Quality & EHS Leader - Lean, Compliance, Continuous Improvement

DENISE ZEITLER

Leominster, ***** MA +1-828-***-**** **.*******@*****.***

Professional Summary

Results-driven Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety (QEHS) Manager with a proven track record of operational excellence and regulatory compliance. Over 30 years of success leading safety programs, streamlining manufacturing operations, and implementing ISO 9001-2015 and food safety standards. Recognized for achieving high SQF audit scores (97–98/100) and honored with the North Star Site for Safety award. Expert in risk mitigation, Lean Manufacturing, team development, and performance metrics across multi-site operations.

Professional Skills

• Proficient in SQF, HACCP, GMP, and ISO 9001-2015 standards to ensure regulatory compliance and product quality.

• Skilled in Lean Manufacturing, RCA, and continuous improvement to reduce waste and drive operational efficiency.

• Strong background in EHS management, including OSHA compliance, LOTO, and safety training.

• Experienced in mentoring teams and leading audits to build a culture of accountability and safety.

• Adept with Oracle, SAP ERP, and KPI development for quality control, traceability, and performance tracking.

Key Achievements

• Achieved SQF audit scores of 97–98/100 across multiple facilities by standardizing quality processes and reinforcing food safety culture.

• Reduced Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) by 35% through Lean Manufacturing practices and crossfunctional collaboration.

• Led the Safety Crisis Team to win the North Star Site for Safety Award with a 98.8% safety compliance score.

• Enhanced GMP compliance and cut non-compliance issues by 25% by strengthening HACCP protocols and staff training programs.

Professional Experience

QEHS Manager / SQF Practitioner 05/2024 to 04/2025 Century Box – Methuen, MA

• Achieved SQF audit score of 97/100 by driving compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Reduced non-compliance incidents by 25% through enhanced HACCP protocols and preventive audits.

• Developed and tracked KPIs for COPQ, Safety, and on-time delivery to improve plant performance.

• Led food safety and sanitation programs, ensuring full compliance with allergen and microbiological standards.

QEHS Manager / SQF Practitioner 01/2022 to 03/2024 Seaboard Packaging Westminster, MA

• Attained a 98/100 SQF score by standardizing training and operational procedures.

• Implemented Lean strategies that reduced production waste by 25%.

• Conducted root cause analyses for safety incidents, strengthening site-wide risk controls.

• Facilitated cross-functional GMP and safety training to boost compliance and engagement. Project / Supply Chain Manager 07/2019 to 01/2022 Gelesis Inc. Boston, MA

• Directed clinical trial logistics, packaging design, and CMO coordination for FDA submission.

• Oversaw global product export operations, ensuring timely and compliant delivery.

• Created technical documentation, including instructions and labels, for regulatory approval.

• Delivered supply chain projects on time and under budget, improving operational readiness. QEHS Manager 07/2014 to 07/2019 PLI/Plasticard-Locktech International Asheville, NC

• Implemented visual SOPs, and upstream AQL inspection, raising on-time delivery to 98%.

• Enhanced GMP practices, and launched site-wide RCCA initiatives to reduce quality issues.

• Trained staff in conflict resolution, risk mitigation, and safety compliance.

• Established measurable goals for quality and safety performance, driving team accountability. QEHS Manager 07/1998 to 07/2014

Shorewood Packaging Springfield, OR

• Reduced COPQ by 35% through standardized procedures and Lean initiatives.

• Mentored 18 quality technicians to improve inspection consistency and leadership.

• Led the Safety Crisis Team and earned the North Star in Safety Award for site excellence.

• Conducted mock recalls and supplier audits to maintain top-tier safety compliance.

Contact this candidate