Jenna Reed
Food Safety Quality Assurance Specialist
Vidalia,US
Summary
Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager with over 22 years of extensive expertise in the food manufacturing industry, adept at leading cross-functional teams to enhance food safety compliance and operational efficiency. Proficient in HACCP, regulatory compliance, and risk management, with a proven track record of reducing incidents and improving product reliability through innovative quality assurance strategies. Passionate about fostering strategic partnerships and cultivating a culture of excellence to ensure superior product quality and customer satisfaction.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager
Vidalia Valley, LLC
09.2023 - 12.2024
- Lead team of 5 to enhance food safety compliance, boosting product reliability
- Develop testing procedures to maintain regulatory compliance
- Analyze testing data to streamline control processes, improving efficiency
- Transformed testing data into actionable insights that streamline control processes and improve operational efficiency in food safety management
- Build strategic partnerships across departments to align stakeholders with food safety objectives and strengthen communication channels
- Designed documentation management systems that expedite regulatory responses and enable adaptability to evolving food safety requirements
- Orchestrate comprehensive food safety compliance strategies while maintaining product reliability through rigorous quality control standards
- Lead food safety compliance team, develop testing procedures, and analyze data to improve operational efficiency while building cross-departmental partnerships to align stakeholders with safety objectives
- Design documentation systems that expedite regulatory responses while orchestrating comprehensive compliance strategies and maintaining product reliability through rigorous quality control standards
Sr. Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager
The Spice Guild
02.2021 - 07.2023
- Spearheaded initiative to enhance food safety, resulting in a 12% reduction in incidents.
- Developed tools for increasing product quality with supplier scorecards.
- Handled complaints promptly to boost satisfaction.
- Managed quality control procedures, training team members in safety regulations.
- Enhanced overall food safety through strategic development.
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance compliance and improve customer confidence.
- Mentored staff on safety standards to foster a culture of excellence.
- Orchestrated food safety protocols that reduced incidents by 12%, while developing supplier accountability systems that enhanced product quality and operational reliability
- Analyzed compliance gaps and implemented targeted solutions, while managing customer complaints with a 24-hour resolution protocol that measurably improved satisfaction rates
- Pioneered cross-functional quality initiatives that transformed supplier relationships from transactional to strategic partnerships, creating sustainable compliance frameworks
- Cultivated a team-centered approach to quality assurance, empowering staff through specialized safety standard training that elevated departmental performance metrics
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Shearer’s Snacks, LLC
08.2017 - 11.2020
- Achieved high compliance and quality standards with a 94% SQF audit score.
- Introduced control measures, leading to significant improvements in quality assurance.
- Administered training initiatives, securing regulatory alignment and growth.
- Managed QA lab workflows, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards.
- Implemented data-driven enhancements in quality assurance procedures, resulting in significant improvements.
- Coordinated QA lab activities to align production teams with industry regulations and client demands.
- Integrated advanced quality assurance frameworks, boosting operational efficiency.
- Aligned production with regulatory requirements through improved processes.
- Analyzed quality metrics to refine QA procedures, resulting in measurable improvements to food safety compliance and operational efficiency across production lines
- Established robust evaluation techniques that improved product quality standards.
- Developed training programs that supported interdepartmental cooperation.
Quality Assurance Manager
OK Foods / Bachoco Company
03.2017 - 08.2017
- Directed team of 21, resulting in 98% SQF compliance.
- Led SQF transition through strategic planning, achieving audit scores of 94-98%.
- Collaborated with USDA representatives to ensure compliance and exceptional quality ratings.
- Managed and conducted plant audits, upholding regulations consistently.
- Supervised quality operations, adhering to OSHA standards and timely reporting
- Streamlined HACCP testing protocols during SQF transition, securing consistent 94-98% audit scores through strategic quality assurance management
- Developed team partnerships across departments to elevate regulatory adherence and ensure superior safety standards.
- Instituted rigorous documentation processes for quality operations, ensuring precise reporting and unwavering adherence to food safety protocols
- Engineered efficient quality assurance methodologies that optimised team resources while maintaining exceptional compliance standards
- Orchestrated SQF transition with 21-member team, achieving 98% compliance through systematic HACCP protocol implementation and meticulous USDA coordination
- Drove quality assurance operations to attain 94-98% audit scores, establishing rigorous testing protocols while maintaining strict OSHA standard compliance
Quality Assurance Manager/SQF Practitioner
Fruit Dynamics, LLC/Idaho Incredible Fresh- RTE-Further Processing Produce & Eddy Foods, LLC
05.2015 - 02.2017
- Directed HACCP team, achieving safety compliance and flawless audits.
