Operations Manager

Deborah Zimmerman

Food & Beverage Manufacturing / Manager

****************@*****.*** • 319-***-****

www.linkedin.com/in/debbiejzimmerman • Brookline, MO

Summary

Credentialed operations manager dedicated to ensuring quality of products meet customer expectations. Well-proven talents in development and implementation of food safety management system. Excellent leadership, organizational and communication skills. Experience in purchasing materials, inventory control and monitoring KPIs. Known for employee engagement and training team members in specific skill sets to meet needs of company and close gaps in operations.

Education

Diploma in Cosmetology

Institute of Cosmetology Arts

Burlington, IA

Completed coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Physiology & Interpersonal Communication

Training & Credentials

PCQI Certification

HACCP Certification

FSPCA Certification

SQF Systems – Manufacturing

ISO 22000 Certification

FSSC 22000 Internal Auditor Training

Technical Competencies

BatchMaster

MS Office 365

Twin Peaks

Oracle

Areas of Expertise

FDA & FSMA Regulations

SQF Systems Monitoring

Cross-functional Communication

Production Planning

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

Inventory Management

Internal Audits

Project Management

Accomplishments

Gained significant amount of experience in procurement and coordination through start-up and launch of First Capitol Baking Company

Achieved high level of expertise in FDA regulations, FSMA requirements and GFSI standards throughout career

During tenure with Baker's Pride Inc., advanced rapidly to Production Manager due to tenacity in learning every process, outstanding teamwork, problem-solving and capacity for independent decision-making

Professional Experience

Food Ingredient Solutions, Marshfield, MO 8/2022 – 2/2023

Quality Assurance Manager

Promoted customer centered culture through timely response, evaluation and CAPA for product complaints. Strived to exceed customer expectations and maintain high level of customer satisfaction in alignment with company goals.

Reviewed HACCP plans and ensured compliance with GMPs

Maintained corporate quality manual and records

Arranged, coordinated and took part in external audits including FDA, customer and 3rd party certification

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First Capitol Baking Company, Burlington, IA 1/2021 – 8/2021

Plant Manager

Delivered integral support in launching First Capitol Baking Company. Worked methodically to establish clearly defined procedures and provide instructions and training to all departments in compliance with regulatory and company requirements. Promoted culture of food and employee safety. Negotiated costs for raw materials and equipment, monitored labor and inventory costs resulting in 30% savings on startup costs.

Collaborated on development of food safety plan, set up HACCP team and implemented master cleaning schedule

Participated in developing formulas and finished product specifications

Coordinated logistics for incoming and outgoing shipments, facilitated receiving program, and implemented ERP system

Black Hawk Food Services 3/2020 – 3/2021

Production Supervisor

Managed day-to-day operations of processing and packaging areas overseeing 1 production shift of 60 personnel. Aided in the development of product specifications. Trained, mentored, and motivated team of 6 direct reports in SOPs, industry standards, and food and machine safety.

Hand-selected and assembled production team from onset of operations and led team to consistently surpass nightly production plan by 2%.

Helped with employee onboarding, managed time records and conducted performance evaluations for hourly production operators

Baker's Pride, Inc., Burlington, IA *3/2015 – 3/2020

Production Manager

Orchestrated all aspects of food manufacturing, ensuring full compliance with food safety, sanitation and waste management regulations. Worked closely with Maintenance Manager in coordinating cleaning, upkeep and repair of equipment in alignment with procedural requirements. Created and monitored production schedules. Participated extensively in equipment and process inspections.

Partnered with plant executives and industry leaders across three global accounts in formulating processes, procedures and guidelines for new business, enabling rapid maximization of production to full capacity

Instrumental in securing 90% retention rate and achieving third-party audit scores of more than 90%

Integral in attaining SQF and Organic certifications through efforts in preparing for and assisting with certification audits

* Started at Baker’s Pride in 8/2008 and worked in each section of wholesale bakery including leadership roles before being promoted to production manager in 3/2015. The plant closed in 2020 to merge with Black Hawk Food Services.

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