Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Timeline

Credentials And Licenses

Ragni Chand

Oakland,CA

Summary

Proactive and goal-oriented professional with a strong background in Foods R&D and Quality. Possesses excellent time management, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Reputation for reliability and adaptability is well-known. Swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to the growth of the organization.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

QA Supervisor

Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling

03.2024 - Current

Developed and implemented training programs for new hires to ensure consistent understanding of quality standards
Conducted regular audits and inspections to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address customer complaints and implement effective solutions
Analyzed production data and generated reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement efforts
Led root cause analysis investigations to identify the source of quality issues and develop preventive measures
Implemented statistical process control (SPC) techniques to monitor production processes and maintain product consistency
Implemented a comprehensive quality control program, resulting in a 85% reduction in product defects
Oversaw a team of 24 quality inspectors, ensuring adherence to company standards and procedures
Created standard operating procedures (SOPs) for quality inspection processes, ensuring consistency across shifts
Performed risk assessments on new products or processes, identifying potential hazards or failure points early on
Developed strong relationships with suppliers, conducting supplier audits to ensure compliance with quality requirements
Managed non-conforming material disposition process, minimizing waste while maintaining strict adherence to regulations
Collaborated with engineering teams during product development stages to provide input on design for manufacturability (DFM)
Conducted internal audits regularly according ISO standards
Implemented lean manufacturing principles resulting in an increase in productivity
Reduced customer complaints by 80% through implementation of improved inspection methods
Investigated customer complaints regarding product quality issues; identified root causes; implemented corrective actions
Maintained accurate records/documentation related to inspections performed including test results/ defect tracking/etc
Ensured compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements/standards/guidelines/laws/regulations/ etc
Developed and implemented quality control procedures to improve overall product quality
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and implement process improvements
Implemented statistical analysis tools (such as SPC) to monitor production processes for defects/ failures/etc
Led continuous improvement initiatives resulting in cost savings of 30% annually
Conducted supplier audits to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications
Mentored and trained new employees on quality control procedures, ensuring consistent understanding of requirements/standards/etc
Performed root cause analysis investigations to identify the source of non-conformances and develop corrective actions/preventive measures
Developed and maintained a comprehensive database for tracking quality metrics, allowing for data driven decision-making
Implemented visual inspection techniques to detect defects early in the production process
Conducted regular meetings with production teams to address any emerging quality concerns or issues
Utilized Six Sigma methodologies to analyze process variations and reduce defects
Coordinated with external auditors during ISO certification audits, ensuring compliance with standards
Implemented a robust documentation system for recording all inspections, test results, and corrective actions taken
Created detailed work instructions for operators to follow during manufacturing processes

PRD Sr. Foods Laboratory Technician

Hidden Valley Ranch/KC Masterpiece - The Clorox Company

04.2019 - 03.2024

Support the delivery of Clorox’s Innovation and Growth goals by completing new or change development experiments and process trials in the Technical Services area, ensuring product launch or re-launch success
Collaborate with suppliers and/or flavor houses to launch new ingredients/formulas, large scale up batching foods
Support the Foods Business Unit by working with Product and Process Development Scientists in planning and executing projects to enable successful launches
Independently define and complete work assignments, communicating in a timely manner with business team regarding project updates
Anticipate and communicate potential issues, collaborating with Team Lead and Scientists to create alternate solutions to avoid project delays; execute and coordinate experiment and trial report results through observation, recording, and analysis
Perform analytical tests in Foods lab with strict accordance to FDA/FSMA/HAACP documents, repeating and validation; extract data and provide scientists with data/guidance on results
Ensure availability of all required raw materials and supplies to deliver project work on time; order raw and packaging materials and manage inventories of materials and finished products onsite and at 3rd party logistics providers
Ensure availability and proper functioning of instruments to deliver projects on time
Continually assess and upgrade formulation capabilities
Including technical knowledge base, test methods and formulation skills
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize product formulations for taste, texture, and shelf life
Performed sensory evaluations to assess the quality of food products and make recommendations for improvements
Implemented quality control measures to ensure consistency in product manufacturing processes
Utilized statistical analysis software to analyze data from experiments and draw meaningful insights
Created detailed reports documenting experimental procedures, results, and conclusions
Conducted research on food ingredients, analyzing their nutritional value, sensory properties, and potential health benefits
Developed and tested new food products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards
Worked closely with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices
Participated in product development meetings to provide technical expertise and contribute innovative ideas
Stayed up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in food science through continuous learning initiatives
Designed experiments to investigate the effects of different processing techniques on the nutritional content of foods
Collaborated with marketing teams to develop accurate labeling information for packaging materials
Conducted stability studies on food products under various storage conditions
Evaluated consumer preferences through focus groups or surveys to guide product development decisions
Assisted in scaling up production processes from lab-scale prototypes to commercial quantities
Optimized existing recipes by modifying ingredient ratios or processing parameters based on scientific findings
Liaised with regulatory agencies regarding compliance requirements for new product launches
Investigated customer complaints related to product quality or safety issues; implemented corrective actions as needed
Determined appropriate packaging materials based on factors such as shelf life requirements or environmental impact
Developed specifications for raw materials used in production processes
Collaborated with engineers or technicians during pilot plant trials
Developed and maintained relationships with external laboratories for testing and analysis services
Conducted market research to identify emerging consumer trends and potential product opportunities
Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints
Provided technical support to sales teams by delivering presentations on product features and benefits
Participated in sensory panels to evaluate competitor products and benchmark against internal standards
Implemented laboratory safety protocols that resulted in zero accidents or incidents during tenure

