Sereana Ledua Kaufuti
Ba,Fiji
Summary
An experienced Quality Assurance Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the Food production industry. Skilled in Laboratory management, Sensory evaluation, and Food Safety Management System. Strong Quality Assurance professional with a Bachelor’s degree focused in Food and Nutrition and Management and Public administration from the University of the South Pacific.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
QA Manager
Bhikhabhai Company Ltd
09.2023 - Current
- Day to Day Operations: Maintain & Manage the daily processes and procedures of the Quality system implemented to achieve with the Quality goals setup by the Company and also in compliance with all the statutory requirements.
- Team Management: Lead, mentor, motivate and train in line with the Company's vision and mission to achieve the Strategic goals of quality management.
- Compliance & Regulatory: Develop, document, educate, maintain, monitor and audit all the Accredited Food Quality Management systems such that we are following all the requirements.
- Training: Regularly carry out trainings to increase the knowledge and awareness of Quality Management system and Compliance.
- Project Management: Execute projects that would grow and transform the QA and Production Departments.
- Customer Management: Manage and oversee all Quality Matters for customers through the Sales Team for both Companies.
- Continuous Improvement: Constantly keep learning for new systems, procedures or processes to improve our systems to achieve greater quality and efficiencies.
- Catering Food Safety Management: Work with all the Catering teams and oversee all the Quality controls of Catering services provided.
- Reporting: Collect, Analyse and Report on all Quality Matters as required on a scheduled basis for feedback and improvements.
- General Duties: Carries out other duties as requested or assigned by your reporting authority
Acting Quality Assurance Manager
Southern Cross Foods Pte Ltd
02.2023 - 07.2023
- Accountable for New Product Development processes and regulatory compliance standards.
- Accountable for management, training, development & succession plans for Applications Group.
- Responsible for generation/issue/maintenance of Raw Material, Packaging and Finished Goods specifications.
- Oversee trials and validate process parameters.
- Validate shelf life of new product with specified packaging.
- Define Product Release Criteria, Product & Packaging formulations on line and finished product.
- Develop new recipes on basis of project briefs, complying with quality / regulatory & costs requirements.
- Provide relevant information for product costing.
- Creating material / codes / BOM.
- Co-ordinates p-HACCP study & p-QMS creation.
- Recipe Management-Ensure that recipes are updated and recipes distributed as per guidelines.
- Conduct process audits for compliance to the issued recipes.
- Comply with national & International audits for recipes & BOM maintenance.
- Improvement Management-Be pro-active participant in 60/40+ process to achieve consumer preference.
- Participate in suppliers’ audit.
- Implement, manage, review and develop quality systems to ensure that they meet regulatory, Company (NFMS, FSSC) and customer requirements.
- Implement, manage, review and develop all aspects of food safety, HACCP, environmental monitoring, trace-ability and release procedures, to ensure that product safety is maintained.
- Monitor advice on, and improve all aspects of factory hygiene, GMP and pest control systems to ensure compliance with legal requirements and Company policy and standards.
- Work together with Production to advise on and implement improvements in Quality Standards and food safety systems.
- Monitor and control the quality of all raw materials to ensure that they meet factory requirements.
- Supplier management, management of current and new suppliers.
- Manage quality incidents, internal holds and Exceptional releases when required by advising, approving and authorizing courses of action.
- Provide ongoing technical advice and support to Manufacturing Operations, and provide technical information as requested to customers.
- Customer complaint management: conduct root cause analysis.
- Liaise with Nestle co manufacturing team QA on quality and food safety matters related to MAGGI Noodles.
- Participate as a member of large complex projects with multifunctional teams leading them as and when required managing them through to completion.
- Manage the QA department in compliance with the legal requirements and Company policy and standards of Occupational Health and Safety.
Quality Assurance Laboratory Supervisor
Southern Cross Foods Pte Ltd
06.2016 - 02.2023
- Manage, plan and organize quality and environmental laboratory to ensure operational requirements.
- Provide trainings to all quality and environmental laboratory personnel.
- Provide training competency matrix to human resource on periodic basis until probation period ends.
- Communication and follow ups with suppliers and customers.
- Create departmental budget yearly.
- Responsible in creating Key Performance Indicators and job descriptions for quality and environmental laboratory personnel.
- Developing and maintaining quality and environmental laboratory Standard Operating Procedures along with its policies.
- Factory document controller- responsible for developing and maintaining quality procedures, forms, on line standards and work instructions.
- Collaboratively work with Nestle Quality Assurance Centre for best laboratory practices and compliance to Nestle requirement.
- Responsible for developing and maintaining Laboratory Internal Control Plan (ICP).
- Analytical methods monitoring: ensuring Quality Control (QC) charts are in use for all test methods used.
- Develop and analyze statistical data to control and reduce process variation.
