Technical Services Manager

NICOLE AUGER E-mail: *****.******@*****.***

**** ****** ***. #*** **** Phone: 714-***-****

Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Cell Phone: 714-***-****

SUMMARY

Research Engineer background with experience in multiple disciplines: Research and Product Development, Project Management, Industrialization, Process Engineering, Technical Services, FDA / USDA Regulations, Co-Packing, Technical Sales.

23 years of experience servicing the food and beverage industry.

Experience in plant and corporate environment with knowledge of: microbiology and food safety, chemical instrumentation, food chemistry and shelf-life, food equipment and engineering, thermal processing, food labeling and Food Law Regulations.

Exercise exceptional leadership and management skills; excellent communication with all levels of the organization; strong organization and project management skills.

Key Words: R&D Manager, Regulatory Manager, Technical Manager, Project Manager, Food and Beverage, Engineer, Technical Services, Manufacturing, Operation.

Juanita’s Foods, Wilmington, CA 2009 to 2010

SENIOR FOOD PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Manage the R&D Department for research and new product development.

• Responsible for the execution of new product development projects for multi-channels market along with existing products.

• Guided Chef/Food Science and Lab Technician in project planning and execution.

• Developed food standards and specifications.

• Took new concept products and developed the industrialization formulation and process for shelf stable, frozen, refrigerated and canned products.

• Responsible for ingredients, product labels and product claims for new products conforming to FDA and USDA Regulations.

• Wrote SOP for R&D and Technical Reports for product cutting sensory evaluations.

Contessa Premium Foods, San Pedro, CA 2003 – 2009

TECHNICAL SERVICES PROJECT MANAGER

Managed the R&D technical functions, providing consistent product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Developed and directed R&D Food Technologists on regulatory compliance as well as new product concept from prototypes to manufacture.

• Conducted product sensory on new product development and improvement. Worked with suppliers of ingredients and Food Technologists to develop sauces and seasonings from inception to commercialization. Evaluated new ingredients for their flavors, textures, and nutritional contents.

• Wrote R&D Department’s SOP. Developed and maintained the genesis database for generating NFP labels for U.S. and Canada. Evaluated finished products for specific labeling claims. Reviewed and approved finished product mock-up for NFP, ingredient statement, and cooking instructions.

• Developed, reviewed and approved component and finished product specifications.

• Oversaw ingredient substitutions. Transitioned 34 sauces from one manufacturer to a local Co-Packer while improving flavor and cost.

• Scaled- up formulas and wrote the manufacture process for plant trial and production. Provided engineering assistance to plant operations and the co-packing teams during start-up.

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Professional Experience (cont.)

• Provided technical assistance to Operation in product / process continuous improvement projects. Recommended processing equipment to improve plant efficiency and production flexibility resulting in a financial impact.

• Routinely works with cross function groups such as R&D, Procurement, Legal, QA, Operations, and Sales to establish and to achieve business objectives.

Defontaine of America Inc. Laguna Hills, CA 2001-2003

WESTERN STATES SALES ENGINEER

Researched the sanitary valves market potential and identified end-users related to food and beverage industries.

• Provided sales engineering support for major distributors and end-users in the 6 Western States. Prepared and delivered technical presentations, solicited requests for quotations and obtained orders. Called on S&P 500, Fortune 500, A&E and Consulting Engineering Firms.

ProTherm, Engineering Company, Fresno, CA. 1995-2001

SALES / BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 1997-2001

Researched and identified the target market and the product positioning for “helical tubular heat exchangers and sanitary valves” to develop new business opportunities. Expanded the business into new channels. Created sales.

• Established new accounts, developed, and maintained relationships through telephone calls, written correspondence, and on site visits. Followed-up on leads and signed-up new Distributors.

• Supported direct sales effort by selling and servicing established customers through development of customer liaisons, presentations, trade show exhibitions, written proposals and quotations.

PROJECT MANAGER 1995-1997

Provided consulting for R&D projects using MS Project software for tracking and ensuring successful rollout for new products, product improvement and line extensions. Standardized the execution of effective project timelines by implementing a project model and follow-ups for Projects Leaders.

• Provided R&D tools to improve the organization’s ability to plan, organize, implement and control its activities, people and resources. Organized, staffed, directed, planned and controlled the projects. Facilitated cooperation between functional departments involved in projects. Kept senior management fully informed about projects’ status, timing, and prospects.

• Provided consulting in all aspects of scale-up and industrialization including: screen, select, and qualify copackers; conduct scale-up testing at co-packers or clients; write production manuals, review and input into concept technical feasibility; work with lab food technologists to ensure commercial feasibility; project planning and coordination with clients. Other responsibilities included thermal process engineering and client liaisons. 80% travel.

Nestlé R&D, New Milford, CT - 1991-1995

R & D PROCESS ENGINEER

Start-up of a new manufacture of refrigerated foods. Directed a pilot plant team through different phases of the projects for the scale-up and industrialization phases. Developed manufacture processing for beef, chicken, pork and shrimp refrigerated food concepts which necessitated the following activities: anticipate crisis and resolve problems, set goals, plan and organize work assignments, delegate responsibilities, measure, monitor and report project achievements, support, direct, coach and motivate teammates.

• Participated in organoleptic assessment of products during development phases and monitored the market testing results for better understanding of consumer demands. Adjusted product formulations in preparation for a consumer testing process.

• Served as a Technical Advisor and Trainer for manufacturing personnel during start-up

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Professional Experience (cont.)

• Developed and industrialized a food process resulting in 90% cook yield, estimated in savings of $2.2 million for 1995.

• Investigated: alternative thermo-processing of pasta, package leak detection methods, filtration techniques for carbonated coffees and teas, cooking yields on meat and seafood.

• Developed processes to extend the shelf life of products including: filtration, enzyme, deaeration, pasteurization, hot filled, HTST, aseptic system.

• Designed experimental tests, analyzed the data, wrote technical reports, made recommendations and presented the results.

J. E. Seagram’s & Sons, White Plains, NY- 1986-1991

R & D ENGINEER

Supervised, trained and directed technicians on engineering projects. Served as a Technical Coordinator between R & D Engineering, Quality Assurance and Manufacturing regarding plant trials and launches of new products. Developed the process for the original “Seagram Wine Cooler”.

• Participated in organoleptic studies set-up by Westchester Consumer Research Laboratory for benefits of screening, rating, testing and developing new product ideas.

• Developed an expertise in filtration and served as a Technical Advisor for European, Chinese and North American manufacturers.

• Developed and successfully industrialized a filtration process system for the Seagram Malt Cooler resulting in sales of $10 million annually.

• Adapted experimental products to commercial productions, wrote and implemented industrial procedures. Communicated, consulted and informed all affected parties on new products and project developments.

• Dealt with conflicts requiring political sensitivity with outsiders. Maintained a working relationship with R&D and manufacturers.

• Evaluated, selected and purchased industrial processing equipment Identified problems, offered technical assistance and traveled to manufacturer sites.

EDUCATION

1993 N.Y. Polytechnic University, Hawthorn, NY. Master of Science in Technical Management.

1985 Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.

1982 Westchester Community College, Valhalla, NY Associate of Science in Chemical Technology.

SKILLS

French Language: Fluent speaking and writing.-

Interpersonal: Special interest in team motivation

Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, MS Project, MS Power Point, and PageMaker, Esha Genesis.

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