R&D Laboratory Technician

HEINZ SEEDS

07.2018 - 10.2018

Conducted various test analysis on raw and finished products which lead to attain desired research data including the quantifier, color, pH, NTSS, viscosity, brix, acidity, total solids, and the Bostwick test
Maintained, calibrated, and troubleshoot lab equipment including the titrator, pH meters, quantifiers, viscosity using Brookfield, viscosity tubes, Hunter color spectrum analyzer, Atiago refractometer, centrifuge machines, Bostwick meters, scales, and Ohaus moisture analyzer to sustain quality controls
Restocked, did inventory control of lab supplies, and maintained clean and organized work areas
Received, sorted, and prepared samples for testing
Practiced good lab practice and set example for fellow teammates
Performed all other duties assigned by QA Manager

R&D Lab Quality Control Technician

CALIFORNIA NATURAL PRODUCTS

08.2016 - 02.2018

Performed microbiological and pathogen testing and evaluation on intermediate and finished products including testing for Controls, Yeast and Mold, E-coli, Salmonella, Coliform, Aerobic, and Total count
Use of VIDAS and LIMS applications for inputting all data and results for all tests performed
Performed Aflatoxin extraction for testing and gluten test for rice before production
High Acid Aseptic Micro Plating to determine sterility of high acid aseptically packaged products
HPIC test and procedures to evaluate presence of different carbohydrates in finished sample
Procedures include priming the HPIC, making Eluents, weekly standardization, creating a new standard, and interpreting results
Environmental/Micro-swab testing for all areas of the production plant
Comprehensive water/ wastewater testing and record maintenance
Responsible for routine incubation program for aseptic products
Prepared samples for testing percent solids/moisture/ash
Performed immediate specific gravity, pH, and brix testing for raw and finished products
Executed maintenance and calibration of all lab equipment in lab and production areas
Prepared samples for external lab testing
Wine testing includes CO2, Free and Total SO2, density, specific gravity, soluble solids, Titratable acids assay, and pH
Milk testing consists of pH, Titratable acidity, Casein, and specific gravity
Inspected finished products for quality and adherence to customer specifications
Diligently maintained clean, sanitized, and organized work areas and proudly practiced GLP at an extremely elevated level for a smooth workflow
Conducted internal inspections within production and laboratory
Monitored and provided input into improving the efficiency of processes and procedures
Adhered to all applicable regulations, policies and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance
Inspected all products during and after manufacturing
Researched specifications for all raw ingredients to ensure final quality checks
Promoted the company in maintaining a work environment focused on quality, communication, collaboration, integration, and teamwork

Quality Assurance Lead

DR PEPPER SNAPPLE GROUP

10.2015 - 06.2016

Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples
Perform HPLC, pH, carbonation, total acidity, torque test, microbiology, ozone level, temperature, pressure, batch verification, TOA, and other applicable testing on finished products
Perform post sanitation checks and testing' prior to daily start-up
Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment
Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses
Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms
Evaluate analytical methods and procedures to determine how they might be improved
Identify quality problems and recommend solutions
Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release
Investigate or report questionable test results
Monitor testing procedures to ensure that all tests are performed according to established item specifications, standard test methods, or protocols
Participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommend corrective actions
Perform validations or transfers of analytical methods in accordance with applicable policies or guidelines
Prepare or review required method transfer documentation including technical transfer protocols or reports
Receive and inspect raw materials
Review data from contract laboratories to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance
Write or revise standard quality control operating procedures
Author technical reports or documentation such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses
Coordinate testing with contract laboratories and vendors
Develop and qualify new testing methods
Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained
Evaluate innovative technologies and methods to make recommendations regarding their use
Participate in internal assessments and audits as required
Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems
Perform visual inspections of finished products
Train other analysts to perform laboratory procedures and assays
Serve as a technical liaison between quality control and other departments, vendors, or contractors
Supply quality control data necessary for regulatory submissions
Administer document and system access rights and revision control to ensure security of system and integrity of master documents
Develop, document, or maintain standards, best practices, or system usage procedures
Implement scanning or other automated data entry procedures, using imaging devices and document imaging software
Implement electronic document processing, retrieval, and distribution systems in collaboration with other information technology specialists
Collect and analyze production samples to evaluate quality
Stop production if serious product defects are present
Evaluate new testing and sampling methodologies or technologies to determine usefulness
Coordinate the selection and implementation of quality control equipment such as inspection gauges

Inventory Control Quality Assurance

AMAZON INC

10.2013 - 10.2014

Evaluate analytical methods and procedures to determine how they might be improved
Identify quality problems and recommend solutions
Supply quality control data necessary for regulatory submissions
Participate in internal assessments and audits as required
Serve as a technical liaison between quality control and other departments, vendors, or contractors
Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing, and event security
Conduct post-event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved
Design and implement efforts to publicize events and promote sponsorship
Confer with marketing and sales departments to define client requirements and expectations
Direct the tracking of defects, test results, or other regularly reported quality control data
Identify quality problems or areas for improvement and recommend solutions
Instruct vendors or contractors on quality guidelines, testing procedures, or ways to eliminate deficiencies