MELISSA NETHKEN

• Gathered, organized and input information into digital database relating to quality and food safety. (SAP, Power BI, Veeva, Share Point, Sales Force)
• Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making for >10 manufacturing sites and over 30 3PLs.
• Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement for 70 global and local brands.
• Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
• Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data for thousands of SKUs.

Pioneered quality assurance initiatives, implementing 20+ procedures for comprehensive quality management systems, ensuring regulatory compliance across global CMOs.

Led Foreign Supplier Verification Program for 11 CMOs across Europe, Asia, and Central America, enhancing supply chain integrity and regulatory adherence.

Executed 8 shelf life studies, providing crucial data for product stability and longevity, while supporting commercial team for 6 new international clients.

Developed and implemented an environmental monitoring process within the internal R&D area.

Partnered with cross-functional teams to maintain FDA and European regulatory compliance, offering expert guidance on procedures and SOPs.

Provided oversight and guidance to ensure the manufacturing of safe and quality food in the elaboration of chocolate, drinking chocolates, chocolate bars, minibars, bonbons and truffles.

Developed and implemented policies and procedures for managing third-party audits, including SQF Ed. 9, Kosher, Non-GMO and Organic certifications.

Established and facilitated training program for employees in QA, GMP, HACCP, food safety and sanitation practices.

Implemented rigorous taste testing and allergen control measures, ensuring product excellence and consumer safety.

Monitored product shelf life, conducted internal audits, scheduled equipment calibration, managed hold & release procedures and implemented corrective actions and environmental testing to ensure effective sanitation efforts.

Monitored, inspected, and proposed measures to enhance the quality of flavorings and caramels to meet established quality standards.

Implemented SQF Edition 8 standards, elevating quality and food safety systems across departments, resulting in significant improvement from a 76 score to 95.

Investigated customer complaints within required timeframes using root cause analysis, determining corrective actions and preventive measures.

Oversaw the sanitation department, ensuring adherence to SSOPs.

Developed sampling plans and conducted statistical analysis to ensure product quality. Conducted pH, colorimetric, viscosity, density, brix testing.

Approved and monitored external suppliers and services related to quality assurance.

Provided oversight and guidance to ensure the safe manufacturing of high-quality food products, including avocado oil, cooking sprays, mayonnaises, dressings, snacks, seeds, powders and simmer sauces.

Implemented HACCP, FSMA, FSVP, and GMP protocols, along with crisis control management and documentation for NAFTA, FDA, CBP, and USDA compliance for North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

Managed food safety initiatives aligned with GFSI schemes, including SQF and FSSC 22000 certifications.

Oversaw Non-GMO, Kosher, Organic, Vegan, Glyphosate-Free, Paleo, and Gluten-Free certifications, ensuring accurate documentation.

Conducted physical, chemical, and organoleptic testing to ensure product quality and safety.

Approved and monitored suppliers and vendors through a scorecard program to ensure quality compliance.