ALEX KHANBIJIAN

*** *. ******** *** *******, CA *2807 Mobile: 310-***-**** E-mail: aduvgz@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of formal education, specialized training and extensive practical experience has resulted in excellent qualifications as a QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL. Command outstanding communication skills and superior time management talents. Quickly establish a sound rapport with clients, vendors, co-workers and management. Strong background and expertise in all areas of food processing and production. Resourceful and adaptable, maintaining accuracy in all work performance. Serve as a key contributing member in developing and implementing goals, objectives and priorities for assigned projects.

Key Strengths Include:

Specialize in developing new processes which successfully improve production quality.

Design and implement effective corrective actions to resolve any audit concerns.

Collaborate effectively with R&D and Production to set up processes for new products.

Diverse experience encompasses food Manufacturing, foodservice and restaurant chains.

In-depth knowledge of FDA and USDA guidelines as well as AIB, GSFI(SQF&BRC), and FSA audit protocols.

Areas of Expertise:

Process/Program Improvement Staff Training & Supervision Food Packaging

Updating Formulas Allergen Control Systems Cost Controls

Turning Around Operations Employee Training & Oversight Third Party Audits

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER Q Trade Teas & Herbs - Cerritos, CA

Head of the QA and Sanitation Departments. Reported to the CEO to improve quality and sanitation processes at this company that produced Teas, Herbs, and powders for use in high end products for many clients including Unilever, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and Coca Cola. Observed, assessed, and improved Quality and Sanitation Programs at the facility that measured a combined 75K sq.ft. and employed a 50+ member production staff. Head the QA operation, Sanitation operation and 9 QA/Sanitation technicians. (2020-present)

Investigated customer complaints to determine the root causes of problems; designed and implemented specific corrective actions and preventive measures resulting in positive resolution.

Led new Food Safety and GMP training sessions at the plant.

New processes resulted in reducing rework from 25% to under 10%.

Reversed operations from surveillance to successful passing of GSFI Audits from 84% to 93%.

Worked with a cross-functional teams for continuous process improvement objectives.

Focus on cost reduction, obtaining quality products the first time, and product consistency initiatives using protocols that do not deviate from specified processes, and which identify gaps and root-cause analyses to address customer satisfaction efforts.

QUALITY ASSURANCE FOOD SAFETY MANAGER Nature’s Flavors Inc. - Orange, CA

Responsible for all QA functions and sanitation staff at this company that produced food-grade colors, flavors, concentrates, flavor oils, and extracts for clients including PepsiCo Inc and Hormel. Observed, assessed, and improved Quality and Sanitation Programs at a 20K sq.ft. facility that employed 30+ staff members. Oversaw 2 sanitation staff and 2 QA technicians. (2019-2020)

Reduced customer complaints from 22% to 13% by addressing root cause analyses and implementing corrective actions and preventative measures.

Conducted all plant personnel trainings on food safety and GMP practices; developed and administered quizzes to ensure all staff had good understanding of subject matter, and helped employees improve scores from approximately 75% to 100%.

Adjusted batches of on given product formulas to achieve optimal chemical analyses and thus improved yields by 15%.

Conducted customer and 3rd party audits and set up all quality programs.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SENIOR MANAGER Juanita’s Foods - Wilmington, CA

Responsible for all QA functions and sanitation staff at this company that produced 65-80K lbs. of specialty canned foods daily for sale to major grocery chains. Continually assessed daily operations, and advised management on methods to improve both the quality of products and bottom-line finances. Managed 3rd Party audits. Reported directly to the CEO. (2018 to 2019)

Achieved consistently superior ratings on SQF, USDA, FDA and customer audits and decreased rework from 17% to below 10%.

Worked directly with the R&D Department on product improvements and new product launches.

Collaborated with other departments to facilitate a team-oriented environment company wide.

Trained staff on FSMA, GMPs and HACCP regulations and standards.

QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER Camino Real Kitchens - City of Vernon, CA

Oversaw 2 Supervisors and 10 QC Technicians at this company that produced frozen Mexican food. Validated and verified all QA programs. Reviewed and updated SOP’s. Conducted all internal and third party (SQF, USDA and Health Department) audits. (2017 to 2018)

Improved the company’s SQF rating from Excellent (94%) to Superior (97%) and increased API efficiency from 50% to 100%.

Passed an FSMA Audit with proper efficiency and the lowest possible time, based on industry norms.

Reduced customer complaint ratio from 35% to 12% and rework from 18% to below 10%.

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (Continued)

FOOD SAFETY & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE MANAGER Jack in the Box Corporation - San Diego, CA

Traveled throughout CA, OK, GA and TX to audit suppliers on quality, safety, and compliance with corporate expectations. Ensured all suppliers met company standards for HACCP, GMP, Sanitation and Environmental Programs, as well as pest control processes. (2015 to 2017)

Worked with suppliers to improve their efficiency on food safety compliance from 70% to 95%.

Advised Distribution Centers (DC’s) on product specifications. Instrumental in setting up new or revising existing DC programs to maintain standards and costs without compromising quality.

QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER Custom Food Products - Carson, CA

Validated and verified all quality programs at this company that processed poultry, beef and pork for clients including Arby’s, Subway and Nestlé. Managed both QC and sanitation at an 80K sq.ft. facility with a staff of 75+. Launched new HACCP programs for all production lines. (2010 to 2014)

Acted as liaison with other Custom Food facilities in KY, GA and CA.

Enhanced the company’s SQF rating from “B” to “A.”

Decreased the USDA non-compliance citations from 72 to less than 10 and rework from 28% to 11%.

QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER Saputo Cheese - South Gate, CA

Ensured the quality and integrity of all cheese products the company produced and packaged for resale by retailers. Also serviced in the company’s food processing facility in Maryland. (2008 to 2010)

Teamed with the R&D Department on shelf-life studies, developing alternative formulations of products, and implementing cost-improvement methods for packaging materials.

Lowered customer complaints from 22% to 13% and rework from 30% to under 18%.

QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER Ken’s Foods, Inc. - Las Vegas, NV

Set up all food safety and GMP Programs for this start-up plant manufacturer of salad dressings, mayonnaise and barbecue products for clients in both food service and retail. Collaborated with 2 sister branches of the company to improve processes and ensure conformity. (2003 to 2008)

Received superior ratings on multiple 3rd party audits, including ASI, FDA and Yum! Brands.

Customer complaints were lowered from 32% to 9% and rework from 19% to 7%.

Prior Experience:

QUALITY ASSURANCE SUPERVISOR Nelson Nutraceuticals - Irwindale, CA

Supervised a microbiology lab and sensory program for this producer of nutritional protein bars for clients including Slim Fast and Weight Watchers. (2001 to 2003)

RAW MATERIAL SPECIALIST Golden State Foods - City of Industry, CA

Inspected and tested raw materials at a food processing plant with 500-600 employees that supplied McDonald’s restaurants. Audited vendors from both the USA and Mexico. Developed trend reports on KPI’s which identified improvements in safety and food quality. (1989 to 2001)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

B.S. Degree/Food Science - Animal Science Department Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, OK

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

Diversey Chemical Company COP & CIP Training AIB: HACCP & GMP Training & Certifications

SQF and PCQI Certification (SQF Practitioner) Serv-Safe Manager Food Safety

BRC Certification NSF Food Safety License

Computer Skills: Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook Genesis Oracle MRP Systems Custom Systems

OPEN TO TRAVEL

REFERENCES: Available upon Request COMPENSATION: Open to Negotiation

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