Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Earl Nichols

Summary

Results-focused Food Safety professional with strength in regulatory compliance, food safety/quality systems and continuous improvement. Versed in different aspects of the manufacturing and distribution process from raw ingredient receipt, to final good release. Proactive leader with strengths in cross functional communication and collaboration. Authoritative Quality Assurance Director with 10 plus years improving product outcomes and evangelizing for customer rights. Proven provider of actionable business intelligence and practical enhancement plans. Builds, maintain and foster a culture of Food Safety and Quality.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Regional Food Safety Director

Fresh Point/Sysco
09.2023 - 03.2024
  • Monitored and supported Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) programs and inspection/audit procedures to ensure compliance of products and processes to corporate and regulatory requirements
  • Developed employee training of FSQA programs, policies, and procedures
  • Responsible for executing continuous improvement strategies to strengthen food safety and compliance, efficiency, integration and value for the business
  • Developed food safety programs that met USDA and FDA food safety requirements
  • Managed multiple direct Quality Assurance reports across various sites
  • Managed and developed a corporate environmental swabbing program
  • Developed and managed multiple site corporate Periodic Equipment Cleaning programs
  • Developed corporate KPI's in collaboration with Sales, Production, Maintenance and Executive staff for the purpose of continuous improvement
  • Developed platforms for recording, reviewing and assessing customer complaints for the purpose of continuous improvement
  • Managed thecompany's recall program and directed staff regarding customer notification, inventory handling, and reporting actions taken to regulatory bodies.

Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance

The Coastal Companies
09.2020 - 10.2023
  • Promoted from Director to Regional Director which encompassed 5 divisions within the Coastal Companies
  • Collaborated with the supply chain team to evaluate and select suppliers, ensuring they meet quality standards and conduct regular supplier audits
  • Worked closely with other departments, such as Production, R&D, and Engineering, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment on quality-related matters
  • Conducted internal quality audits to identify non-compliance issues, corrective actions, and preventive measures
  • Ensure readiness for external audits and inspections
  • Provided quality input and guidance during new product development, ensuring that quality considerations are incorporated from the early stages
  • Created and analyzed quality metrics and performance data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement
  • Generated regular reports for management and other stakeholders.

Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Hearn Kirkwood
05.2016 - 09.2020
  • Supported and assisted in audits for internal and external, regulatory, certification, customer, and or brand owner sources
  • Lead the quality and food safety team to enhance company-wide Food Safety Programs, contributing to the improvement of food safety and quality policies and programs
  • Managed and assessed customer complaints from members, suppliers, and supply chain entities
  • Implemented Non-Conformance, Root Cause Analysis, and Corrective Action procedures
  • Developed new product ideation methods that included all food safety requirements and labeling requirements prior to product launch
  • Reviewed product specifications regularly to ensure supplier compliance with regulatory and company requirements.

QA Manager

Deli Brands of America
06.2012 - 05.2016
  • Enforced processes and procedures to adhere to all USDA regulatory requirements
  • Reviewed and analyzed customer complaints and process defect data, followed by development of corresponding action plans to reduce future incidents
  • Developed annual facility improvement goals for executives to prioritize during capital expenditure planning
  • Managed USDA food safety programs and interacted on a daily basis with USDA food safety inspection personnel
  • Managed BRC program and was the lead for all 3rd party audits.

Education

Associate of Science - Medical Technology

Washington Adventist University
Takoma Park, MD

Bachelor of Science - Information Systems

Strayer University
Takoma Park, MD

Skills

  • Ability to build strong working relationships and cross-functional teams that support change, collaboration and deliver results, using change management tools Ability to sponsor change via effective communication (written, spoken, and presentations) to audiences of varying levels
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of GFSI Certification
  • Advanced knowledge of FDA, USDA standards and FSMA Regulations
  • Strategic development of Corporate Food Safety policies
  • Advanced knowledge of retail labeling requirements
  • Outstanding people and relationship building skills and ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders

Accomplishments

  • Promoted from Director to Regional Director through a series of corporate acquisitions in which my breadth of food safety and food quality responsibilities progressively increased in the Fresh Cut Produce and Grab & Go food sector.
  • Led the development of all food safety and food quality programs for our company's new Grab & Go expansion.
  • Was on the cover of QA magazine, which highlighted our processed seafood safety programs, which span the United States to Southeast Asia.
  • Developed a process for handling ingredient substitutions for finished goods that accounted for possible allergenic and nutritional requirements.
  • Instituted a formal sanitation Periodic Equipment Cleaning (PEC) program across multiple processing sites that involved collaboration with site maintenance, production and QA staff.

Timeline

Regional Food Safety Director

Fresh Point/Sysco
09.2023 - 03.2024

Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance

The Coastal Companies
09.2020 - 10.2023

Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Hearn Kirkwood
05.2016 - 09.2020

QA Manager

Deli Brands of America
06.2012 - 05.2016

Associate of Science - Medical Technology

Washington Adventist University

Bachelor of Science - Information Systems

Strayer University

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Earl Nichols