Vanessa List
Mt. Laurel,NJ
Summary
Results-driven Quality Management leader with expertise in developing and enhancing quality systems. Deep knowledge of food safety, regulatory compliance, process improvement, and risk management. Skilled in driving operational adherence to industry standards and building cross-functional teams. Committed to fostering collaboration and implementing strategic initiatives that elevate quality performance.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
US Director of Quality
Puratos Corporation
Pennsauken, USA
01.2019 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership to all US manufacturing and distribution centers with all topics related to food safety, regulatory and compliance.
- Ensure all plants, distribution centers, raw materials and imported products are aligned with company, FDA and customer requirements.
- Quality project leader for new UHT processing plant from design through to product commissioning and validation.
- Led crisis team, advising senior management on risk mitigation strategies for customer complaints.
- Lead pilot team for Operational Excellence in Quality and realized plant wide savings of $5MILLION USD through OEE improvements and Right First Time KPI improvements.
- Lead Quality Waste reduction task force which netted a 50% reduction in food waste in the first year of inception.
- Lead group task force with 70+ plants to share best practices on environmental monitoring in chocolate plants and pest mitigation efforts in grain and seed products.
- Work with cross-functional team to create a new commercialization process for all US facilities with clear success criteria metrics.
- Mapped plan to digitize processes within Quality Department, aligning with management on financial benefits and FTE reductions.
- Digitalization projects include supplier performance software, front line worker interfaces, environmental monitoring, documentation request process and document creations.
- Created and integrated a supplier quality manager role within the organization which resulted in improved raw material performance and improved collaboration within the Procurement department.
- Lead quality review for new product technologies being added to product portfolio from equipment scope to design and installation phase.
- Streamlined imported product approval process from sister factories within the organization.
- Collaborated with Marketing Team on sustainable packaging project, transitioning all products while maintaining shelf life and regulatory compliance.
- Optimized team, resources and deliverables to achieve cost savings within the quality budget.
Quality Manager
Puratos Corporation
Pennsauken, USA
07.2016 - 01.2019
- Restructured Quality Team into a cohesive unit enhancing support for complex, growing factory with 9 production lines.
- Implemented line specific KPI’s for quality that are trended and used as tools for continuous improvement.
- Implemented new allergen control program to be compliant with customer and FSMA requirements.
- Led customer and regulatory audits, including SQF and Organic, ensuring full compliance and effective corrective actions.
- Provide ongoing trainings and new tools to improve GMP’s and food safety awareness within the plant.
- Trained on LEAN SIX SIGMA manufacturing and participated as quality department representative of LEAN team task force, reducing product made not right first time.
- Lead plant efforts to reduce inefficiencies caused by product not made right first time.
- Collaborated in cross-functional teams to enhance On Time In Full Order Fulfillment KPI and streamline new product commercialization processes.
- Collaborated with R&D and Purchasing to evaluate and improve supplier approval processes. to streamline and improve new supplier and ingredient approval processes and risk evaluation.
- Worked with purchasing to solicit new IPM service and execute new contract for 4 buildings.
- Work with design and engineering to create new laboratory space which will increase the speed and efficiency of product testing.
- Conducted root cause analysis on all internal nonconformities, driving improvements in performance and fostering continuous improvement.
Chairman, Board of Directors
Stepping Stones Preschool
Lumberton, New Jersey
08.2008 - 06.2013
- Led strategic planning for curriculum development and educational initiatives, aligning objectives with organizational goals.
- Facilitated board meetings to set policy direction and address governance issues, enhancing board effectiveness.
Quality Assurance Manager
Barry Callebaut U.S.A., Inc.
Pennsauken, USA
12.1998 - 03.2005
- Identified and promoted corrective actions for customer complaints, product non-conformances, and system failures, enhancing product quality.
- Investigated and initiated corrective actions in response to customer complaints, ensuring timely resolution and customer satisfaction.
- Managed daily activities of 2 laboratories and quality assurance staff of 12.
- Managed HACCP programs, monitoring and investigating findings to maintain compliance and improve food safety standards.
- Conduct internal system and GMP audits.
- Serve as site contact for customer, FDA, ISO and AIB audits.
- Responsible to report and analyze monthly KPIs relating to quality.
- Provide GMP, HACCP and quality procedure training to plant employees.
- Visited customers to address complaints and provided technical assistance.
- Responsible to prepare and maintain budget for Quality Assurance department.
- Serve as a coach during SAP implementation.
- Worked to fully integrate the products of newly acquired chocolate factory into quality systems in Pennsauken.
Laboratory Supervisor
Barry Callebaut U.S.A., Inc.
Pennsauken, USA
05.1998 - 12.1998
- Reviewed and evaluated all analytical and microbiological results, and provided corrective actions.
- Advised and delegated tasks to six technicians, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
- Implemented and updated quality systems to align with customer requirements during laboratory audits.
- Hired four technicians and developed a training program to enhance laboratory skills.
- Managed and prioritized action plans during crisis situations.
- Coordinate with customer service and production to maintain current status of all inventory.
Analytical Laboratory Team Leader
Barry Callebaut U.S.A., Inc.
Pennsauken, USA
04.1997 - 05.1998
- Developed analytical laboratory methods and procedures, achieving ISO9002 certification.
- Led Analytical Laboratory department, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
- Oversaw disposition of nonconforming products, maintaining product integrity and regulatory compliance.
- Implemented a calibration program for critical laboratory equipment.
- Created automatic Certificate of Analysis system.
Microbiology/Analytical Laboratory Technician
Barry Callebaut U.S.A., Inc.
Pennsauken, USA
09.1993 - 04.1997
- Conducted microbiological and chemical analysis of raw material and finished goods while maintaining GLP’s.
- Identified analytical and microbiology laboratory issues and recommended corrective actions to enhance operational integrity.
- Conducted consistent environmental monitoring to uphold laboratory compliance and standards.
- Managed inventory of laboratory supplies to ensure availability and support seamless operations.
Research and Development Technician of Beef and Poultry Products
Keystone Foods Corporation
Folcroft, USA
09.1992 - 09.1993
- Conducted independent research projects on product reformulation and new production processes for existing products, enhancing product offerings.
- Collaborated on selecting flavor profiles aligned with target specifications for new products, contributing to product development success.
- Partnered with R&D department to assess large-scale production feasibility for innovative products, supporting strategic product launches.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Science and Nutrition
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PAMaster of Science - Food Science
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PASkills
- Team building
- Project management
- LEAN manufacturing/six sigma methodology
- UHT processing technology
- Global imports and exports
- Process optimization
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Risk management
- Strategic planning
- Continuous improvement
- Operational excellence
- Customer focus
- Workflow optimization
Training
- Conflict management training course
- ISO Internal auditor certification
- Team building management training course
- GMP auditor certification
- Financial Management
- Creating an entrepreneurial company, Schloss Marbach Germany
- Sensory Evaluation Training, The Best Approach
- FSMA PCQI certified
- SQF Managers Training
- SQF internal auditor certification
- HACCP implementation training certification
- SQF Practitioner Training
- HACCP Certification
- LEAN production training
- Better Process Control School Certified
- Root Cause Analysis Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
- FSVP Certification
- Franklin Covey Trust and Inspire
Timeline
US Director of Quality
Puratos Corporation
01.2019 - Current
Quality Manager
Puratos Corporation
07.2016 - 01.2019
Chairman, Board of Directors
Stepping Stones Preschool
08.2008 - 06.2013
Quality Assurance Manager
Barry Callebaut U.S.A., Inc.
12.1998 - 03.2005
Laboratory Supervisor
Barry Callebaut U.S.A., Inc.
05.1998 - 12.1998
Analytical Laboratory Team Leader
Barry Callebaut U.S.A., Inc.
04.1997 - 05.1998
Microbiology/Analytical Laboratory Technician
Barry Callebaut U.S.A., Inc.
09.1993 - 04.1997
Research and Development Technician of Beef and Poultry Products
Keystone Foods Corporation
09.1992 - 09.1993
Bachelor of Science - Food Science and Nutrition
Drexel University
Master of Science - Food Science
Drexel University