Kimberly Shepherd
Johnstown,PA
Summary
Food safety professional with comprehensive background in maintaining rigorous food safety standards and implementing effective food safety protocols. Known for collaborative efforts and focus on achieving reliable outcomes, adaptable to changing needs. Proven skills in hazard analysis and regulatory compliance.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
QC Manager
PepsiCo
04.2022 - Current
- Responsible for 2 plants, off-site warehouse, and sugar station related to food safety, food quality, and sanitation
- Review and perform reanalysis of the food safety plan, food quality plant, food defense plan, and food fraud plan
- Ensure team has appropriate training and needs met, interview potential candidates for salary and hourly positions, develop procedures, control plans, and perform annual reviews
- Mentor and lead the team to success through process improvement, training, and team building
- Oversaw department of 35 by supervising daily operations, providing technical support and coordinating personnel.
- Kept equipment operating and in good condition by ensuring quality checks, troubleshooting, and calling in for repairs when needed.
- Developed effective communication methods to keep relevant stakeholders informed on QC progress and any issues encountered.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with other departments to ensure consistent product quality throughout all stages of production.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to identify trends in product defects and take corrective action accordingly.
- Conducted regular audits of facilities to verify adherence to quality standards and address any potential concerns proactively.
- Managed a high-performing QC team, providing guidance, support, and mentorship as needed.
- Leveraged strong analytical skills to accurately interpret data and make informed decisions regarding product quality initiatives.
- Maintained knowledge of company policies and FSMA, FSSC22000, and AIB compliance and communicated any developments and changes in procedure to management and personnel.
- Maintained an organized and efficient workspace, fostering a productive environment for the entire QC team.
- Streamlined QC processes for increased efficiency and reduced production downtime.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that led to significant enhancements in product quality and cost savings over time.
- Oversaw corrective action plans for non-conforming products, ensuring timely resolution of issues to minimize impact on customers.
- Enhanced department performance by developing and delivering comprehensive training programs for new hires and continuous improvement trainings for current employees.
- Established and tracked quality department goals and objectives.
- Recorded, analyzed, and distributed statistical information.
- Collaborated with audit findings and action owners to apply root cause analysis guidance and establish effective corrective action plans.
- Scheduled and chaired quality review meetings to review effectiveness of performance mitigating risk, improving quality and improving quality processes
- Reported production malfunctions to managers and production supervisors.
- Developed quality planning for multiple new product launches by verifying customer requirements and implementing in production.
Quality Assurance Manager
Niagara Bottling
05.2020 - 03.2022
- Led team to top QC in division by using statistical analysis and reviewing results with team to identify and implement opportunities for improvement
- Part of a team to help develop the new Aseptic Process Team at plant in Temple TX due to previous experience in Aseptic Processing and Pasteurization
- Attended Better Process Control School to better assist in setting up the Aseptic Process
- Trained team members on quality assurance principles, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
- Facilitated communication between departments regarding quality concerns, fostering collaboration towards shared goals.
- Investigated customer complaints and performed corrective actions to resolve quality issues.
- Assessed product quality by monitoring quality assurance metrics, reports and dashboards.
- Implemented corrective action plans based on audit findings, resulting in measurable improvements over time.
- Established robust quality documentation systems that ensured traceability throughout entire production
- Conducted risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential quality issues.
- Performed root cause analysis to identify and resolve quality issues and defects.
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings through meticulous attention to detail and consistent quality control measures.
Quality Assurance Manager
Wise Foods
11.2019 - 05.2021
- Ensured adherence to BRC standards throughout both buildings
- Leader of Food Safety, Food Quality, Sanitation and Pest Control
- Developed Environmental Monitoring Program working closely with IT to develop a randomization of sites through Sharepoint
- Implemented better testing standards and methods for allergen control and cleaning
- Reviewed all customer concerns and responses to the concerns
- Assisted R&D with new product development and specifications
Quality Manager
PepsiCo
08.2017 - 11.2019
- Quality Manager for Aquafina dedicated line and Harrisburg Warehouse
- Successfully implemented chilled Food Safety Program at Harrisburg warehouse
- Throughout the time in Harrisburg became very knowledgeable with the RO, ozonation, and Aquafina testing
- As the Quality Manager in a TPM facility, participated in AM drumbeats on filler and blow molder
- Successfully implemented the first TPM Quality Pillar in CSD at PepsiCo
Quality Supervisor
Michael Foods
01.2009 - 08.2017
- Developed food safety and food quality plans and risk assessments
- Member of team that successfully achieved SQF Level 3 Certification (from scratch) in 8 weeks
- Implemented Internal Auditing Program at facility through team development and involving all levels of employees from frontline through management
- Responsible for food safety orientation and monthly food safety topics
- Developed and lead the Food Defense Team which was utilized through other plants within the company
- Developed strong Food Safety Team and team model was used across organization
- Focused on continuous improvement such as pre-operational inspections and environmental monitoring in an effort to improve preventative methods and reduce firefighting
- Implemented an examination of all art work on labels to ensure adherence to regulation
- Used Statistical Process Control to improve cost savings by analyzing data and improving equipment capability
- Plant was under both USDA and FDA jurisdiction
- Leader of SQF team at plant and corporate SQF team to train other plants and be available for assistance for other plant audits
- Managed allergen and kosher programs
Quality System Coordinator
Michael Foods
09.2005 - 01.2009
- Developed program to be used for SPC prior to IQS being implemented
- Implemented IQS
- Reviewed documentation and created procedures and control plans
- Enhanced the efficiency of quality systems by implementing standardized processes and documentation procedures.
- Facilitated internal training sessions to educate employees on quality system requirements, raising awareness and promoting a culture of excellence.
- Improved product quality by conducting thorough audits, identifying gaps in processes, and recommending corrective actions.
- Ensured all pasteurization records were completed and performed prerelease review
- Implemented random sampling locations in zones 1-4 for environmental monitoring swabbing and allergen swabbing
- Developed and wrote SOPs, SSOPs, and created documentation
Education
Master of Science - Food Safety
Michigan State University
12.2016
BS - BIOLOGY
Lycoming College
12.2001
Skills
- SQF Practitioner
- FDA and USDA
- Microbiology
- Procedure Development
- Aseptic Processing
- Food Safety Management System
- Environmental Monitoring and Analysis
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Advanced HACCP Certified
- Food fraud prevention
- Teamwork and Leadership
- PCQI
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
- RTE
Timeline
QC Manager
PepsiCo
04.2022 - Current
Quality Assurance Manager
Niagara Bottling
05.2020 - 03.2022
Quality Assurance Manager
Wise Foods
11.2019 - 05.2021
Quality Manager
PepsiCo
08.2017 - 11.2019
Quality Supervisor
Michael Foods
01.2009 - 08.2017
Quality System Coordinator
Michael Foods
09.2005 - 01.2009
Master of Science - Food Safety
Michigan State University
BS - BIOLOGY
Lycoming College
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