Gillian Kadenyi Muriithi
Food Technologist And Project Manager.
Nairobi, Nairobi Province
Summary
Accomplished Senior Program Manager with expertise in Food processing, quality assurance and food safety systems. At Partners In Food Solutions, I have led over 20 projects annually, enhancing client relationships and driving continuous improvement.
I have demonstrated leadership in systems implementation, program execution and process improvement engagements.
I have a strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability to evolving client/ partner needs.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Program Manager
Partners In Food Solutions
09.2019 - Current
- Assessed and managed portfolio clients, identified priority needs for food businesses and collaborated with PFS staff team to prioritize, design and execute technical and business advisory projects.
- Developed comprehensive project plans resulting in successful and timely delivery of multiple project.
- Established client priorities, maintained schedules and monitored project performance.
- Supported documentation and implementation of local and internal food safety systems frameworks and certification.
- Provided support and managed on average 20 projects per year, through a remote transfer model.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives by PFS, by reviewing and updating the Quality Assessment Tools to promote and monitor occupational safety at client organizations.
- Enhanced client relationships and provided exceptional service for tailored projects.
- Utilized CRM tools to efficiently guide and track client performance.
- Cultivated strong relationships with ecosystem partners, for pipeline building, and collaboration on joint projects and initiatives.
- Identified, placed and supported 50 apprentices over time, mentoring them and fostering a supportive environment focused on learning and growth.
Horticulture Sector Advisor
HIVOS East Africa
06.2015 - 08.2019
- Coordinated and implemented the horticulture sector development agenda, focusing on productivity improvement, technology promotion, and policy formulation.
- Identified challenges and implemented solutions related to food safety, post-harvest loss reduction, and smallholder farmer inclusion across business, industry, county, and national levels.
- Represented the consortium in multi-stakeholder forums to advocate for relevant food safety policy reforms with government institutions and private sector partners.
- Collaborated with national and county governments, regulatory agencies, and partner organizations to implement joint action plans.
- Partnered with agribusinesses to develop sustainable and inclusive business models, enhancing market access and profitability for smallholder farmers.
- Conducted site visits to monitor project implementation, assess partner performance, and track progress against set indicators.
- Prepared and disseminated project reports in coordination with business partners and the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team.
- Captured and shared lessons learned from studies, pilot solutions, and implemented interventions within the horticulture programme.
- Designed and implemented food safety improvement strategies for fresh fruits and vegetables targeting the domestic market.
- Organized learning events, training programs, and awareness sessions on governance, policy, and compliance to strengthen stakeholder capacity.
Quality Assurance Manager
Tropical Heat Limited
09.2010 - 05.2015
- Served as Food Safety Team Leader, maintaining, auditing, reviewing, and updating ISO 22000, HACCP, and implementing other regulatory standards.
- Revised and developed raw material and product standards in collaboration with the Research & Development (R&D) department.
- Developed, implemented, and enforced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for production and hygiene processes in line with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Led customer complaint investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions to improve customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw waste management programs and coordinated National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) compliance audits.
- Ensured calibration and statutory compliance of processing and measuring equipment.
- Implemented Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) requirements across production facilities.
- Identified training needs, developed and executed training programs on Food Safety, Hygiene, GMP, and Quality Specifications for all food handlers.
- Represented the company in the Spice and Condiments Technical Committee at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for drafting and reviewing national standards.
- Served as company representative in agribusiness value chain initiatives under the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM).
- Acted as the Processors’ Representative at the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK).
- Project Lead for new potato variety trials in collaboration with seed and ware potato breeders the Netherlands government.
Quality Assurance Manager
Alpine Coolers Limited
07.2007 - 08.2010
- Led the organization in implementing ISO 22000 Alpine Coolers to certification.
- Coordinated cross functional teams to implement process and system improvements, monitoring food safety and quality metrics.
- Established quality documentation and conducted regular audits to ensure adherence to established procedures.
- Investigated customer complaints and performed corrective actions to resolve quality issues.
Quality Controller
Proctor and Allan East Africa Limited.
01.2006 - 07.2006
- Monitored and streamlined production processes for efficiency and compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.
- Created comprehensive quality control documentation, providing clear guidelines for staff adherence.
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Bio Foods Limited
04.2005 - 12.2005
- Supervised production processing team to safely produce functional dairy products as well as fruit and vegetable products.
- Monitored production and laboratory testing processes for product release approval of the functional dairy products, and fruits and vegetable products.
- Enhanced production team performance through training and guidance of shop-floor teams.
Quality Control Inspector
Brookside Dairy Limited
09.1999 - 05.2002
- Sampling and testing incoming milk and finished products for quality and safety ensuring 100% compliance to product specifications.
- Member of product development team for Brookside’s Dairy Fresh Flavoured Milk.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Development Studies
Mount Kenya University
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya 04.2001 -
No Degree - Business Management- Part 1 And 2
Kenya Institute of Management
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya 04.2001 -
No Degree - Higher National Diploma Food Technology
Technical University of Kenya
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya 04.2001 -
No Degree - Diploma In Food Technolgy
Technical University of Mombasa
Mombasa, Mombasa District, Kenya 04.2001 -
Skills
Food Safety and quality management systems, standards and regulations, and systems auditing
Process documentation and quality assurance controls
Problem solving and decision making
Flexibility and adaptability
Learning and innovation
Analytical skills- data and statistics
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Nature and Travel
I love nature walks and enjoy gardening.
Timeline
Senior Program Manager
Partners In Food Solutions
09.2019 - Current
Horticulture Sector Advisor
HIVOS East Africa
06.2015 - 08.2019
Quality Assurance Manager
Tropical Heat Limited
09.2010 - 05.2015
Quality Assurance Manager
Alpine Coolers Limited
07.2007 - 08.2010
Quality Controller
Proctor and Allan East Africa Limited.
01.2006 - 07.2006
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Bio Foods Limited
04.2005 - 12.2005
Bachelor of Science - Development Studies
Mount Kenya University
04.2001 -
No Degree - Business Management- Part 1 And 2
Kenya Institute of Management
04.2001 -
No Degree - Higher National Diploma Food Technology
Technical University of Kenya
04.2001 -
No Degree - Diploma In Food Technolgy
Technical University of Mombasa
04.2001 -
Quality Control Inspector
Brookside Dairy Limited
09.1999 - 05.2002