KENIA ACOSTA
San Antonio
Summary
Biotechnology Engineer and Food Safety & Quality Assurance professional with experience in USDA-regulated RTE meat and poultry manufacturing environments. Skilled in HACCP systems, FSIS compliance, environmental monitoring programs, CAPA execution, sanitation oversight, CCP verification, process validation, and regulatory investigations. Experienced leading cross-functional operations involving QA, Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Warehouse teams in high-volume food manufacturing facilities.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Assurance Supervisor
GoodHeart Brand Specialty Foods
San Antonio, TX
10.2024 - Current
- Lead QA operations across raw and cooked processing areas, ensuring compliance with USDA, HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and internal food safety programs
- Serve as primary QA representative during USDA inspections, investigations, and Noncompliance Record (NR) responses
- Manage CCP verification activities including lethality, cooling stabilization, chilling, MAP packaging, and metal detection
- Lead CAPA investigations, environmental monitoring programs, and Listeria control initiatives
- Improve process traceability and documentation integrity through RedZone monitoring systems and structured tracking tools
- Partner with Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Sanitation teams to resolve operational and regulatory issues
- Supervise and coach QA technicians while maintaining audit readiness and compliance coverage
- Support process validation and verification activities aligned with FSIS Appendix A & B requirements
- Oversee product hold, release, disposition, and loss & destruction activities
- Support BRC, NSF, Food Defense, and customer audit activities
- Key Achievements
- Strengthened QA documentation integrity and reduced process tracking gaps through structured monitoring systems
- Successfully supported USDA investigations and corrective action execution while maintaining operational compliance
- Improved cross-functional accountability between QA, Production, and Sanitation teams
- Enhanced environmental monitoring and sanitation effectiveness through intensified cleaning and escalation protocols
- Strengthened audit readiness and food safety compliance through active participation in BRC, NSF, and Food Defense programs
Production Line Team Lead
Labbat Food Service
San Antonio, TX
04.2024 - 10.2024
- Led packaging line operations for fully cooked poultry products in a high-volume production environment
- Coordinated production startup activities, staffing alignment, material readiness, and packaging verification
- Managed packaging material traceability including film lots, labels, SKU accuracy, and allergen changeovers
- Coordinated with Warehouse for production material support and monitored GMP compliance
- Supported cook/chill process monitoring and escalated quality or maintenance concerns as needed
Sanitation Compliance Supervisor
JBS Fed Beef
Greeley, CO
12.2023 - 04.2024
- Oversaw third-shift sanitation operations in a USDA-regulated beef processing facility
- Managed coordination and compliance activities with third-party sanitation provider (PSSI/Fortrex)
- Verified chemical concentrations, sanitation parameters, and execution of Master Sanitation Schedule requirements
- Partnered with QA, Production, and Maintenance teams to address sanitation and food safety concerns
- Supported pre-operational inspections, sanitation verification activities, and GMP enforcement
- Assisted with operational coordination between sanitation personnel, leadership, and Human Resources
- Key Achievements
- Improved sanitation compliance through stronger follow-up and coordination with sanitation teams
- Enhanced communication between Sanitation, Production, QA, and Maintenance departments
- Reinforced sanitation documentation, chemical verification, and MSS compliance practices
Process Operations Supervisor
JBS Fed Beef
Greeley, CO
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Supervised Harvest and Fabrication operations within a high-volume USDA-regulated beef processing facility
- Managed approximately 86 hourly employees while maintaining production, food safety, and operational compliance
- Oversaw cross-contamination prevention controls and ensured adherence to USDA food safety standards
- Monitored product specifications, yields, trimming standards, and export product requirements
- Coordinated staffing, line assignments, job rotations, and labor utilization to support production goals
