Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Publications
Awards
Education
Timeline
Generic

Swetha Salla

Chicago,IL

Summary

Methodical Food Technologist with over 6+ years of experience in food product development, quality, safety and leadership roles in multi-disciplinary functions in a fast-paced environment. Sophisticated and instrumental R&D and QA Technologist spearheading the vision, strategy and expertise to drive organizational change and a record of exceptional operational results. Fosters a responsive, collaborative, results-concentric environment while applying mastery of food regulatory standards, technologies, contemporary best practices, and up-to-date employment laws. Ingenious expertise in coordinating quality control testing, improving quality control procedures and implementation of high-reaching quality assurance processes. Superior in developing and overhauling product methods for food processing, production and quality control. Excels proficiently in executing astute scientific and engineering principles in research and development to create different product lines, aimed at consumer satisfaction.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Produt Development Scientist

Bunge
02.2020 - Current
  • Product development: Developed margarines, shortening and oil blends for bakery applications
  • Applications: Production support, crystallization
  • Production support Internal sales and customer
  • Quality and raw material approval
  • Training sales and marketing and customers
  • Customer support
  • Intern and trainee leads
  • Secured intellectual property rights for novel products through patent applications, protecting company assets and promoting innovation within the organization.
  • Provided training and mentorship to team members on industry best practices, fostering continuous learning and development within the department.
  • Boosted productivity by providing technical guidance to junior team members and fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Partnered with suppliers in sourcing high-quality raw materials that met stringent specifications while minimizing costs.
  • Conducted risk assessments on new products or processes to identify potential safety concerns early in the development cycle.
  • Collaborated with other departments to facilitate successful project completion.
  • Trained and mentored junior engineers, providing guidance and direction.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers to facilitate quality and timely delivery of materials.
  • Enhanced product performance by optimizing formulation processes and conducting rigorous testing procedures.
  • Evaluated equipment capabilities for compatibility with new products or processes to ensure smooth integration into existing systems.
  • Increased efficiency in the development process with thorough documentation of project progress, results, and next steps.
  • Identified market opportunities by analyzing industry trends, consumer needs, and competitive landscape to inform product development strategies.
  • Reduced production costs by streamlining manufacturing processes and identifying cost-effective materials without compromising on product quality.
  • Spearheaded technology transfer initiatives for successful scale-up from laboratory to commercial production, maintaining optimal product quality throughout the transition process.

R & D and Quality Assurance Technologist

Jogue Flavors
03.2017 - 01.2020
  • Execute investigative internal audits and ensured CAPA are completed within the specified timelines
  • Mentor and proficiently train employees on Food Safety, Quality, GMP’s, HACCP and FSMA guidelines
  • Manage and conduct raw materials risk assessment while implementing supply chain preventive control
  • Mapped out new and alternate suppliers that led to an instrumental 20%+ reduction on lead time production
  • Trained in the creation of wide variety of natural, artificial and WONF flavors according to customer requirements to match ingredient statement, nutritionals and sensory profile of the current target product
  • Planned, organized and evaluated activities related to NSF-SQF, FDA and Customer audits
  • Obtained an average score of 90% on all third party and customer audits
  • Led QA team in the absence of quality assurance manager
  • Evaluated and validated new products quality and safety parameters
  • Reviewed and updated quality assurance policies, HARPC plans and SOPs as needed
  • Generated finished product specifications, regulatory documents and nutritional labels
  • Maintained all activities related Kosher, Non-GMO and Organic certification programs
  • Scaled up the formals from benchtop to production and coordinate first sample production run
  • Successfully formulated 3 bake stable fillings & 2 ice cream variegates line extension from ideation to commercialization
  • Worked on product enhancement and cost reduction projects by evaluating various ingredients, processes and process formulas
  • Developed 20+ drink bases, fruit preparation, ice cream toppings and bakery filling prototypes with emphasis on flavor application
  • Conducted root cause analysis to reduce recurrence of quality issues.
  • Conducted quality audits for ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Implemented corrective actions to address non-conformance.
  • Collaborated with production teams to maintain high-quality standards.
  • Enhanced process accuracy by calibrating testing equipment.
  • Monitored production processes for adherence to specifications.
  • Conducted root cause analysis to address recurring quality issues.
  • Trained staff on quality standards to ensure compliance.
  • Supported new product launches by validating quality standards.
  • Improved process efficiency with continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Streamlined quality assurance processes by creating detailed documentation for training purposes, leading to faster onboarding of new team members.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive continuous process improvements, resulting in reduced waste and increased productivity.
  • Supported new product launches by ensuring seamless integration into existing quality management systems, facilitating successful market entry.
  • Increased customer satisfaction through timely identification and resolution of product issues during the manufacturing process.
  • Established clear communication channels between QA and other departments, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritized product excellence.
  • Developed robust test methods for evaluating raw materials, enabling early detection of potential issues before entering production.
  • Contributed to the optimization of manufacturing processes by conducting root cause analysis on recurring defects, ultimately reducing rework costs.
  • Conducted comprehensive audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, maintaining a record of zero violations.
  • Enhanced manufacturing efficiency through the development and execution of effective inspection plans.
  • Worked closely with suppliers to establish stringent quality requirements, resulting in improved component consistency and reliability.
  • Mentored junior team members, fostering an environment where knowledge sharing and continuous learning were central to their professional development.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the organization through regular team training sessions and workshops focused on best practices in quality assurance technology.
  • Championed the adoption of industry best practices, ensuring that Quality Assurance Technologist role remained at the forefront of innovation and process excellence.
  • Assessed risks associated with proposed changes in production processes or materials usage, informing decision-making at various levels within the company.
  • Recorded and organized test data for report generation and analysis.
  • Collected and analyzed data to measure effectiveness of quality control processes.
  • Inspected raw materials and finished products to verify quality and disposed items that did not meet safety requirements.
  • Completed supporting documentation for testing procedures, data capture forms, equipment logbooks and inventory forms.
  • Conducted data review and followed standard practices to find solutions.
  • Documented and executed detailed test plans and test cases and summarized and logged audit findings for reporting purposes.
  • Interpreted test results by comparing to established specifications and control limits, making recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
  • Liaised between quality control and other departments and contractors, providing project updates and consultation.
  • Drafted technical documents such as deviation reports, testing protocol and trend analyses.
  • Created testing protocols to be used across product lines.

