Arnold Andujar
CRANSTON,RI
Summary
Dynamic Food Safety & Quality Assurance Supervisor with a proven track record at Finlays Extracts & Ingredients. Expert in HACCP implementation and internal auditing, achieving a 98 score in SQF audits. Adept at team leadership and training, driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and compliance.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Safety & Quality Assurance Supervisor
Finlays Extracts & Ingredients
Cranston, RI
02.2025 - Current
- Promoted from Quality Assurance Technician to Supervisor in recognition of leadership, technical expertise, and quality performance
- Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of HACCP plans for three tea-based products, ensuring full regulatory and customer compliance
- Establish, enforce, and continuously improve food safety, quality, and GMP standards across chai and complete tea product lines
- Led a full SQF audit as the primary site contact, achieving a score of 98 with only two minor non-conformances across the entire facility
- Drove audit preparedness, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives, maintaining SQF certification and enhancing customer confidence
- Interviewed, evaluated, and selected 30+ candidates, building and training a high-performing QA team of three
- Supervise, coach, and mentor QA staff to ensure consistent execution of food safety programs, laboratory testing, and quality procedures
- Oversee physical, chemical, and sensory testing using laboratory equipment including refractometers, densitometers, moisture analyzers, and pH meters to verify product specifications
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Production, Operations, and Management to resolve quality issues and implement process improvements
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, FDA, SQF, and food safety regulations specific to tea, chai blends, and aroma-sensitive products
- Monitor and protect tea aroma, flavor integrity, and product consistency through defined process controls and verification checks
- Food Safety & Quality Assurance Supervisor, 2000 Plainfield Pike, Cranston, RI 02921
Quality Assurance Technician
Finlays Extracts & Ingredients
Lincoln, RI
10.2023 - 05.2025
- Performed physical and chemical testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products using refractometers, densitometers, moisture analyzers, pH meters, and titration systems
- Verified product attributes including moisture content, density, acidity, soluble solids, and flavor profile
- Monitored production lines for defects or deviations, ensuring compliance with quality specifications
- Conducted sensory evaluations (taste, aroma, appearance) of tea and coffee products to ensure consistency with company and customer standards
- Collaborated with suppliers to confirm raw materials (tea leaves, coffee beans, spices) met quality requirements prior to production
- Coordinated with Procurement and Production teams to resolve quality issues efficiently and prevent recurrence
- Ensured compliance with FDA regulations, HACCP, GMP, and applicable certifications (Organic, Fair Trade)
- Conducted routine audits of production, storage, and packaging operations
- Analyzed quality and production data to identify trends and recommend corrective actions for enhanced consistency and yield
- Provided laboratory data, documentation, and traceability records to support internal and external audits
- Quality Assurance Technician, 10 Blackstone Valley Place, Lincoln, RI 02865
Quality Control Technician
PepsiCo
Cranston, RI
06.2021 - 09.2023
- Performed routine quality control testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure compliance with specifications
- Utilized laboratory equipment including pH meters, refractometers, moisture analyzers, densitometers, and titration systems to perform physical and chemical analyses
- Conducted inspections to ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, and FDA food safety standards
- Conducted sensory and organoleptic evaluations to assess taste, texture, aroma, and appearance
- Investigated quality deviations and non-conformances, supporting root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Maintained accurate testing records using computerized quality systems and reporting tools
- Assisted with internal and external audits by preparing documentation and demonstrating regulatory compliance
- Supported the development and implementation of quality control procedures and continuous improvement initiatives
- Trained and mentored new team members on laboratory testing, quality procedures, and food safety protocols
- Applied statistical methods to analyze production data, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency
- Quality Control Technician, 1400 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Education
High School Diploma -
Village Green Virtual
Providence, RI06.2016
Skills
- HACCP compliance
- Regulatory compliance
- Quality control
- Regulatory compliance
- Auditing and analysis
- Product testing
- Training and mentoring
- Team leadership
- Product testing
References
- Katherine Hinkle, LTCDR - Weapons Officer - Supervisor, Katherine.Hinke@ddg77.navy.mil, (858) 344-7555
- Christopher Taylor, LT - Supervisor, Christopher.taylor@ddg77.navy.mil, (954) 299-7733
- Zachary Williams, GMC – Supervisor, zachary.williams@ddg77.navy.mil, (239) 554-0932
Awards
- US Navy, 2016-2020
- Commanding Officer Letter of Appreciation
- Good Conduct Award
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (x 2)
Military Experience
United States Navy, Gunner’s Mate Second Class (E-5), 11/16, 11/20, Served aboard USS O’KANE (DDG-77) during an 8-month Western Pacific deployment supporting ballistic missile defense operations, Qualified in weapons, ordnance, and ammunition safety, handling, and transportation procedures, Certified in handgun, rifle, and crew-served weapons operation, maintenance, and safety, Supervised and supported 40+ command gun shoots as a qualified line coach, Trained and qualified 300+ personnel in weapons handling, safety, and marksmanship, Maintained accountability for a large weapons inventory and sensitive personnel records, Served as primary security reaction force member and ship’s armorer, Led MK 38 MOD 2 Machine Gun System maintenance and troubleshooting, overseeing mechanical and electrical systems
Timeline
Food Safety & Quality Assurance Supervisor
Finlays Extracts & Ingredients
02.2025 - Current
Quality Assurance Technician
Finlays Extracts & Ingredients
10.2023 - 05.2025
Quality Control Technician
PepsiCo
06.2021 - 09.2023
High School Diploma -
Village Green Virtual