Open to opportunities

Kate Haiar

@katehaiar

Message

I lead food science, quality, and regulatory programs for CPG manufacturing and product innovation.

United States

Message

I'm the technical category lead for processed tomatoes and tomato paste at Conagra Brands, supporting the CPG grocery portfolio through food science, formulation, product innovation, and project management.

Previously, I led quality at Red River Commodities, aligning quality manuals and food safety programs across seven facilities. I supported new product development, launched a non-thermal pasteurization line, and developed SOPs, sanitation SOPs, HACCP plans, and food safety plans.

I've led customer and third-party audits and worked across FDA, USDA, BRC, SQF, Kosher, Organic, Gluten Free, and bioengineered-organism requirements. My work includes regulatory documentation, CAPA investigations, live quality systems, OEE implementation, and maintaining compliance with product specifications.

Earlier, I managed quality assurance teams, labeling, supplier records, nutritional fact panels, and production rollouts at OLM Food Solutions. I bring food science, chemistry, auditing, and practical manufacturing experience across the food chain and supply.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Food Scientist

Current

Conagra Brands

Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 8 months)

Senior food scientists specializing in tomato products for CPG grocery space. Technical category Lead for processed tomatoes and tomato paste with the Conagra Brands portfolio.

Food Technology Business Continuity Food Science Project Management Product Innovation Formulation

Director Of Quality

Red River Commodities Inc

Jan 2019 - Dec 2023 (4 years 11 months)

•Manage and align quality manuals to current regulations, and practices. Assist with Human Food, Wildlife, and Processing divisions to find best practice while ensuring we are meeting SQF (Safe Quality Foods) code, FDA regulations, and ensure customer’s expectations are met.
•Support new project development including starting operations of non-thermal pasteurization line.
•Write, develop, and imp

Leadership FDA Regulatory Compliance Regulatory Affairs Program Management Risk Assessment R&D Food Processing Validation Regulatory Submissions Standard Operating Procedures Compliance Audits Quality Auditing R&D Operations Process Improvement Product Safety Global Regulatory Compliance Project Management Product Launch

Quality Assurance Manager

Orion Land Mark (OLM Food Solutions)

Oct 2015 - Dec 2018 (3 years 2 months)

•Manage a team of 8 technician to ensure SQF, HACCP/Food Safety Plan, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and company policy is being followed in 4 different production areas. Work with Supervisor to ensure policies and procedure are practiced to meet food safety, safety and regulatory compliance for federal, state, and local regulation.
•Direct and manage the labeling and regulatory procedures.