- Facilitated improvement in product oversight, maintaining regulatory compliance.
- Streamlined workflows through the creation and implementation of effective SOPs and SSOP guidelines.
- Spearheaded staff certification initiatives, elevating compliance rates.
- Pioneered advanced food safety management systems that integrated regulatory requirements with operational efficiency, positioning the company as an industry leader in quality standards
- Led HACCP implementation and directed QA operations, ensuring flawless regulatory compliance.
- Developed comprehensive certification programs that transformed staff compliance metrics and established consistent quality protocols across production environments
- Developed comprehensive food safety systems aligned with regulatory requirements and operational efficiencies.
- Strengthened FDA certification maintenance by executing strategic measures.
QA/QC Manager/SQF Practitioner/ HACCP Coordinator
GoldCoast Salads (RTE- Seafood Spreads)
08.2012 - 04.2015
- Achieved SQF Level 2 certification, boosting standards of seafood product safety and quality.
- Streamlined processes through comprehensive audits.
- Implemented HACCP and SOP reviews, ensuring regulatory adherence and safety protocols
- Oversaw quality assurance activities, optimizing ecological standards.
- Facilitated cross-departmental initiatives, maintaining quality standards in seafood manufacturing
- Optimised laboratory sampling methodologies for microbiological testing, strengthening environmental monitoring programmes and preventative controls across production lines
- Unified production and quality teams through streamlined documentation systems, fostering a culture of food safety excellence while maintaining manufacturing productivity
- Coordinated successful SQF and HACCP integration to improve facility standards.
- Redesigned laboratory testing protocols that strengthened environmental monitoring capabilities, enabling early detection of potential contamination risks
- Merged quality assurance metrics and production KPIs, establishing systems that maintained safety compliance while improving manufacturing efficiency.
- Facilitated improved collaboration by implementing cross-functional food safety training initiatives.
Quality Control Supervisor
Birchwood Foods (Further Processing of Raw Beef)
07.2010 - 07.2012
- Directed audits and QA activities, achieving top industry awards for quality and taste.
- Enhanced compliance procedures through quality program management.
- Directed QA lab operations to maintain peak performance and efficiency.
- Acted as QA Manager, maintaining seamless operations during leadership absences
- Revamped quality control steps, leading to improved product outcomes and higher customer satisfaction rates.
- Stepped in as acting QA Manager during leadership gaps, maintaining operational excellence while driving continuous improvement initiatives
- Orchestrated comprehensive testing regimens for products, water safety, and environmental controls that supported award-winning quality outcomes
- Enhanced workflows in quality control, elevating customer evaluations of Birchwood’s product taste and quality.
- Implemented rigorous quality testing protocols for products, water safety, and environmental controls, directly supporting Birchwood’s industry recognition for superior quality
- Developed comprehensive supplier audit framework that elevated operational standards across the raw beef processing supply chain
- Directed QA laboratory operations with precision, implementing advanced testing methodologies that strengthened product integrity and safety compliance
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Koch Foods, LLC (Poultry Slaughter)
07.2006 - 07.2010
- Raised food safety standards by meeting HACCP requirements and earning impressive GMP ratings.
- Directed quality assurance operations to advance microbiological and environmental protocols.
- Implemented OSHA protocols, improving workplace safety and PPE compliance
- Maintained high GMP scores by conducting detailed sanitation inspections.
- Collaborated on HACCP plans, verifying compliance and addressing potential hazards
- Partnered with production teams to implement OSHA safety protocols, ensuring proper PPE usage and creating a safer workplace environment
- Meticulously verified cross-functional compliance with established policies addressing physical, chemical, and biological hazards identified in HACCP plans
- Developed quality assurance protocols resulting in 94-98% GMP audit scores.
- Streamlined HACCP verification processes, identifying and mitigating potential hazards through systematic assessment and cross-functional collaboration
- Implemented rigorous inspection protocols, upholding exceptional sanitary conditions.
- Aligned production goals with strict quality assurance standards through enhanced interdepartmental coordination.