Food Scientist

Chris’s Cookies
08.2016 - 02.2017

Innovated astute production formulas, nutritional labels and ingredient decks for existing and new products

  • Facilitated and ensured utmost accuracy on all critical control points, quality check-lists and sanitation
  • Conducted meticulous laboratory experiments to improve the quality, safety and shelf-life of the products
  • Created diverse variety of cookie prototypes for internal/external evaluations that garnered outstanding results
  • Worked with customers, sales and procurement team in the set-up of private label products
  • Spearheaded internal sensory analysis and coordinated full-scale production and commercialization for 10 new products.
  • Maintained regulatory compliance in all product development activities, adhering to FDA guidelines and industry best practices.
  • Reduced production costs by evaluating ingredient alternatives and implementing cost-effective solutions.
  • Provided technical expertise to sales teams, assisting in the promotion of newly developed food ingredients or additives.
  • Optimized shelf life for various products through thorough stability testing and packaging improvements.
  • Conducted sensory evaluations to ensure consistent product quality across different manufacturing sites.
  • Managed customer technical projects and delivered expert guidance on food science, chemistry and microbiology to meet customer needs.
  • Evaluated supplier performance based on ingredient quality assessments, contributing to strategic sourcing decisions for raw materials supply chain initiatives.
  • Collaborated with marketing teams on product positioning strategies, supporting successful product launches and promotions.
  • Designed and performed variety of food safety tests and focused on water activity, viscosity, sodium analysis, pH, moisture and total solids analysis.
  • Diagnosed and solved customer issues via hands-on lab work and developed food applications that highlighted ingredient performance.
  • Mentored junior scientists on research techniques and project management skills, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Improved plant efficiency by troubleshooting issues related to product formulation, processing, and packaging.
  • Designed experiments to optimize processing parameters, resulting in higher yields and reduced waste.
  • Championed sustainability initiatives within the organization through waste reduction efforts and resource-efficient product development.
  • Enhanced product quality by developing innovative food formulations and processing techniques.
  • Performed research on latest technologies and current markets to develop new product concepts, successfully developing over [Number] new products.
  • Formulated [Type] and [Type] recipes to deliver optimal flavor systems, complying with cost, product design and sensory and regulatory requirements.
  • Communicated and negotiated with ingredient suppliers and vendors to order new ingredients.
  • Led [Number] plant trials, prepared specifications and guidelines for production department and documented recipes and results of pilot and plant trials.
  • Engaged with suppliers and identified and arranged acquisition of most appropriate key functional ingredients for [Product or Service].
  • Managed projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer requirements.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully launch new products in a timely manner.
  • Performed batching and sample compounding from laboratory benchtop, prototyping food products and evaluating raw materials.
  • Analyzed and reported on best methods to distribute, process, preserve and package various food types.
  • Conducted nutritional analyses of food products, ensuring accurate labeling information for consumers.
  • Identified market trends by analyzing consumer data, leading to the creation of successful new products.
  • Spearheaded internal sensory analysis and coordinated full-scale production and commercialization for [Number] new products.
  • Researched new nutritional food sources and investigated avenues for making [Type] foods safe, healthy, and flavorful.
  • Provided guidance on improved quality control measures to increase customer satisfaction.
  • Facilitated cost reduction through product improvements.
  • Performed regular inspections of production lines to guarantee sanitary environment.
  • Tested new, alternative raw materials through analysis, sourcing and trials.
  • Maintained laboratory conditions by managing and transferring raw materials and flavor stocks.
  • Converted developed formulas into production formulas to prepare for manufacturing facilities.
  • Developed extensions and improvements to food product lines.
  • Packaged and sent [Type] product samples to clients and outside laboratories for testing and evaluation.
  • Operated and maintained [Type] and [Type] lab equipment to perform research work.

