Quality assurance professional skilled in ensuring high standards and achieving consistent, measurable results. Strong focus on team collaboration and conducting internal audits. Experienced in conducting investigations, assisting with closing audit findings, updating procedure and conducting trainings. Known for analytical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
4052
4052
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Microbiology Coordinator
Dickon Hall Foods
08.2021 - Current
Ensure all microbiological analysis of raw materials as required are done and finished products per batch are done
Manage all testing requirements for the factory and results thereof are maintained inclusive of sampling of water, air, hygiene swabs and environmental monitoring swabs as well as allergen swabs
Management and calibration of testing equipment
Raising and closing out NCR (Non conformance reports) within required time as per procedure
Conduct investigation for customer complaints, provide customer complaint report and trend analysis
Maintain up to date sampling plans as per procedure, customer requirements, SA & EU regulations
Carry out environmental monitoring as per plan and zones
Conduct process and systems audits based on FSSC 22000 requirements and customer requirements (Unilever, McDonalds, Tiger brands, Freddy Hirsch)
Participate fully in audit
Maintaining the food safety management system
Ensure laboratory consumables are always available to conduct analysis
Review tests conducted and ensure that the test results are captured and within specification
Verification of checks
Oversee the release of finished products
Verify the on-hold of non-conforming stock
Conduct validations (Cleaning and allergen validation, Cooking temperature validation, Foot bath validation, Glass breakage validation, pH & preservative validation)
Shelf life monitoring of products
Creating COAs for finished goods
Ensure availability of consumables
Carrying out orders, requisitions & Purchase Orders
Track and monitor customer complaints including investigating and reporting thereof to customers
Escalate to Senior management of all critical complaints
Liaise with engineering, production and packaging to ensure that investigation are timely conducted and tests/process are within required specification
Ensure discipline in execution of tasks by all direct reports
Management and document control of micro documents and procedures
Manage the micro lab team
Participate in traceability
Provide support during trials for new finished materials or development finished products due to changed raw materials or primary packaging materials
Conduct shelf life study
Execute tasks as may be requested by the Quality Assurance Manager or Technical Executive
Microbiology Analyst
Dickon Hall Foods
08.2021 - 12.2022
Prepare chemicals, dilutions, media and reagents accurately and ensure that they are available for test Microbiology testing of raw materials, final product, swabs and water samples
Monitor and control lab environmental temperature & humidity
Check laboratory controls, results and record accordingly
Trend Microbiology results
Lab general housekeeping, ensuring GLP and ISO 17025
Ensure safe disposal of Microbiology waste, good maintenance and that calibration of Laboratory equipment is up to date
Prepare samples for external analysis and Implementation of corrective actions