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Marshall Durbin Company, Inc (Poultry Slaughter)
11.2003 - 06.2006
- Led quality assurance, ensuring compliance, plant awarded KFC Quality Support Award
- Supervised plant trials for KFC, enhancing process efficiency and product quality
- Collaborated with teams to meet KFC standards, achieving recognition for excellence
- Implemented quality checks, resolving issues swiftly, contributing to plant’s accolades
- Led quality assurance initiatives that earned KFC/Yum! Brands recognition for the Jasper processing plant, implementing rigorous standards that secured the prestigious Quality Support Award
- Supervised quality protocols during KFC special trial period, analyzing production metrics and compliance factors that ultimately led to formal recognition from KFC/Yum! Brands in 2005
- Directed quality control operations at poultry processing facility, establishing standards that gained industry recognition when KFC/Yum! Brands honored the plant with a Quality Support Award
- Monitored critical control points throughout poultry processing operations, maintaining meticulous documentation that contributed to KFC/Yum! Brands’ recognition of the Jasper plant in 2005
- Coordinated cross-functional quality improvement initiatives that elevated production standards, resulting in KFC/Yum! Brands acknowledging our Jasper plant with their Quality Support Award
- Spearheaded quality assurance protocols that secured KFC/Yum! Brands’ Quality Support Award for the Jasper plant, while developing cross-functional team dynamics to maintain production excellence
Quality Assurance Technician
Marshall Durbin Company, Inc (Poultry Slaughter)
07.2002 - 11.2003
- Enhanced product quality by ensuring safety standards compliance.
- Implemented inspection protocols, leading to improved process efficiency and product reliability
- Ensured consistent outcomes by addressing quality concerns with cross-functional teams.
- Analyzed data to identify trends, contributing to strategic decision-making and operational improvements
- Monitored critical control points throughout production line, meticulously documenting inspection results and identifying potential food safety risks before product release
- Minimized quality incidents via proactive monitoring, ensuring better product consistency.
- Partnered with production teams to address quality concerns, facilitating cross-departmental communication to resolve issues and implement preventative measures
- Developed streamlined quality verification protocols that balanced thoroughness with efficiency, allowing for comprehensive testing without impacting production timelines
- Conducted rigorous quality inspections throughout poultry processing, identifying potential contamination sources and ensuring USDA compliance
- Streamlined quality verification procedures, balancing thoroughness with operational efficiency while maintaining strict food safety standards
Education
Minor in Business and Minor in Computer Information System - Business
05.1999
Skills
- SQF (Experienced), HACCP (Experienced), GMP (Experienced), FSMA (Experienced), OSHA (Experienced), FDA (Experienced), USDA (Experienced), Quality Assurance (Experienced), Food Safety (Experienced), Process Control (Experienced), Auditing (Experienced), Microsoft Suite (Experienced), Leadership (Experienced), Training (Experienced), Regulatory Compliance (Experienced), Risk Management (Experienced), Documentation (Experienced), Project Management (Experienced)
Certification
- SQF internal Auditor and Practitioner
- BRC Global Standard for Food Safety Internal Auditioning certifications
- HACCP certifications (Meat & Poultry Plants) and The principals of HACCP Codex Alimentarrois CAC/RCP 1-1969 Rev 4 (2003) & FDA Juice HACCP Regulations (21CFR 120). Advanced HACCP Verification and Validation and HACCP Principles and GMP Training for Food Processors and Manufacturers.
- HARPC trained
- PCQI
- FDA Food Defense 101
- 5S system trained
- Six Sigma White Belt
- Fresh Produce Inspection (International Produce Training)
Timeline
Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager - Vidalia Valley, LLC
09.2023 - 12.2024
Sr. Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager - The Spice Guild
02.2021 - 07.2023
Quality Assurance Supervisor - Shearer’s Snacks, LLC
08.2017 - 11.2020
Quality Assurance Manager - OK Foods / Bachoco Company
03.2017 - 08.2017
Quality Assurance Manager/SQF Practitioner - Fruit Dynamics, LLC/Idaho Incredible Fresh- RTE-Further Processing Produce & Eddy Foods, LLC
05.2015 - 02.2017
QA/QC Manager/SQF Practitioner/ HACCP Coordinator - GoldCoast Salads (RTE- Seafood Spreads)
08.2012 - 04.2015
Quality Control Supervisor - Birchwood Foods (Further Processing of Raw Beef)
07.2010 - 07.2012
Quality Assurance Supervisor - Koch Foods, LLC (Poultry Slaughter)
07.2006 - 07.2010
Quality Assurance Supervisor - Marshall Durbin Company, Inc (Poultry Slaughter)
11.2003 - 06.2006
Quality Assurance Technician - Marshall Durbin Company, Inc (Poultry Slaughter)
07.2002 - 11.2003
Bevill State Community College - Minor in Business and Minor in Computer Information System, Business
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