Intern

Kellogg’s
05.2015 - 11.2015
  • Instituted optimum processing conditions in developing an unprecedented multigrain based spreadable
  • Created benchtop new flavored spreadable prototypes, conducted product testing and sensory analysis
  • Administered complex experiments to optimize the rheological properties of chocolate coating materials
  • Carried out productive research in scientific information via literature searches to explore future opportunities
  • Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
  • Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
  • Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
  • Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
  • Utilized strong communication abilities during presentations which led to increased understanding among colleagues regarding project goals and objectives.
  • Prepared project presentations and reports to assist senior staff.
  • Explored new technologies and approaches to streamline processes.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries, ensuring a high level of satisfaction among clientele.
  • Conducted research for various projects, leading to well-informed decisions and successful outcomes.
  • Prepared comprehensive reports summarizing data analysis findings, informing key decision-makers of important trends and patterns.
  • Enhanced project visibility by maintaining up-to-date project status reports.
  • Assisted in improving product design with detailed user feedback analysis.
  • Contributed to positive work environment by actively participating in team-building activities.
  • Collaborated on marketing campaign that significantly increased brand awareness.
  • Facilitated knowledge sharing by creating internal wiki for project guidelines.
  • Contributed to project success by diligently performing literature reviews.
  • Compiled and presented reports on competitor analysis, offering valuable insights for strategic decisions.
  • Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
  • Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
  • Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
  • Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
  • Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
  • Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
  • Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
  • Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
  • Frequently inspected production area to verify proper equipment operation.

Graduate Research Assistant

Alabama A & M University
01.2013 - 05.2015
  • Developed muffins with low sugar, high in dietary fiber and antioxidant by incorporating papaya powder
  • Spearheaded the development of 'Sweet Pockets', a toaster pastry that won 2nd place in the 2015 SSIFT competition
  • Presented research findings at conferences and workshops, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the academic community.
  • Mentored undergraduate students, providing guidance on research methodologies and techniques.
  • Conducted rigorous experiments using cutting-edge tools and equipment to test hypotheses and validate theories.
  • Evaluated the anti-cancer properties of papaya fruits and seeds in-vitro by various mechanisms
  • Conducted independent research on extraction, isolation and characterization of polyphenol, carotenoids and isothiocyanates from papaya fruits and seeds
  • Boosted the functional properties and extended the shelf-life of papaya fruits by developing fermented papaya products

Skills

  • Food Hygiene/Quality Assurance
  • New Product Development & Engineering
  • Total Quality Management
  • Environmental Health & Safety
  • Process Improvements
  • Benchtop Prototypes
  • Budget Management
  • HACCP Principles
  • Laboratory Analysis
  • Food Nutrition

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
  • Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
  • Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
  • Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
  • Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
  • Achieved [Result] by introducing [Software] for [Type] tasks.

Certification

  • FSMA Certification, 06/01/17
  • HACCP Certification, 04/01/17
  • SQF Certification, 04/01/17

Publications

  • Antioxidant activity of papaya seed extracts against H2O2 induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells., LWT- Food Science and Technology, 2016, 66, 293-297
  • Antioxidant and Apoptotic Activity of Papaya Peel Extracts in HepG2 Cells., Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2016, 7, 485-494
  • Polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of muffins incorporated with papaya powder., South Eastern Section IFT area meeting, Auburn University, AL, 04/01/15

Awards

  • 1st Place, Poster competition, Southeastern Section IFT Area Meeting, Auburn University, AL, 04/01/15
  • 1st Place, National Level Nutrition Division poster competition, IFT Annual Meeting and Expo, New Orleans, 06/01/14

Education

Doctor in Food Science, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL▪May 2016

Master of Technology in Food Science, SRM University, Chennai, India▪May 2011

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, India ▪ May 2009

Timeline

Produt Development Scientist

Bunge
02.2020 - Current

R & D and Quality Assurance Technologist

Jogue Flavors
03.2017 - 01.2020

Food Scientist

Chris’s Cookies
08.2016 - 02.2017

Intern

Kellogg’s
05.2015 - 11.2015

Graduate Research Assistant

Alabama A & M University
01.2013 - 05.2015
Swetha Salla