Rohini Rajamani
Brampton,ON
Summary
Seasoned food technology and quality management professional offering 13+ years in food safety, quality, R&D and audit expertise within food & beverage industry. Developed stringent processes and training materials to govern manufacturing activities. Familiar with food safety legislation including Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards. Trusted partner to senior leaders for incident management, regulatory compliance and data-driven strategies on total quality management.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1
Language
Work History
Corporate QA Manager
Mondelez International, Via Give
09.2023 - Current
- Lead and own food safety and quality management programs at two co-packer facilities and one storage& distribution center
- Manage performance of site QA technicians, senior QA technicians and QA supervisors at sites
- Provide technical leadership and expertise for all food safety and quality programs including revamping of programs and training
- Lead Mondelez Quality system implementation at sites including GFSI and customer audits by means of culture transformation, change management, engaging and training cross functional leaders
- Set up target KPI scores in conjunction with internal stakeholders
- Served as the escalation point for plant issues, to coordinate resolutions or implementation of new preventative measures
- Implemented hygienic zoning and storage measures at ambient storage warehouses and co-packing sites
- Lead QA corporate initiatives with internal stakeholders
- Conduct internal audits and gap assessment (in preparation of Mondelez audit) for other corporate sites
- Highlights: Coordinate with external manufacturers, co-packers and distribution centers as Corporate Quality representative by performing second party audits, gap assessments and serve as point of contact for all food safety and quality concerns/situations.
- Tracked quality issues with external customers, suppliers, and internal plant operations
- Increased customer satisfaction with products by ensuring consistent quality across all platforms and devices
- Maintained a high standard of product performance by conducting thorough regression testing on each release
- Investigated customer complaints and performed corrective actions to resolve quality issues
- Implemented risk-based testing strategies that prioritized high-risk scenarios, enabling efficient use of resources during tight deadlines
- Assessed product quality by monitoring quality assurance metrics, reports and dashboards
- Applied coaching techniques and tools to support managers and team members in improving performance
- Promoted continuous learning within the QA department through regular workshops and trainings focused on evolving industry best practices
- Collaborated with stakeholders to establish key performance indicators for the QA team, driving continuous improvement efforts throughout the organization
- Enhanced product quality by implementing rigorous testing procedures and protocols
- Created and maintained quality management systems to align with industry standards
- Monitored staff organization and suggested improvements to daily functionality
- Ensured compliance with industry best practices by staying abreast of emerging trends in quality assurance management
- Championed data-driven decision-making within the QA team, leveraging analytics tools to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement
- Assured consistent quality of production by implementing and enforcing automated practice systems
- Conducted root cause analysis on recurring defects, implementing corrective measures to prevent future occurrences
- Implemented new quality assurance and customer service standards
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement process and system improvements
- Recorded, analyzed, and distributed statistical information
- Inspected products and worker progress throughout production
- Oversaw vendor relationships to ensure adherence to quality standards during outsourced projects or collaborations
- Performed root cause analysis to identify and resolve quality issues and defects
- Streamlined bug reporting process, expediting resolution times for critical issues
- Evaluated interactions between associates and customers to assess personnel performance
- Established a culture of collaboration within the QA department, fostering open communication channels among team members
- Conducted risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential quality issues
- Scheduled and chaired quality review meetings to review effectiveness of performance mitigating risk, improving throughput and achieving customer satisfaction
- Determined quality department standards, practices, and procedures
- Developed quality planning for multiple new product launches by verifying customer requirements and implementing in design and production
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless coordination between QA, development, and support departments
- Conducted process and system audits to identify areas of improvement and enforce compliance with industry standards
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance and support to help them excel in their roles and contribute effectively to the organization
- Developed and implemented comprehensive quality assurance plans to monitor product quality and adherence to regulatory standards
- Reported production malfunctions to managers and production supervisors
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic
Quality Assurance Manager
Mondelez International
Etobicoke
03.2023 - 09.2023
- Managed food safety and quality management programs including maintenance, implementation, verification of procedures and take the lead in initiatives towards implementation with production/ logistics team members
- Supervised and managed a team of QA technicians, senior QA and QA supervisors
- Managed recalls and served as the point of site contact for CFIA and FDA
- Was the Quality/Food safety contact for new line commissioning projects and equipment decommissioning projects
- Review of HED and SAT checklists including preliminary food safety evaluation with engineering teams
- Initiate, participate and establish RCA through discussion sessions with other departmental members including follow through on the food safety/quality protocols
- Introduced bulk traceability for the site operations and collaborate with site engineering teams to provide QA/ Food safety input for various contractor activities
- Served as the main escalation point for all major food safety and quality concerns.
