Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Certification
Associations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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TAMARA STEPHENS

Davis,California

Summary

Dynamic Quality Assurance Manager with extensive experience at Bay State Milling, excelling in food safety compliance and quality management. Proven track record in leading successful audits and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. Strong communicator and team leader, adept at fostering customer relationships and developing effective quality assurance policies.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Quality Assurance Manager

Bay State Milling
Woodland, California
03.2024 - Current
  • Work on customer analysis, finished product specifications, and customer ingredient samples for approval
  • Leads and/or actively participates in initiatives to support the CQA business plan and Site programs
  • Lead facility compliance, food safety, and employee safety training
  • Preparation for internal and external quality audits from customers to certification requirements
  • Facilitated continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality management systems.
  • Developed and implemented quality assurance policies and procedures.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues effectively.
  • Implemented corrective actions to address non-conformance in production workflows.
  • Reviewed documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness of quality records.

Interim Quality Assurance Manager

Bay State Milling
Woodland, California
01.2023 - 03.2024
  • Responsible to oversee the Quality Assurance Department.
  • Oversees the Food Safety, Sanitation and Quality Programs
  • Maintain and direct a staff of Lab Technicians providing coaching, development, and direction.
  • Lead in various audits such as internal, customer, organic, kosher, Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), and Gluten Free
  • Maintain AA BRC rating
  • Communicate with customers and respond to inquiries or requests for information

Quality Assurance Supervisor

Bay State Milling
Woodland, California
11.2022 - 01.2023
  • Investigation and resolution of customer issues.
  • Manage the lab when the QA Manager is not present.
  • Lead customer audits and a double A rated BRC audit
  • Management of calibration program
  • Management of SDS and chemical inventory Programs
  • Handle customer requests and inquires
  • Maintain customer specification documents
  • Handle traceability inquires and exercises
  • Assist in mock recalls
  • Write SOPS for lab procedures
  • Handle customer sample shipments
  • Train QA technicians on lab procedures and to uphold quality and food safety standards
  • Manage and update QA documents
  • Maintain and manage positive release program
  • Manage and maintain EMP programs
  • Work cross functionally with R&D team on product functionality and lab testing projects
  • Work cross functionally with customer service, sales, procurement, production, and S&R teams to ensure orders are OTIF and uphold our values of quality assurance and food safety
  • Work cross functionally with procurement team to investigate and resolve supplier issues.

Senior Quality Assurance Technician

Bay State Milling
Woodland, California
10.2018 - 11.2022
  • Manage the lab when the QA Manager is not present.
  • Ensured that all products meet customer requirements prior to shipping.
  • Conducted routine inspections of products for quality compliance.
  • Managed documentation of quality control processes and findings.
  • Collaborated with production teams to resolve quality issues.
  • Trained new technicians on quality assurance protocols and tools.
  • Utilized laboratory equipment to perform product analysis effectively.
  • Participated in continuous improvement initiatives for manufacturing processes.
  • Assisted in audits to ensure regulatory compliance and standards adherence.
  • Maintained records of all quality control activities, such as tests and inspections performed.
  • Completed routine inspections of components and products to fulfill quality assurance requirements.
  • Investigated customer complaints related to product quality and reported findings to management.

Education

Master of Science - Food Science

University of Maine
Orono, ME
08.2019

Bachelor of Science - Food Science

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR
08.2015

Skills

  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Dynamics Ax
  • Power BI
  • Mondayscom
  • Microsoft TARGIT
  • Food safety compliance
  • Quality management
  • Customer relationship management
  • Policy development
  • Auditing experience
  • Continuous improvement
  • Effective communication
  • Team leadership
  • Problem solving

References

  • Sigita Gudeika, (630) 880-2933
  • Dinesh Prasad, (209) 938-8732

Certification

  • FSPCA Preventative Controls for Human Food (Preventative Controls Qualified Individual)
  • FSPCA Intentional Adulteration Identification and Explanation of Mitigation Strategies
  • FSCPA Intentional Adulteration Conducting Vulnerability Assessments using Key Activity Types

Associations

Sigma Alpha Alum

Accomplishments

  • Bay State Milling FY21 Integrity Award

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Quality Assurance Manager

Bay State Milling
03.2024 - Current

Interim Quality Assurance Manager

Bay State Milling
01.2023 - 03.2024

Quality Assurance Supervisor

Bay State Milling
11.2022 - 01.2023

Senior Quality Assurance Technician

Bay State Milling
10.2018 - 11.2022

Master of Science - Food Science

University of Maine

Bachelor of Science - Food Science

Oregon State University

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