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Vaso Koutina

@vasokoutina

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QA and Technical Manager in food manufacturing with MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology and quality systems expertise.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a challenging QA/Technical leadership role in a world-class food business where I can lead audits, improve quality systems, mentor teams, and tackle complex technical and compliance issues.

I am a QA/Technical Manager in food manufacturing with an MSc in Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology focused on food quality and production. I have led BRCGS and customer audits, managed quality systems, supplier assurance and HACCP teams across UK and Greece sites, and delivered technical support to suppliers and customers.

I am ambitious, motivated and detail-oriented, experienced in resolving compliance and technical issues, supporting multi-site operations, and training cross-functional teams. I seek to apply my technical and managerial expertise to meet ambitious targets and help food and drink companies address emerging issues and incidents.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

QA Manager

Current

Zeelandia Ltd

May 2022 - Present (3 years 9 months)

Lead BRCGS and customer audits, managed HACCP team and supplier audits, and coordinated quality management and laboratory compliance across UK sites to ensure regulatory and customer standards.

HACCP Quality Management Systems & Compliance Food Safety

Technical Team Leader

RM Curtis & Co Ltd

Mar 2017 - Apr 2022 (5 years 1 month)

Managed daily technical and supplier assurance activities, led BRCGS and customer-standard audits, delivered supplier and customer training, and supported site audits to maintain compliance for dried fruit and nut processing.

BRCGS Standards Technical Training Food Safety

Quality Manager

Farmhouse SA

May 2015 - Dec 2016 (1 year 7 months)

Maintained BRC/IFS quality systems, led HACCP and supplier/customer audits, and provided technical support as primary contact for suppliers and customers in olive and vegetable processing.

HACCP Customer Audits Technical Support Food Safety

Quality Supervisor

Del Monte Hellas SA

Jul 2012 - May 2015 (2 years 10 months)

Supervised quality shift operations for canned fruit and vegetables, ensured production records accuracy, inspected processes and implemented corrective actions to maintain product quality.

Process Control Food Safety

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Hellenic Open University

Postgraduate Certificate, Quality Assurance Planning

2017 - 2017

Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Assurance Planning completed in 2017.

University of Thessaly

Master of Science, Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology (plants)

MSc in Sustainable Agricultural Production and Environmental Management focusing on genetic improvement, biotechnology and food quality, graduated July 2017.

Agricultural University of Athens

Bachelor degree, Animal Science and Aquaculture

Degree in Animal Science and Aquaculture with coursework across chemistry, microbiology, genetics, aquaculture and food technology; graduated September 2012.