Saumya Lanka
Louisville,KY
Summary
Dynamic quality management professional with23+ years of leadership experience in high-volume manufacturing environments, including food, beverage, agriculture, and packaging industries. Expertise in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, implementing lean methodologies, and driving operational excellence across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and South America. Proven track record in achieving significant cost savings and operational efficiency improvements.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Control Manager
Brown Forman Inc.
03.2024 - 07.2024
- - Designed and implemented Quality Management Systems (QMS) compliant with SQF and industry standards
- - Developed processes for reworking and labeling products to meet regulatory requirements, reducing quality holds
- - Spearheaded internal audits, achieving significant improvements in SQF audit readiness
- - Streamlined supplier quality management processes, enhancing compliance and resolving issues promptly
Director of Quality
Paradise Tomato Kitchens Inc.
03.2022 - 04.2023
- - Achieved AA++ certifications for GFSI-BRC audits across three facilities
- - Reduced customer complaints through lean six sigma tools, saving $500,000 annually
- - Championed crisis management protocols, ensuring business continuity during quality incidents
- - Launched the “SCARF” supplier program, enhancing raw material quality compliance
Senior Distillery Research Scientist
Beam Suntory
06.2020 - 03.2022
- - Reduced quality holds by50% for Single Barrel products through targeted training and quality protocols
- - Managed process yield evaluations and shared best practices globally using SAP analytics
Senior Quality Manager
Beam Suntory
06.2019 - 06.2020
- - Eliminated100% inspections by achieving QMS improvements, making Clermont the first compliant facility globally under Suntory
- - Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing root causes of complaints using risk assessments and hazard analyses
Food Safety Manager
Morgan Foods
01.2016 - 04.2017
- - Authored and implemented an FDA-compliant food safety plan as the Process Control Qualified Individual (PCQI)
- - Led GMP audits, risk assessments, and mock recalls to ensure regulatory compliance and readiness
National QA Program Manager
Driscoll’s of America
02.2012 - 09.2014
- - Improved product quality scores by13% across North and South America
- - Implemented mobile inspection systems, increasing accuracy and reducing errors
- - Supported USDA compliance for independent growers in Northern California
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Jack Welch Management Institute
01.2011
Master’s Degree - Computer Applications
Osmania University
01.2002
Master’s Degree - Child Psychology
Osmania University
01.2001
Bachelor’s Degree - Biochemistry, Zoology, Chemistry
St. Francis College for Women, Osmania University
01.1999
Skills
- - Quality Management Systems (ISO9001, ISO22000, BRC, GFSI)
- - Continuous Improvement (Kaizen, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing)
- - Regulatory Compliance (FDA, USDA, SQF)
- - Team Leadership and Training
- - Data Analytics and Process Optimization
- - Supplier Quality Management
Certification
- - General Certificate in Distillery (2020)
- - Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (2019)
- - ISO9001 Lead Auditor (2018)
- - ISO22000 Lead Auditor (2017)
- - Preventive Controls for Human Foods – FSPCA (2016)
- - Implementing SQF Systems (Post-Farm Gate) (2016)
- - Advanced HACCP – UC Davis (2008)
- - Statistical Process Control (2003)
Languages
- English: Native proficiency
- Spanish: Fluent
- Japanese & French: Conversational
Accomplishments
- - Spearheaded Kaizen projects resulting in $500,000 savings by reducing customer complaints.
- - Introduced sustainable quality methods, reducing QA costs by9%.
Timeline
Quality Control Manager
Brown Forman Inc.
03.2024 - 07.2024
Director of Quality
Paradise Tomato Kitchens Inc.
03.2022 - 04.2023
Senior Distillery Research Scientist
Beam Suntory
06.2020 - 03.2022
Senior Quality Manager
Beam Suntory
06.2019 - 06.2020
Food Safety Manager
Morgan Foods
01.2016 - 04.2017
National QA Program Manager
Driscoll’s of America
02.2012 - 09.2014
Master’s Degree - Computer Applications
Osmania University
Master’s Degree - Child Psychology
Osmania University
Bachelor’s Degree - Biochemistry, Zoology, Chemistry
St. Francis College for Women, Osmania University
- - General Certificate in Distillery (2020)
- - Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (2019)
- - ISO9001 Lead Auditor (2018)
- - ISO22000 Lead Auditor (2017)
- - Preventive Controls for Human Foods – FSPCA (2016)
- - Implementing SQF Systems (Post-Farm Gate) (2016)
- - Advanced HACCP – UC Davis (2008)
- - Statistical Process Control (2003)
MBA - Business Administration
Jack Welch Management Institute
Similar Profiles
Henry FamurewaHenry Famurewa
Market Manager Emerging Brands at Brown-FormanMarket Manager Emerging Brands at Brown-Forman
Louis WolzLouis Wolz
Commercial Analyst at Brown-Forman CorporationCommercial Analyst at Brown-Forman Corporation
TOMAS ROGERSTOMAS ROGERS
SENIOR PORTFOLIO MANAGER - JACK DANIEL'S PREMIX at BROWN-FORMANSENIOR PORTFOLIO MANAGER - JACK DANIEL'S PREMIX at BROWN-FORMAN