Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

RUTH MWINZI

NZAMBI

Summary

Dynamic Research and Development Lead with a proven track record at Promasidor Kenya, Tropical Heat Limited and Bidco Africa Limited, with extensive knowledge and experience in New Product Development, Research and Development, product knowledge and customization, technical problem solving, Food Manufacturing, Food Safety and Management Systems. An active member in the customer response team, Occupational Health and Safety, Fire Marshals and First Aid Committees, and a certified auditor, Environmental Management Systems.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Research and Development Lead

Promasidor Kenya
08.2024 - Current
  • Led the development of new products, from formulation, development of the corresponding packaging materials, to launch.
  • Optimised existing products to improve quality and cut costs. Revised the formulation of Twisco drinking chocolate and 3-in-1 Miksi beverages increasing sales by volume and value by a margin of 4% and 3% respectively.
  • Ensured adherence to regulatory requirements for both new and existing products, maintaining proper documentation.
  • Provided technical input and insights into innovations and projects.
  • Implemented Food Quality Management Systems, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management System, Energy, and Social Accountability policies.
  • Oversaw the operations of the Quality Assurance and Production teams to ensure new and existing products are produced according to internal and external set standards.
  • Oversaw operations of the Quality Assurance team to ensure incoming raw and packaging materials are according to set standards, and to ensure achievement of set KPIs.
  • Staff training to create knowledge on Food Quality Management systems, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management System, Energy and Social Accountability policies.
  • Organized workshops, product trials and sensory evaluations to showcase new products.
  • Staying updated on industry trends to provide insights that drive sales and innovations.
  • Identified emerging trends and needs in food industry and integrating them into the production system.
  • Carried out audits to determine conformance of every department to all management systems, creating and presenting audit reports and coming up with corrective actions in case of nonconformance.
  • Regular audits at the suppliers’ premises to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Acted as the link between the company and the regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance to regulatory requirements and renewal of regulatory permits on time.
  • Coordinated the timely response to customer complaints, through root cause analysis and effective communication between the involved departments.

Research and Development Analyst

Tropical Heat Limited
09.2022 - 08.2024
  • Developed new products. Led the development and launch of Chips Masala, Heroes Chilli Cheese Crisps, Tropnuts Peanuts, and Tropical Heat Banana Crisps; Chilli Salted, Chilli Lemon and Salted Banana Crisps variants.
  • Enhanced product quality while reducing costs. Led the packaging rebrand of Githeri Masala and Fish Masala Sachets packs.
  • Ensured new and existing products meet regulatory compliance and were documented according to standards, certificates and approvals.
    Provided technical input and insights into innovations and projects.
  • Documented New Products Development projects and progress.
  • Implemented Food Quality Management systems, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management System, Energy and Social Accountability policies.
  • Conducted training workshops for customers on technical issues and demonstration of new products.
  • Conducted staff training to create knowledge on Food Quality Management systems, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management System, Energy and Social Accountability policies.
  • Carried out internal and external surveys to assess new product performance and awareness.
  • Identified emerging trends and needs in food industry and integrating them into new products development process.
  • Oversaw operations of the Quality Assurance and production teams to ensure new and existing products are produced according to set standards.
    Led the development of new products, from formulation, development of the corresponding packaging materials, to launch.

Deputy Lead, Quality Assurance

Bidco Africa Limited
03.2020 - 09.2022
  • Directed operations of the staff in packaging materials department in a fast-paced environment to ensure following of relevant inspection procedures and work towards defined Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets.
  • Perfected analysis and teamwork skills of the Quality department by creating excellent employee relationships and cultivating supportive, positive working environment.
  • Guided team to minimize customer complaints.
  • Planned employee workloads to align with seasonal demand changes.
  • Conducted staff meetings to delegate tasks.
  • Led monthly review meetings with suppliers.
  • Managed revision of packaging materials to reduce costs and enhance quality.
  • Conducted external audits to verify supplier compliance with established standard

Research and Development Assistant

Bidco Africa Limited
07.2019 - 09.2022
  • Spearheaded product development initiatives within the edible value stream. Directed the successful launch of Olive Gold virgin olive oil.
  • Optimized existing products to achieve higher quality and lower costs. Led the rebrand of Gold Band margarine and Golden Fry cooking oil.
  • Ensured products met regulatory compliance and documented according to standards.
  • Tracked advancements in Research and Development initiatives.
  • Implemented Food Quality Management systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Conducted audits to ensure departmental compliance with management systems.
  • Delivered technical expertise to enhance sales and marketing strategies.
  • Identified emerging trends and needs in food industry, integrating them into new product development process.
  • Monitored new product performance in the market.
  • Conducted market data analysis to identify consumer expectations.
  • Resolved technical inquiries related to product functionality.

Quality Assurance Intern

Bidco Africa Limited
02.2018 - 07.2019
  • Organized product samples for analytical procedures.
  • Performed routine upkeep of laboratory instruments.
  • Prepared and maintained lab reagents.
  • Released conforming batches and identified nonconforming batches.
  • Conducted inline inspections at scheduled intervals to verify product compliance with standards.
  • Documented and updated QA records.
  • Maintained cleanliness of packaging equipment and materials.
  • Implemented food quality management, environmental, energy, occupational health and safety, and social accountability policies.
  • Detected nonconformities in production processes and implemented corrective actions

Education

Bachelor of Science - Food Science And Technology

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
04.2001 -

Skills

New Product Development Process

Research and Development

Leadership

Problem Solving - Successfully researched a way to get rid of the fishy smell in Bidco's soybean oil

Product knowledge and customization –

Project management

Effective communication

Quality control processes

Regulatory compliance

Food Quality Management

Technical Documentation

Cross functional Collaboration

Audit Management

Supplier Management

Report Generation

Resource Allocation

Additional Information

1. June Sheila Kyalo Senior Research and Development Officer, Tropical Heat Limited. +254729846578


2. James Mbatia, Research and Development Analyst, Bidco Africa Limited. +254728645583

Timeline

Research and Development Lead

Promasidor Kenya
08.2024 - Current

Research and Development Analyst

Tropical Heat Limited
09.2022 - 08.2024

Deputy Lead, Quality Assurance

Bidco Africa Limited
03.2020 - 09.2022

Research and Development Assistant

Bidco Africa Limited
07.2019 - 09.2022

Quality Assurance Intern

Bidco Africa Limited
02.2018 - 07.2019

Bachelor of Science - Food Science And Technology

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
04.2001 -

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
RUTH MWINZINZAMBI