Senior Technical Expert and Quality Assurance Manager
Resume:
CURRICULUM VITAE
Berhanu Legesse Ariti
Senior Technical Expert Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute Quality Assurance Manager Romina PLC
General Manager Altilid Food Consulting PLC
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia +251-********* *******.*******@***.***.** *******@*********.***
*******.*@*********************.***
I am a highly accomplished Food Science and Nutrition professional with over 18 years of experience in food safety and quality management in hospitality sectors, agribusiness development, and seed quality systems across agricultural value chains. I specialize in designing and implementing HACCP, ISO, and regulatory-compliant systems that enhance productivity, food safety, and market access. My work supports integrated food systems, from production to processing, improving post-harvest handling, value addition, and competitiveness. I have led capacity-building initiatives for professionals across different sectors, SMEs, and institutions, strengthening compliance and operational performance. As a strategic leader, I contribute to food systems transformation aligned with national and global priorities, promoting sustainable, resilient, and nutrition-sensitive approaches that improve food security, livelihoods, and long-term sector development.
• Coordination of Seed Quality Management system and International Seed Accreditation
• Leadership in Corporate-Level Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) Implementation
• Expertise in National & International Food Safety Standards (ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, FSSC)
• Training & Development on Food Safety Systems and Laboratory Management
• Proven Communication & Team Leadership Skills
• Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001, ISO 17025,)
• Risk Management & Strategic Planning (ISO 31000)
• Internal Auditing, Compliance, and Certification
• Product Development & Innovation in Food Safety
• Food System Transformation and advocacy
Senior Technical Expert II-Lab Expert
PROFILE
KEY EXPERTISE
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CURRICULUM VITAE
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Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute Addis Ababa, Ethiopia December 2024 to date
• Development of Quality Management system according to ISTA requirement
• Established a functional plan for the National Seed Laboratory Operations
• Established the seed laboratory protocols for testing and sampling according to International Seed Testing Association
• Developing capacity of seed testing and seed inspection professionals
• Coordinate communication with the seed laboratory and accreditation body as well as stakeholders
• Coordinate and facilitate communication between Federal and Regional seed testing and seed inspection units
• Strategic planning and evaluation seed laboratory resource allocation and utilization
• Supporting seed system quality and trade advancement Corporate Quality Assurance Manager
Romina PLC Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
September 2022 – December 2024 (October 2025 to date- Part time)
• Led the implementation of corporate-wide Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), ensuring compliance with both national and international standards, including ISO 22000 and other global regulations.
• Demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills in managing cross-functional teams, promoting a culture of food safety excellence, and ensuring effective internal and external stakeholder engagement.
• Developed and conducted training programs for staff across the organization, ensuring alignment with HACCP, GMP, and other critical food safety practices.
• Championed continuous improvement initiatives aimed at maintaining the highest levels of food quality and safety while staying abreast of global industry developments.
• Spearheaded internal audits and played a key role in achieving ISO 22000, ISO 9001, and ISO 45001 certifications, advocating for rigorous food safety and quality standards at both national and international levels.
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General Manager & Senior Food Consultant
Altilid Food Consulting PLC (Founder) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia March 2022 – present
• Led the establishment and growth of a specialized food safety and quality consulting firm, delivering end-to-end solutions across 10+ clients in hospitality, food processing, and agribusiness sectors.
• Established structured training, audit, and documentation systems, reducing non- conformities in client operations by 40%+ during certification audits.
• Developed tailored consulting solutions for multi-branch operations (e.g., restaurant chains), standardizing quality and food safety systems across locations.
• Positioned the firm as a trusted advisor in Ethiopia’s food sector through thought leadership, training programs, and technical advisory services.
• Led consulting projects focused on national and international food safety systems, helping clients achieve compliance with global food safety standards such as ISO 22000 and GMP.
• Conducted specialized training on food safety and quality assurance systems, with a focus on building a proactive food safety culture in the organizations I serve.