- Manage filings of laboratory records and monthly trend and reports.
- Maintains laboratory materials and equipment supplies by regularly checking stock level.
- Responsible for closure for Nestle Good Laboratory Practice (NGLP) audit gaps.
- Coordinate and manage supplier audits.
- Assist in reviewing HACCP, VACCP and TACCP documentation for the factory.
- Ensuring verification and validation of Laboratory analytical methods.
- Ensure Nestle Proficiency Testing and Global Proficiency is completed for all test methods as per requirements.
- Manage and investigate deviations in results in laboratory (conducting root cause analysis).
- Assist in SGS and Nestle Food Safety Management system (FSMS) audit gaps closure.
- Conduct internal verification audits on food safety management system requirements.
- Develop and conduct Quality Awareness training.
- Coordinate and report Traceability and Mock Recall exercises to Nestle Contract Manufacturing Team.
- Manage quality department in absence of quality manager.
Quality Assurance Supervisor (Food Quality Assurance)
Southern Cross Foods Ltd
01.2010 - 06.2016
- Trained in-house Pest controller for the site.
- Foreign body officer for the site (Coordinate FB investigations with the team).
- Sensory analyst for the factory (including trial product).
- Maintain the release and Quarantine System for finished products.
- Maintain an effective Document Control System in the factory.
- Maintain the ICP system for the factory.
- Conduct Quality training on Good Manufacturing Practice, Pest Control, Foreign body and Allergen management.
Acting Quality Assurance Manager
Southern Cross Foods Ltd
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Accountable for New Product Development processes and regulatory compliance standards.
- Accountable for management, training, development & succession plans for Applications Group.
- Responsible for generation/issue/maintenance of Raw Material, Packaging and Finished Goods specifications.
- Oversee trials and validate process parameters.
- Validate shelf life of new product with specified packaging.
- Define Product Release Criteria, Product & Packaging formulations on line and finished product.
- Develop new recipes on basis of project briefs, complying with quality / regulatory & costs requirements.
- Provide relevant information for product costing.
- Creating material / codes / BOM.
- Co-ordinates p-HACCP study & p-QMS creation.
- Recipe Management-Ensure that recipes are updated and recipes distributed as per guidelines.
- Conduct process audits for compliance to the issued recipes.
- Comply with national & International audits for recipes & BOM maintenance.
- Improvement Management-Be pro-active participant in 60/40+ process to achieve consumer preference.
- Participate in suppliers’ audit.
- Implement, manage, review and develop quality systems to ensure that they meet regulatory, Company (NFMS, FSSC) and customer requirements.
- Implement, manage, review and develop all aspects of food safety, HACCP, environmental monitoring, trace-ability and release procedures, to ensure that product safety is maintained.
- Monitor advice on, and improve all aspects of factory hygiene, GMP and pest control systems to ensure compliance with legal requirements and Company policy and standards.
- Work together with Production to advise on and implement improvements in Quality Standards and food safety systems.
- Monitor and control the quality of all raw materials to ensure that they meet factory requirements.
- Supplier management, management of current and new suppliers.
- Manage quality incidents, internal holds and Exceptional releases when required by advising, approving and authorizing courses of action.
- Provide ongoing technical advice and support to Manufacturing Operations, and provide technical information as requested to customers.
- Customer complaint management: conduct root cause analysis.
- Liaise with Nestle co manufacturing team QA on quality and food safety matters related to MAGGI Noodles.
- Participate as a member of large complex projects with multifunctional teams leading them as and when required managing them through to completion.
- Manage the QA department in compliance with the legal requirements and Company policy and standards of Occupational Health and Safety.
Quality Assurance Assistant
Nestle - Southern Cross Foods Ltd
07.2005 - 01.2010
- Laboratory Maintenance – analyses chemical properties of manufactured products & raw materials according to laboratory instructions, and ensure proper documentation.
- Maintain & follow up ongoing compliance to the laboratory Internal Control Plan (ICP) – ensure proper maintenance and calibration of laboratory.
- Export Paperwork – compile documentation required for release.
- Attend sensory panels & participate in all product tastings for release.
- Relieve in raw and pack releases in case of absenteeism.
- Hygiene team membership.
- Highlight all non conformance to QA Supervisor and /or QA Manager.
- Active participation in HACCP studies.