QA Supervisor
Mondelez International
Brampton
07.2022 - 03.2023
- Managed upgrade of HACCP and pre-requisite programs to Mondelez QMS system by means of gap assessments and on-site verification
- Review of Storage and Distribution protocols with internal stakeholders, revamp the GDSP protocols, visitor/driver sign in policy, product return policy including implementation
- Conduct an assessment on how different ERPs between sites affects finished product traceability and propose to senior leadership
- Implement product evaluation protocols following customer complaints and assist in HOLD disposition and investigation.
QA Supervisor
Mondelez International, Via
Concord
12.2020 - 07.2022
- Ensure food safety and quality management programs are being followed
- Lead SQF and internal audits including those for customers
- Enforced HACCP and pre-requisite programs, as well as programs for GMP, Allergens, and Health & Safety to maintain operating and product liability risk within specified parameters
- Implement statistical process controls (SPC) with a view to driving higher process efficiency
- Designed and delivered training materials for GMP and HACCP internally for all departments
- Coached employees on quality, regulatory, and food safety principles to assure consistency
- Monitored environmental micro programs, utilized KPI dashboards, scorecards and tools to identify deviations and initiate corrective actions with cross functional teams
- Served as the escalation point for plant issues, customer complaints and supplier concerns to conduct root-cause analysis, and coordinate resolutions or the implementation of new preventative measures
- Collaborated with unit leaders in Plant Operations, Product Development, Supply Chain, Regulatory Compliance and Operations to validate the readiness and specifications of new products prior to launch
- Managed supplier relations to verify quality standards within parameters.
OPERATION - Quality Assurance Technician
GIVE & GO PREPARED FOODS CO
Toronto
11.2018 - 12.2020
- Performed daily line verification checks to ensure GMP is being followed, quality and food safety operational criteria is being met and customer requirements are being met
- Conducted weekly GMP, Glove and Sleeve audits, and reviewed product manufacturing specifications to determine whether the product and packaging followed special instructions
- Maintained communication channels with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Inventory, Product Development, Supply Chain, and Shipping & Receiving teams to drive streamlined production processes.
Quality Assurance Coordinator
BELVIKA PACKAGING LTD
11.2017 - 11.2018
- Headed the development and improvement of the quality management system including all aspects of documentation and recordkeeping; was designated as the point person in charge of on-site quality issues during afternoon and night shifts for 19 lines
- Built the Nestle sensory program for inbound bulk and outgoing finished products.
Quality Assurance Executive
HINDUSTAN COCA, PVT. LTD
COLA
01.2015 - 01.2016
Compliance Auditor
COCA, EUROPEAN PARTNERS
COLA
01.2012 - 01.2014
Research Associate
CADBURY ENGLAND
01.2009 - 01.2011
Education
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Pondicherry University
Master of Science - Food Technology – Quality
Reading University
Bachelor of Technology - Biotechnology
Anna University
Skills
- Site QA teams leadership and development
- Corporate cross functional collaboration and training
- Conflict management
- Change management
- Gap assessment
- Regulatory Compliance
- Incident Management including recalls
- Root-Cause Analysis
- Customer and Vendor management
- Leadership essentials
- Second party audits
- Hygienic Design
Certification
- Leadership essentials – STAC.
- Preventive Control Qualified Individual (PCQI) Training - 2021
- SQF Implementation Exam (passed) - 2021
- AIB – Science of Baking Foundation Course - 2020
- Risk Management, Internal Auditor Training, Basic HACCP Training - 2019
- Neogen Verataox Food Allergen Detection System Training - 2018
- IRCA – Certified Lead Auditor Training (ISO 9001:2008; ISO 22000:2005) - 2013
- OHSAS 18001 – Health and Safety IRCA-certified Internal Auditor Training - 2013
Timeline
Corporate QA Manager
Mondelez International, Via Give
09.2023 - Current
Quality Assurance Manager
Mondelez International
03.2023 - 09.2023
QA Supervisor
Mondelez International
07.2022 - 03.2023
QA Supervisor
Mondelez International, Via
12.2020 - 07.2022
OPERATION - Quality Assurance Technician
GIVE & GO PREPARED FOODS CO
11.2018 - 12.2020
Quality Assurance Coordinator
BELVIKA PACKAGING LTD
11.2017 - 11.2018
Quality Assurance Executive
HINDUSTAN COCA, PVT. LTD
01.2015 - 01.2016
Compliance Auditor
COCA, EUROPEAN PARTNERS
01.2012 - 01.2014
Research Associate
CADBURY ENGLAND
01.2009 - 01.2011
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Pondicherry University
Master of Science - Food Technology – Quality
Reading University
Bachelor of Technology - Biotechnology
Anna University
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