• Applied leadership and communication skills in guiding clients through FSMS implementation, ensuring clear understanding and application of food safety standards. Microbiology Laboratory Manager & Deputy Quality Assurance Manager Bless Agri Food Laboratory Services Legetafo, Ethiopia October 2013 – January 2022
• Managed food microbiology laboratory operations, ensuring national and international compliance with ISO 17025.
• Demonstrated leadership in training staff and conducting internal audits to uphold high food safety and quality assurance standards.
• Led method validation and research projects, continually improving food safety testing services and ensuring alignment with both local and global standards.
• Ensured compliance and assessment of national and international accreditation bodies
• Participated in various stakeholder meetings, national and international professional platforms
• Served as a member of National Codex Committee and Technical Committee member for National Food Standards development
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Microbiology Laboratory Head & Technical Signatory Hilina Enriched Foods PLC Legetafo, Ethiopia
October 2011 – September 2013
• Prepared annual and periodic operational and strategic plans.
• Managed resources and operation of food microbiology laboratory.
• Trained new staff of the laboratory (practical and theoretical).
• Participated in Proficiency testing schemes.
• Assisted on setting specifications and commissioning lab equipment.
• Managed to expand the scope of food microbiology testing Food Microbiologist
Hilina Enriched Foods PLC (ISO 22000 Certified) Legetafo, Ethiopia October 2009 to September 2011
• Carried out food microbiology analysis
• Prepared laboratory procedures and worksheets
• Managed laboratory equipment and resources allocated
• Participated in new implementation method and Proficiency Testing
• Design and development of functional beverage from whey cheese and Teff flour (MSc thesis- URL: http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/30972)
• Ensuring the safety and Quality of Dairy products (Food Safety Research, AAU)
• Assessment of Coliform and E.sakazakii in baby foods (Bless Agri Foods & AAU)
• Shelf-life determination of yoghurt, wheat flour & fruit juice (Bless Agri Foods)
• Validation of Dry roasting process of peanut using Salmonella as a surrogate organism
(Client: Hilina Enriched Foods)
MSc Degree in Food Science & Nutrition-Addis Ababa University, 2018 BSc Degree in Applied Biology-Addis Ababa University, 2006
• Data Analysis Fundamentals
• Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
• ISTA Certificate on Management Review
RESEARCH & PROJECTS
EDUCATION
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
CURRICULUM VITAE
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• ISTA Certificate on Risk Management
• ISTA Certificate on Purity and Other Seed Determination
• ISTA Certificate on Customer Validation
• Food System E-Course Certificate
• Leadership and Professionalism
• ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management
• ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System
• ISO 17025:2017 – Requirements for Laboratory Accreditation
• ISO 31000:2018 – Risk Management
• ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health & Safety
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Technical Assessor- Ethiopian Accreditation Service
• Certificate of Recognition for Contribution on Seed Quality Management System and ISTA Accreditation- ATI and EAA
• Certificate of recognition for contributing for Quality Management Certification on ISO 9001:2015- Michael Girma Coffee Processing
• Certificate of appreciation for overall achievement of Quality Assurance and Food Safety Management system implementation- Romina PLC
• Certificate of appreciation for training Food Microbiology Parameters- Bless Agri Food Laboratory
• Ethiopian Accreditation Services – Food Microbiology Technical Assessor
• Ethiopian Society of Post-Harvest Management
• Food and Nutrition Society of Ethiopia
• Former National Codex Committee Member
• Former Ethiopian Standards Agency Technical Committee Member
• Dr. Henok Ashagrie (PhD) - Project Manager
Email: *************@*****.*** Tel: +251-*********
• Dr. Ashagrie Zewdu (PhD)- Addis Ababa University Email: ********.*****@***.***.** Tel: +251-*********
• Mr. Yonatan Mengesha-Technical Director- Bless Agri Food Laboratory Email: *********@***************.*** Tel: +251-********* AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
REFERENCES
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