- Trained employees on GMPs, food safety practices, product specifications, and operational procedures
- Supported operation of processing equipment including Cryovac systems, scalding equipment, and wash systems used in Harvest operations
- Key Achievements
- Successfully managed large operational teams in fast-paced USDA-regulated environments
- Strengthened employee accountability and operational performance through training and process oversight
- Supported food safety and cross-contamination prevention controls in Harvest operations
- Improved coordination between Production, USDA, Maintenance, and QA teams
Pilgrim’s Mexico Trainee Program
Pilgrim’s Pride / JBS
Mexico & USA
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Selected for a 12-month international leadership development program across Mexico and U.S. processing facilities
- Rotated through multiple operational departments including production, processing, yield optimization, and food safety systems
- Developed operational improvement projects focused on yield optimization, process control, and cost reduction
- Led a marinading optimization project that improved ingredient control and reduced waste
- Supported process adjustment initiatives that improved operational efficiency and product yield
- Collaborated with QA, Production, Maintenance, and Operations teams on continuous improvement initiatives
- Key Achievements
- Successfully completed an international leadership development program preparing future operations leaders
- Contributed to yield improvement and cost reduction initiatives through data-driven operational projects
- Developed hands-on experience in poultry processing, food safety systems, and continuous improvement practices across Mexico and U.S. facilities
Internship Program
Pilgrim’s Pride
Citra, MX
04.2021 - 10.2021
- Supported poultry processing operations including deboning, marination, packaging, and value-added production processes
- Worked with SAP and Legacy Systems to support production and operational activities
- Participated in continuous improvement and operational support projects
Shipping Clerk
ZF Occupant Safety Systems
Mexico
03.2019 - 02.2021
- Supported shipping and warehouse operations within a high-volume manufacturing environment
- Managed inventory transactions, shipping documentation, and SAP system activities
- Coordinated material arrivals, departures, inventory verification, and BOM validation
- Assisted with inventory audits and operational documentation control
Laboratory Analyst
Peñoles
Mexico
06.2018 - 02.2019
- Performed laboratory analysis and quality testing of industrial materials and chemical compounds
- Conducted purity and composition testing for multiple industrial products and raw materials
- Operated atomic absorption spectrophotometry equipment and supported laboratory testing procedures
- Handled hazardous materials in accordance with laboratory safety protocols
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Biotechnology Engineering
UPGOP
01-2022
Skills
- HACCP & USDA/FSIS Compliance
- Environmental Monitoring Programs (Listeria Control)
- CAPA & Root Cause Analysis
- CCP Verification & Process Validation
- GMPs / SSOPs / Food Defense
- QA Documentation & Traceability Systems
- RedZone, SAP & Smartsheet
- Allergen Control Programs
- ATP Monitoring & Luminometer Systems
- PH Meters & Chemical Concentration Verification
- Dry Block Calibrators & Thermometer Verification
- Packaging Systems (Multivac / Cryovac)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Corrective action planning
- Auditing techniques
Certification
- First Aid / CPR / AED – American Red Cross (2026)
- Quality Yellow Belt – ZF Occupant Safety Systems (2020)
- Advanced First Aid Assistance – Mexican Red Cross (2015–2017)
LANGUAGES
Spanish – Native
English – Advanced Professional Proficiency
Timeline
Quality Assurance Supervisor
GoodHeart Brand Specialty Foods
10.2024 - Current
Production Line Team Lead
Labbat Food Service
04.2024 - 10.2024
Sanitation Compliance Supervisor
JBS Fed Beef
12.2023 - 04.2024
Process Operations Supervisor
JBS Fed Beef
01.2023 - 12.2023
Pilgrim’s Mexico Trainee Program
Pilgrim’s Pride / JBS
01.2022 - 01.2023
Internship Program
Pilgrim’s Pride
04.2021 - 10.2021
Shipping Clerk
ZF Occupant Safety Systems
03.2019 - 02.2021
Laboratory Analyst
Peñoles
06.2018 - 02.2019
Bachelor’s Degree - Biotechnology Engineering
UPGOP
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION
Permanent Resident – Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship