Elissa Smith
@elissasmith
I lead food safety, quality governance, and technical improvement in dairy manufacturing.
New ZealandWhat I'm looking for
Experienced dairy industry professional specialising in product performance, quality risk, and regulatory compliance across global markets. Proven track record leading cross-functional programmes to resolve complex quality challenges and establish robust governance frameworks that support consistent, defensible decision-making. Recognised for translating complex technical, regulatory, and quality requirements into practical, structured systems that strengthen product integrity, audit readiness, reporting, and customer confidence.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Product Manager
Westland Milk Products
Sep 2021 - Present (4 years 11 months)
Provided technical leadership across food safety, validation, supplier assurance, and product performance. Designed and embedded governance systems for product testing, supplier approval, and validation, improving compliance and decision-making.
Process Microbiologist
Westland Milk Products
Nov 2019 - Sep 2021 (1 year 10 months)
Led site-wide pathogen management programmes, achieving sustained eradication and strengthening food safety culture. Developed and embedded pathogen management frameworks and delivered technical training programmes.
Quality Officer
Westland Milk Products
Oct 2018 - Oct 2019 (1 year)
Led site-wide non-conformance investigations, customer complaints, audit responses, and corrective action programmes. Managed training and capability systems, strengthening compliance visibility and workforce competence.
Laboratory Technician (Microbiology)
Westland Milk Products
Apr 2018 - Oct 2018 (6 months)
Performed microbiological testing of in-process and finished products, ensuring accurate reporting and escalation of non-conformances.
Research Scientist (Industry-Sponsored Doctoral Research)
Supreme Biotechnologies Ltd / Massey University
Jan 2015 - Jan 2018 (3 years)
Conducted applied research within a commercial biotechnology environment, developing expertise in experimental design, statistical analysis, technical investigation, and scientific communication. Designed and executed research projects requiring structured problem solving and evidence-based decision making.
Lab Team Leader
Supreme Biotechnologies Ltd
Jan 2014 - Jan 2015 (1 year)
Led laboratory operations, including staff supervision, training, and process optimisation to support production and research activities.
Lab Technician
Supreme Biotechnologies Ltd
Jan 2011 - Jan 2014 (3 years)
Managed microalgal culture systems and conducted research trials to optimise production performance and manage contamination risks.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Otago
Master of Science, Science
Master of Science degree from the University of Otago.
University of Otago
Bachelor of Science, Science
Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Otago.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
New ZealandAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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