Amanda Ayers
Portland,OR
Summary
Dedicated leader with +10 years experience in quality & food safety manufacturing and corporate retail. Solution-oriented professional with established experience cultivating positive relationships and exceeding goals. Proven abilities to structure quality systems to improve products and control costs with strict quality procedures. Creates a culture of continuous improvement through data driven results and team development.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Assurance & Food Safety Manager
Bridgetown Natural Foods
09.2021 - Current
- Co- manufacturer for some of the nation’s fasting growing and most innovative snack food processors
- Lead deployment of food safety and sanitation standards ensuring alignment with GFSI and FDA regulations
- Work directly with external and internal stakeholders to maintain KPIs standards
- Responsible for the success of all food safety and certifying audits including external co-man customers
- Reduced top customer complaint category by 10% within one year by focusing on quality first and standardized testing program
- Ensure that appropriate standard operating procedures (SOP's) are developed and maintained for all aspects of food process, food safety, raw materials, finished food and customer specifications
- Ensured the implementation of robust sanitation and environmental monitoring programs to mitigate microbial risks and uphold product quality standards
- Coached, onboarded, and developed food safety and quality leaders to enhance their capabilities and drive successful outcomes
- Investigate and resolve quality-related issues promptly, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement corrective and preventive actions
- Support and manage quality continuous improvement projects and goals.
Quality Assurance Director
Salt & Straw
01.2020 - 09.2021
- An artisanal ice cream retail chain famous for an ever-changing menu of specialty flavors
- Developed corporate food safety, quality, and sanitation programs for retail & manufacturing locations
- Regularly traveled to all production and co-manufacturing facilities to oversee quality control measures and promote a culture of excellence
- Managed a comprehensive co-manufacturing and supplier physical auditing program, resulting in enhanced product quality and compliance
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure alignment with food safety and quality objectives
- Received highest accolades for quickly implementing and maintaining company-wide COVID-19 policies for retail and manufacturing locations (Won Teammate of the Year Award 2020)
Quality Assurance Manager
Salt & Straw
10.2015 - 01.2020
- Promoted a food safety and quality-focused culture by implementing best practices and training programs
- Conducted independent food safety inspections and effectively communicated findings to upper management, facilitating informed decision-making
- Led recall planning and management efforts, collaborating with internal teams and external parties to mitigate risks and protect consumer safety
- Ensured regulatory compliance internally and across customers and suppliers, staying abreast of food safety regulations and implementing necessary updates
- Led and developed a high-performing team to support commercialization activities, ensuring successful product launches and market entry
- Created succession plans for laddered growth and leadership within the Quality Assurance and Sanitation departments.
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Portland Brewing Company (Pyramid Breweries)
08.2010 - 10.2015
- A historic mid-size brewery originating in Portland, a subsidiary of North American Breweries
- Coordinated laboratory practices, activities, and staffing of QA technicians
- Worked collaboratively with management to assist in development of quality assurance processes, procedures, reports, and forms
- Monitored all functions of the brewery for quality assurance with the use of precise measuring instruments and complex test equipment, generating, compiling, and evaluating assurance data.
- Brewery Microbiologist
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Conservation & Wildlife Management
Delaware Valley University
Skills
- Manufacturing Quality Assurance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Equipment Calibration
- Pest control management
- Foreign Material Detection
- Allergen Control
- Food Microbiology
- Continuous Improvement
- Analytical Skills
- Project Management
- Quality Testing
- Environmental Monitoring
- Leadership Development
- Lean Manufacturing
- Microsoft Programs
- Google Applications
Certification
- SQF Practitioner, SQF Institute, 2021
- PCQI, FSPCA, 2018
- Food Safety Manager, FSP, 2015
- HACCP, AIB International, 2012
Timeline
Quality Assurance & Food Safety Manager
Bridgetown Natural Foods
09.2021 - Current
Quality Assurance Director
Salt & Straw
01.2020 - 09.2021
Quality Assurance Manager
Salt & Straw
10.2015 - 01.2020
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Portland Brewing Company (Pyramid Breweries)
08.2010 - 10.2015
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Conservation & Wildlife Management
Delaware Valley University
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