality standards and their importance.
  • Analyzed quality control data to identify trends, root causes of issues, and areas for improvement in processes and product quality.
  • Provided guidance on process improvements and best practices in order to maintain high levels of product quality.
  • Monitored production activities for conformance to established quality requirements.
  • Created reports detailing results from inspections, tests, investigations that were used by senior management for decision-making purposes.
  • Established product specifications and quality assurance practices.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.

Manager Quality Control

Prime Foods Processing Inc.
Waterloo, Ontario
09.1993 - 04.1999
  • Developed and implemented quality procedures for each product to bring consistency for customer loyalty.
  • Documenting standard operating procedures for each product.
  • Managed risk by developing and implementing effective risk management strategies.
  • Help in implementing the Canadian HACCP system in the plant.
  • Used a novel approach in processing to cut the cost on frozen product processing.
  • Helped in establishing the cryogenic tunnel for flesh freezing of frozen entrées in lieu of conventional freezing.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
  • Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
  • Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly, maintaining a positive brand image.
  • Implemented quality control measures to uphold company standards.
  • Coached, mentored and trained floor people to improve quality standards.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, industry standards.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.

Education

Master of Science - Food Science

University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB
10-1992

Skills

  • New product evaluations
  • Activity monitoring
  • Test procedures development
  • Tech support
  • Telecommunications
  • Stakeholder communication

Affiliations

Loves Food, Regular movie goer and love traveling

Certification

  • Professional member with Ontario Institute of Agrology

Languages

English
Professional
Hindi
Professional
Punjabi
Professional

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

R&D Professional

Pillers Fine Foods (A division of PBLOP)
11.2023 - 01.2025

Technical Services Manager

Golden Valley Farms Inc.
07.2009 - 11.2023

Quality Assurance Manager

Cargill Meats Canada
07.2007 - 04.2009

Quality Assurance Manager

Golden Valley Farms Inc.
04.1999 - 07.2007

Manager Quality Control

Prime Foods Processing Inc.
09.1993 - 04.1999

Master of Science - Food Science

University of Manitoba
Onkar Rattan