Benjamin North
Warwick
Summary
Food Safety and Quality Assurance leader with 9+ years of progressive experience in food manufacturing, advancing into QA/QC management with full ownership of site Quality Management Systems. Proven expertise in leading BRCGS-certified operations, HACCP and GMP programs, supplier quality systems, and regulatory compliance across high-volume production environments. Experienced in directing QA/QC teams, driving audit readiness, and leading complex investigations and CAPA systems. Key contributor to a major facility expansion project, including redesign and implementation of a new QMS supporting a 3x increase in production capacity and installation of new processing equipment. Strong track record of elevating food safety culture, improving system maturity, and partnering with operations leadership to drive scalable, audit-ready quality systems.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager
Edesia Nutrition
North Kingstown, RI
01.2025 - Current
- Lead Quality Assurance and Quality Control operations within a BRCGS-certified food manufacturing facility
- Directly oversee both the Quality Assurance and Quality Control teams, providing leadership, training, and performance development
- Lead a major Quality Management System (QMS) overhaul, revising existing systems and implementing a new QMS to support a facility expansion project (3x production capacity increase and integration of new equipment)
- Maintain and continuously improve the QMS, including HACCP, GMP, allergen control, environmental monitoring, and traceability programs
- Lead investigations involving non-conforming materials, deviations, customer complaints, and food safety incidents; implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)
- Direct internal audit programs and support successful third-party, customer, and regulatory audits
- Oversee supplier qualification, approval, and performance monitoring programs for raw materials and packaging suppliers
- Partner cross-functionally with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to ensure compliance and successful ramp-up of expanded operations
- Analyze KPI and quality trending data to identify continuous improvement opportunities and reduce risk
- Develop, revise, and implement SOPs, GMPs, specifications, and food safety procedures to ensure regulatory and certification compliance
- Ensure compliance with FDA regulations and certification standards including BRCGS, RSPO, Kosher, Halal, Gluten-Free, and Non-GMO programs
Quality Assurance and Quality Control Supervisor
Edesia Nutrition
North Kingstown, RI
02.2020 - 01.2025
- Supervised daily QA/QC operations and led a team of eight direct reports
- Maintained, reviewed, and revised BRCGS standards and Quality Management System documentation
- Assisted the Quality Director with KPI reporting, SPC trending, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Conducted supplier qualification, surveillance, and approval audits for raw materials and packaging suppliers
- Monitored changes in food safety regulations and updated internal policies and procedures accordingly
- Led the internal auditing program and company-wide food safety training initiatives
- Wrote, revised, and maintained GMPs, SOPs, and quality documentation programs
- Developed supplier scorecards to evaluate and monitor supplier performance metrics
- Investigated non-conformances, deviations, customer complaints, and recall-related events; implemented CAPAs
- Supported HACCP reviews, food safety documentation systems, and internal audit activities
- Evaluated production processes to identify opportunities for quality and operational improvements
Quality Assurance Lead
Edesia Nutrition
North Kingstown, RI
10.2018 - 02.2020
- Oversaw daily activities of Raw Material Specialists and supported QA operations
- Reviewed and approved new suppliers in accordance with company food safety and quality standards
- Conducted supplier qualification and surveillance audits for raw materials and packaging suppliers
- Supported R&D with development and revision of raw material and finished product specifications
- Managed finished product release activities through the ERP system
- Maintained certification programs and renewals for RSPO, Non-GMO Project Verification, Kosher, Halal, and Gluten-Free certifications
- Revised and maintained GMPs, SOPs, and production documentation systems
- Participated in BRCGS, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, and additional third-party audits
Quality Assurance Technician
Edesia Nutrition
North Kingstown, RI
06.2017 - 10.2018
- Performed raw material receiving inspections, product sampling, and sensory evaluations
- Identified, isolated, and documented non-conforming raw materials
- Managed raw material and finished product sample submissions for testing and verification
- Released raw materials and managed COA documentation through the ERP system
- Maintained approved supplier records, specifications, and quality documentation
- Investigated raw material non-conformances and implemented corrective actions
- Verified compliance with Quality Management System procedures and food safety requirements
Quality Control Technician/Raw Material Specialist
Edesia Nutrition
North Kingstown, RI
05.2016 - 06.2017
- Conducted production floor inspections, GMP audits, and CCP verification checks to support food safety compliance
- Performed environmental monitoring, ATP testing, and raw material sampling in accordance with cGMPs and company SOPs
- Inspected incoming raw materials, packaging, and finished products for quality, safety, and specification compliance
- Documented and communicated quality or contamination concerns to appropriate departments for follow-up and resolution
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition And Dietetics
University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island2015
Skills
- Leadership and team development
- HACCP
- Quality management systems
- Customer satisfaction
- Employee training
- Continuous improvement
- Documentation control
- Supplier quality
- External and internal auditing
- Preventative and corrective actions
- Process validation
- Risk analysis and mitigation
- Team building
- Attention to detail
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
Certification
- HACCP Training
- PCQI
- Internal Auditing
- OSHA 10
- Lean Six Sigma
Timeline
Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager
Edesia Nutrition
01.2025 - Current
Quality Assurance and Quality Control Supervisor
Edesia Nutrition
02.2020 - 01.2025
Quality Assurance Lead
Edesia Nutrition
10.2018 - 02.2020
Quality Assurance Technician
Edesia Nutrition
06.2017 - 10.2018
Quality Control Technician/Raw Material Specialist
Edesia Nutrition
05.2016 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition And Dietetics
University of Rhode Island