Hermia Lee Davids
National Quality Manager
Pietermaritzburg
Summary
To secure a position where I can apply my expertise in Quality Management, Food Safety Management Systems, regulatory compliance, and Health & Safety governance. To strengthen quality frameworks, drive continuous improvement, and ensure the highest standards of product integrity and consumer safety across operations.
Results-driven quality management professional prepared to bring high standard of excellence to role. Known for driving improvements in operational processes and ensuring adherence to rigorous quality standards. Strong focus on team collaboration and delivering impactful results while adapting to changing needs. Skilled in quality assurance methodologies and regulatory compliance with reputation for reliability and flexibility.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
4
4
Languages
Work History
National Quality Manager
Truda Foods - KZN Head Office
Pietermaritzburg
06.2024 - Current
- Coordinated with external auditors during certification audits for ISO 9001, 2015 Quality Management System accreditation, successfully meeting all requirements set forth by the standardizing body.
- Conducted regular audits to ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies, maintaining high-quality standards.
- Optimized supply chain operations by evaluating suppliers'' performance and ensuring adherence to established guidelines for product quality.
- Managed a team of quality inspectors responsible for conducting routine inspections on products throughout various stages of production.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas of improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Designed training programs for staff members, improving their understanding of quality management principles and best practices.
- Led numerous cross-departmental projects aimed at achieving better alignment between manufacturing, engineering, procurement, sales, and service functions regarding the company''s commitment to delivering high-quality products.
- Reduced defect rates through rigorous root cause analysis investigations and implementation of effective corrective measures.
- Streamlined production processes to reduce waste and improve efficiency, ultimately reducing costs.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving quality-related complaints in a timely manner.
- Facilitated the creation of a risk management plan to identify potential threats to product quality and proposed mitigation strategies to minimize their impact on business operations.
- Developed a comprehensive quality assurance strategy that integrated customer feedback, internal audit findings, and industry best practices for continuous improvement.
- Established key performance indicators to measure the success of the implemented quality initiatives, continuously monitoring progress toward goals.
- Implemented process improvements that resulted in increased efficiency without compromising product quality or safety requirements.
- Ensured documentation accuracy by reviewing reports, records, and other relevant paperwork related to quality management initiatives.
- Championed continuous improvement efforts within the organization, fostering a culture of excellence in all aspects of operations.
- Spearheaded regular meetings among department heads to discuss ongoing issues related to product quality concerns, implementing proactive solutions to prevent future occurrences.
- Oversaw implementation of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, resulting in streamlined processes and decreased product defects.
- Developed and maintained a national quality management system for consistent results across all regions.
- Improved overall product quality by implementing new quality control processes and standards.
- Tracked quality issues with external customers, suppliers, and internal plant operations.
- Determined quality department standards, practices, and procedures.
- Established and tracked quality department goals and objectives.
- Recorded, analyzed, and distributed statistical information.
- Inspected products and worker progress throughout production.
- Collaborated with audit clients and action owners to apply root cause analysis guidance and establish effective corrective action plans.
- Scheduled and chaired quality review meetings to review effectiveness of performance mitigating risk, improving throughput and achieving customer satisfaction.
- Applied coaching techniques and tools to support managers and team members in improving performance.
- Reported production malfunctions to managers and production supervisors.
- Implemented new quality assurance and customer service standards.
- Developed quality planning for multiple new product launches by verifying customer requirements and implementing in design and production.
- Monitored staff organization and suggested improvements to daily functionality.
- Specified quality requirements of raw materials with suppliers.
- Assured consistent quality of production by implementing and enforcing automated practice systems.
Food Safety and Systems
Truda Foods - Cape Town
Cape Town, Western Cape
11.2022 - 06.2024
- Implemented and maintained food safety management systems. Conducted internal audits and managed corrective and preventative action processes. Ensured compliance with food safety legislation and certification requirements. Supported production teams in maintaining quality and safety standards. HACCP monitoring, GMP compliance, food safety inspections, documentation control, CCP and temperature monitoring, non-conformance reporting, corrective action support, sanitation and allergen control, traceability, and regulatory compliance assistance.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Resolved problems, improved operations, and provided exceptional service.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Owner
NU_DAHLIA – Cape Town
Cape Town, Western Cape
05.2020 - 01.2024
- Manage overall business operations, sales and customer engagement. Develop marketing strategies and oversee brand growth. Strategic planning, financial management, operations oversight, customer relationship management, marketing and sales, supplier negotiation, staff leadership, performance monitoring, process improvement, and regulatory compliance.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
- Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
Supervisor
Exclusive Books – Cape Town
Cape Town, Western Cape
04.2017 - 05.2020
- Supervised daily store operations and team performance. Managed stock control, customer service and achievement of sales targets. Customer service, sales and upselling, inventory control, merchandising, POS systems, cash handling, stock management, order processing, product knowledge, and supplier coordination.
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Resolved conflicts among team members promptly, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Mentored junior staff members in their career development, sharing knowledge from years of experience in the field.
- Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
Education
BSc - Consumer Science – Food and Nutrition
11.2027
January 2020 - In progress
Diploma - Consumer Science – Food and Nutrition
11-2019
Advanced Diploma - Novel Food Technologies for Food Processing and Shelf-Life Extension
11.2026
July 2025 - In progress
Diploma - Quality Management
07-2023
Diploma - Operations Management
04.2001 -
Intermediate Certificate - FSSC 22000 - Fundamentals of Food Safety System
04.2001 -
Intermediate Certificate - Fundamentals of British Retail Compliance (BRC)
04.2001 -
Diploma - Food Safety
07-2023
Certificate - ISO 2200:2018 – Elements of Food Safety Management systems (FSMS)
07-2022
Skills
Quality management systems
Certification
May 2025 Certificate: Masterclass Food Labelling Claims
Interests
Violin, Playing squash, Reading, Cooking and Baking
WORK EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
- Project management foundations: Quality
- Becoming a Product manager
- Management foundations
- Agile new product development for manufactures
- Business acumen for project management
- Transitioning to product management
- Adaptive project leadership
- Project management: Building a project strategy
Timeline
National Quality Manager - Truda Foods - KZN Head Office
06.2024 - Current
Food Safety and Systems - Truda Foods - Cape Town
11.2022 - 06.2024
Owner - NU_DAHLIA – Cape Town
05.2020 - 01.2024
Supervisor - Exclusive Books – Cape Town
04.2017 - 05.2020
Alison Online - Diploma, Operations Management
04.2001 -
Alison Online - Intermediate Certificate, FSSC 22000 - Fundamentals of Food Safety System
04.2001 -
Alison Online - Intermediate Certificate, Fundamentals of British Retail Compliance (BRC)
04.2001 -
University of South Africa - BSc, Consumer Science – Food and Nutrition
Cape Peninsula University of Technology - Diploma, Consumer Science – Food and Nutrition
Alison Online Learning - Advanced Diploma, Novel Food Technologies for Food Processing and Shelf-Life Extension
Alison Online Learning - Diploma, Quality Management
Alison Online Learning - Diploma, Food Safety
Alison Online Learning - Certificate, ISO 2200:2018 – Elements of Food Safety Management systems (FSMS)