- Participate in Traceability and mock recall Exercise.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Management & Public Administration and Food and Nutrition
University of the South Pacific
First Aid & CPR - undefined
Fiji Red Cross
Vulnerability & Threat Assessment and Critical Points - undefined
Integrity Compliance Solutions
06.2019
ISO 22000: 2018 standard Food safety management Systems - undefined
Sri Lanka Standards Body of Sri Lanka
03.2019
Internal Auditing for ISO 22000: 2005 Food Safety Management Systems - undefined
Sri Lanka Standards Body of Sri Lanka
01.2018
Working in Confined Safety - undefined
National Training & Productivity Centre
08.2017
Fire Warden - undefined
National Fire Authority Fiji
08.2017
Basic Food Safety Management - undefined
National Training & Productivity Centre
04.2017
Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015 - undefined
Sri Lanka Standards Body of Sri Lanka
11.2016
Managing Allergens In Food Manufacturing - undefined
National Training & Productivity Centre
03.2011
Occupational Health and Safety Modules 1 & 2 - undefined
10.2008
Skills
- Proficient computer competency
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Flexible team player
- Interpersonal skills
- Relationship building skills
- Verbal communication skills
- Written communication skills
- Effective communication
- Interactive qualities
- Time management skills
- Administrative skills
- Organizational skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to meet tight deadlines
- Problem solving skills
- Creativity skills
- Attention to detail
- Command of written English
- Command of spoken English
- Good interpersonal skills
- Adaptability
- Focus
- Effective multitasking
- Goal-oriented
Accomplishments
- Certificate of NesGreatness - Acting Manager
- 2024 Directors award For Outstanding Manager Swits N Snax
- 2024 Most Improved Team of the Year Swits N Snax – Quality Assurance
- 2024 Most Improved Team of the Year Bhikhai Bhai – Quality Assurance
- 2024 Team of the Year – Quality Assurance – Swits N Snax
- Bachelor of Commerce (Management & Public Administration and Food and Nutrition), University of the South Pacific
- Vulnerability & Threat Assessment and Critical Points, 2019-06-01, Integrity Compliance Solutions, Australia
- ISO 22000: 2018 standard Food safety management Systems, 2019-03-01, Sri Lanka Standards Body of Sri Lanka
- Internal Auditing for ISO 22000: 2005 Food Safety Management Systems, 2018-01-01, Sri Lanka Standards Body of Sri Lanka
- Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015, 2016-11-01, Sri Lanka Standards Body of Sri Lanka
- Basic Food Safety Management, 2017-04-01, National Training & Productivity Centre, Fiji National University
- Managing Allergens In Food Manufacturing, 2011-03-01, National Training & Productivity Centre, Fiji National University
- Occupational Health and Safety Modules 1 & 2, 2008-10-01, National Training & Productivity Centre, Fiji National University
- Working in Confined Safety, 2017-08-01, National Training & Productivity Centre, Fiji National University
- Fire Warden, 2017-08-01, National Fire Authority Fiji
- First Aid & CPR, 2015-07-01, Fiji Red Cross Fiji
- Leadership Module 4,5,6, 2022-08-01, Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation
Knowledge Skills Abilities
- Proficient computer competency (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
- Flexible team player in fast-paced work environment
- Interpersonal and relationship building skills
- Highly developed verbal and written communication skills
- Strong time management, administrative and organizational skills
- High critical thinking skills
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Problem solving skills
- Creativity skills – innovative
Interests Attitude
- Reading
- Take up challenges
- Meeting new people
Personal Information
- Title: Quality Assurance Manager
- Date of Birth: 5 July, 1981
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: Fiji citizen
- Marital Status: Married
Timeline
QA Manager
Bhikhabhai Company Ltd
09.2023 - Current
Acting Quality Assurance Manager
Southern Cross Foods Pte Ltd
02.2023 - 07.2023
Quality Assurance Laboratory Supervisor
Southern Cross Foods Pte Ltd
06.2016 - 02.2023
Acting Quality Assurance Manager
Southern Cross Foods Ltd
01.2016 - 06.2016
Quality Assurance Supervisor (Food Quality Assurance)
Southern Cross Foods Ltd
01.2010 - 06.2016
Quality Assurance Assistant
Nestle - Southern Cross Foods Ltd
07.2005 - 01.2010
First Aid & CPR - undefined
Fiji Red Cross
Vulnerability & Threat Assessment and Critical Points - undefined
Integrity Compliance Solutions
ISO 22000: 2018 standard Food safety management Systems - undefined
Sri Lanka Standards Body of Sri Lanka
Internal Auditing for ISO 22000: 2005 Food Safety Management Systems - undefined
Sri Lanka Standards Body of Sri Lanka
Working in Confined Safety - undefined
National Training & Productivity Centre
Fire Warden - undefined
National Fire Authority Fiji
Basic Food Safety Management - undefined
National Training & Productivity Centre
Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015 - undefined
Sri Lanka Standards Body of Sri Lanka
Managing Allergens In Food Manufacturing - undefined
National Training & Productivity Centre
Occupational Health and Safety Modules 1 & 2 - undefined
Bachelor of Commerce - Management & Public Administration and Food and Nutrition
University of the South Pacific
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