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melissa valenzuela

@melissavalenzuela

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Quality Systems Manager with expertise in food safety and compliance.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters growth in food safety management, emphasizing collaboration and innovation.

As a dedicated Quality Systems Manager at McCormick FONA, I oversee a comprehensive internal audits program, ensuring compliance with food safety standards while driving improvements in quality processes. My role involves leading investigations into foreign material and microbiological issues, collaborating across departments to implement effective solutions. I facilitate numerous customer and regulatory audits each year, ensuring that all quality programs are meticulously documented and accessible for audit support.

My journey in food safety began as a Food Safety System Specialist, where I significantly reduced microbiological hazards through effective environmental monitoring and training initiatives. I pride myself on my ability to develop educational programs that enhance compliance and knowledge among employees. With a strong foundation in culinary nutrition and extensive experience in food safety management, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety in food production.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Quality Systems Manager

Current

McCormick FONA

Aug 2022 - Present (3 years 2 months)

Oversee the internal audits program consisting of 30 audits, ensuring compliance with food safety standards and driving improvement in quality processes. Lead and assist in 20+ annual investigations to identify root causes of foreign material and microbiological issues, collaborating across departments to implement solutions.

Internal Audit Root Cause Analysis Regulatory Compliance HACCP Food Allergen Management

Food Safety Lead

McCormick FONA

Mar 2021 - Present (4 years 7 months)

Recruited and onboarded 7 new team members, providing coaching on customer micro submission, environmental monitoring program (EMP), internal audit program, sanitation validation, and performance management, leading to enhanced team performance. Ensured key prerequisite programs, including pest control, sanitation, internal audits, and environmental monitoring, were managed to maintain SQF Excelle

Team Leadership Onboarding Internal Audit SQF Performance Management

Food Safety System Specialist

McCormick FONA

Jun 2017 - Present (8 years 4 months)

Performed environmental monitoring using risk-based prioritization, identifying and resolving harborage areas to significantly reduce microbiological hazards in production, ensuring the facility remained in a sanitary condition. Coordinated with the Regulatory Department to achieve a 95% first-review rate for all documents, meeting quick turnaround goals and ensuring timely compliance.

Risk Assessment Microbiological Hazard Reduction Regulatory Compliance Document Management Process Automation HACCP

Kitchen Assistant

Food Team

Feb 2017 - Present (8 years 8 months)

Sustained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation by thoroughly cleaning prep areas, knives, and critical equipment, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment at the end of each shift. Prepared ingredients in advance based on menus, accurately sorting, storing, and distributing them to support smooth meal preparation.

Food Preparation Inventory Management Food Service

Assistant Food Service Director

Aramark

Aug 2014 - Present (11 years 2 months)

Organized and supervised unit personnel in production, merchandising, quality, and cost control, adhering to labor scheduling requirements and ensuring compliance with Illinois labor laws. Hired, coached, and managed the performance of 10-20 team members, fostering a productive and efficient work environment.

Team Management Production Management Merchandising Quality Control Cost Control

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Johnson & Wales University

Bachelor of Science, Culinary Nutrition

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition, focusing on the intersection of culinary arts and nutritional science. Gained comprehensive knowledge in food science, dietetics, and public health.

Johnson & Wales University

Associate of Arts, Culinary Arts

Earned an Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts, developing foundational skills in classical and contemporary cooking techniques. Acquired practical experience in kitchen operations, food preparation, and culinary management.