Margaret Kagema
Thika, Kiambu
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented Food Scientist & Technologist with over 6 years of experience in the food processing industry. Expertise in quality assurance, food safety, research & development, and production supervision. Strong background in implementing ISO 22000:2018, ISO 17025:2017, HACCP, and Kaizen methodologies. Proven ability to develop and commercialize new food products, enhance quality management systems, and optimize production efficiency.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Assurance Officer
Capwell Industries Limited
Thika, Kiambu
03.2022 - Current
- Conduct in-process quality checks and raw material inspections to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Implement and maintain ISO 22000:2018, ISO 17025:2017, and Kaizen for process optimization and food safety.
- Develop and maintain documentation systems, including traceability, incident management, and recall procedures.
- Work with R&D, production, and marketing teams to design innovative food solutions and improve existing formulations.
- Supervise hygiene protocols, ensuring adherence to quality and safety guidelines.
- Conduct internal audits, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Maintain accurate records of all non-conforming products according to company guidelines.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed-upon criteria set by the organization's Quality Assurance Department.
- Review customer feedback surveys regularly for insights into product performance trends.
- Develop test plans and protocols for new products prior to their release into the market.
- Investigate customer complaints regarding product quality, and prepare comprehensive reports outlining root causes and solutions.
Food Technologist
Ecoagribusiness Limited
Nyeri
02.2020 - 02.2022
- Led new product development (NPD) from concept to commercialization, ensuring high-quality standards.
- Conducted stability, microbiological, and sensory testing for food safety compliance.
- Researched consumer preferences and market trends to develop flavor innovations for the dairy and beverage industry.
- Investigated and resolved customer complaints related to product quality and safety.
- Led in process optimization, cost analysis, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) development.
- Assisted in developing cost-effective methods for mass production of food items.
- Implemented HACCP principles in all areas of production to ensure the safety of food products.
- Conducted shelf-life studies to determine optimal storage conditions for the product range.
- Collaborated with other departments, such as marketing, sales, and engineering, to develop innovative products.
- Trained personnel on the proper use of machinery and safety procedures in the workplace.
- Maintained accurate records of experiments, test results, and other related activities.
- Created nutritional labels for a variety of products based on government regulations.
- Performed sensory evaluations to ensure product flavor, texture, and appearance met expectations.
Production Supervisor
Tamarillo Kenya Limited
Nyeri
02.2018 - 02.2020
- Supervised production processes and ensured compliance with HACCP, ISO 22000: 2018, and safety protocols.
- Developed and introduced new product lines, such as chia seed yogurt and tree tomato yogurt, to local markets.
- Monitored raw material quality and ensured adherence to food safety regulations.
- Led in the installation and maintenance of food processing equipment.
- Supervised a team of 20+ workers in the production process by providing guidance and feedback.
- Led weekly meetings with production staff to discuss objectives and performance metrics.
- Trained new employees on safety protocols, operating procedures, and product specifications.
- Developed and maintained detailed documentation of production processes and activities.
- Tracked and monitored inventory levels, and identified fluctuations in demand.
- Created detailed reports outlining production output levels, inventory levels, and other relevant data points.
- Implemented lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and increase productivity.
- Observed equipment operation and proactively addressed issues to prevent downtime.
- Enforced safety and sanitation regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Science And Technology
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
Nyeri, Kenya04-2017
Skills
- Quality Management Systems Expertise- ISO 22000: 2018 & ISO 17025 :2017
- Research and Development Expertise- Product Development and Commercialization
- Food safety and regulatory compliance
- Sensory evaluation and shelf-life testing
- Team leadership and cross-functional collaboration
- Kaizen implementation and continuous improvement
- Process and compliance audit expertise
- Supplier performance evaluation
- Customer feedback analysis
- Documentation management
Certification
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Documentation Course for Testing, Calibration, and Sampling Laboratories by KEBS
- ISO 22000:2018 Internal Auditors Course by Bureau Veritas
- Aflatoxin Proficiency Testing and Control in Africa, Asia, America, and Europe (APTECA)
- Certificate of Competence in Grading of Cereals and Pulses According to the Requirements of the East African Standard Specifications (KEBS)
- Certificate of Competence in Sensory Evaluation of Foods by Food Safety International
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Implementation Course
- Food Safety Management Systems Training on ISO 22000: 2018 Implementation Course
- Food Safety Prerequisite Programs based on ISO/TS 22002-1: 2009
- Occupational First Aid Training by Envirolink Consultants, Limited
Key Achievements
- Successfully implemented new product lines and was responsible for the commercialization of the products at Tamarillo, Kenya, Limited
- Developed new product lines, such as the chia seeds yogurt, the tree tomato yogurt line, and introduced the products to the local markets within the Mt. Kenya region
- Developed real fruit flavor concepts that led to the successful commercialization of line extensions at Ecoagribusiness Limited
- The real fruit flavors for the dairy and beverage industry included the berries (strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries), tropical fruits (passion fruit, pineapple, and mango), and tree tomatoes.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Quality Assurance Officer
Capwell Industries Limited
03.2022 - Current
Food Technologist
Ecoagribusiness Limited
02.2020 - 02.2022
Production Supervisor
Tamarillo Kenya Limited
02.2018 - 02.2020
Bachelor of Science - Food Science And Technology
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
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