SIMRANJEET CHEEMA
Brampton,ON
Summary
Dynamic food safety and quality assurance professional with extensive experience in ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Expertise in leading teams, implementing robust quality control processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within production environments. Recognized for reliability, adaptability, and a results-oriented approach to managing evolving operational demands. Strong ability to foster collaboration, enhance efficiency, and uphold high standards in all facets of food safety and quality assurance, complemented by fluency in English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu for effective cross-cultural communication in diverse settings.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
FSQA Supervisor / SQF Practitioner
Fresh Start Foods
11.2021 - Current
- Quality & Regulatory Compliance: Lead daily QA operations for a high-volume manufacturing facility, ensuring full compliance with HACCP, SQF, GMPs, and CFIA regulatory requirements.
- Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of four QA technicians; assign responsibilities, verify critical records, and enforce high performance and accountability standards.
- Quality Systems Oversight: Author, review, and verify essential food safety documentation, including CCP records, metal detector logs, sanitation reports, and verification records to ensure data integrity and audit readiness.
- Investigations & CAPA: Lead customer complaint and allergen investigations, conducting detailed root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence.
- Audit Management: Plan and execute internal audits and successfully manage external audits (SQF, CFIA), consistently maintaining an audit-ready environment.
- Environmental Monitoring: Oversee environmental monitoring programs, including microbiological and allergen swabbing; analyze and trend results to proactively identify risks and deviations.
- Customer & Technical Support: Support new customer onboarding by preparing technical documentation, product specifications, and regulatory compliance packages.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Trained and mentored team members to enhance productivity and teamwork.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined workflow efficiency.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing feedback to promote employee development.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve operational challenges effectively.
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
- Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence.
- Developed staff skills through targeted training programs, resulting in improved performance and career growth opportunities.
- Developed comprehensive training program for new hires, significantly reducing learning curve and integrating them into team quickly.
- Oversaw compliance with industry regulations and company policies, ensuring safe and legal operational environment.
- Led quality assurance team to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations.
QA Coordinator
Fresh Start Foods
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Supported QA leadership in maintaining food safety programs, quality systems, and regulatory documentation.
- Verified production records for label accuracy, allergen controls, ingredient approvals, and release authorization.
- Conducted in-process quality checks and shelf-life studies against established specifications.
- Coordinated external laboratory testing and managed microbiological verification through environmental monitoring and swabbing programs.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced productivity and reduced project turnaround times.
- Analyzed data trends to inform strategic decisions and support ongoing project evaluations.
- Prioritized and managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all met their deadlines and objectives without compromising quality.
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
Lead Hand – Production
08.2018 - 03.2020
- Coordinated production line staff to improve workflow efficiency and meet daily production targets.
- Enforced compliance with GMPs, sanitation procedures, and workplace safety standards.
- Monitored in-process product quality and communicated issues promptly to minimize downtime and waste.
- Trained new employees on SOPs, safety requirements, and production documentation practices.
Education
Master of Computer Applications - MCA
Punjab Technical University
Jalandhar12.2013
Bachelor of Computer Applications - BCA
Punjab University
Chnadigarh05.2010
Skills
- Quality control techniques
- Incident investigation
- Microbiological testing
- Food safety compliance
Certification
- SQF Practitioner (Safe Quality Food)
- HACCP Certification
- PCQI – Preventive Controls Qualified Individual
- Internal Auditor Training
Timeline
FSQA Supervisor / SQF Practitioner
Fresh Start Foods
11.2021 - Current
QA Coordinator
Fresh Start Foods
03.2021 - 11.2021
Lead Hand – Production
08.2018 - 03.2020
Master of Computer Applications - MCA
Punjab Technical University
Bachelor of Computer Applications - BCA
Punjab University