Gurjinder Kaur
Rolleston
Summary
Results-driven food professional with 5+ years of expertise in product innovation, quality assurance, and food safety management. Skilled in implementing HACCP, GMP, and ISO 17025: 2017, IANZ standards across diverse food sectors. Proven track record of leading teams, developing new products, and optimizing production processes from Lab Chemist to Quality Manager roles. Combining a Master's in food Innovation with a Maters and Bachelor's in Biotechnology, I offer a unique blend of scientific acumen and practical experience to drive excellence in food quality and safety.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
Hill laboratory
Hornby
05.2025 - Current
- Evaluated data generated from experimental studies and documented findings accurately.
- Collected samples from research sites or patients for analysis in the laboratory setting.
- Operated various laboratory equipment, including microscopes, centrifuges, incubators and spectrophotometers.
- Prepared and handled various enrichment broths (e.g., Buffered Peptone Water (BPW) and Listeria Enrichment Media (LEM)) for the detection of Salmonella and Listeria.
- Conducted sample preparation and chopping for microbiological testing across a range of food products.
- Performed plating techniques for detection of E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae (EB), and Aerobic Plate Count (APC) using Petrifilm and agar methods.
- Processed uncounted swabs using appropriate broths for qualitative analysis.
- Operated incubators with set parameters based on sample type and specific incubation times for different microbiological tests.
- Conducted PCR analysis for rapid and accurate identification of pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
- Maintained strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols, aseptic techniques, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Laboratory Technician
LIC(Liveimprovement corporation)
Christchurch
03.2024 - 05.2025
- Processed specimens following established protocols while adhering to strict safety standards.
- Conduct testing of milk samples for fat, protein, lactose, total solids, and somatic cells using FTR analysis in an IANZ-accredited laboratory.
- Operating robotic machines for herd testing, consolidation and subsampling for genetic testing.
- Performed internal validation of equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Prepare chemical reagents for FTIR analysis while adhering to safety protocols.
- Identified microbial organisms through analysis of culture characteristics and biochemical tests.
- Prepared documentation to track and report on damaged or missing items.
- Weighed containers of milk upon arrival and documented results in receiving logbook.
- Stored items in an orderly manner according to company policies and procedures.
Quality Control Food Officer
Cookie time
Canterbury
05.2023 - 02.2024
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with government regulations.
- Ensured the safety of personnel, equipment, and materials through the enforcement of safety protocols.
- Conducted investigations into complaints from customers or employees regarding violations of company policy.
- Monitored all operations for potential security risks and threats.
- Drafted reports outlining findings from investigations and recommending corrective action.
- Supervised subordinate staff in carrying out daily duties and activities.
- Provided guidance to team members on how to effectively complete tasks within established timelines.
- Responded to emergency situations by dispatching appropriate personnel to address the incident.
- Performed background checks on prospective employees prior to hire date.
- Reviewed employee performance evaluations for accuracy and completeness.
- Managed training programs designed to improve customer service skills among staff members.
- Assisted in developing organizational structures that optimized job responsibilities.
- Implemented new technologies as needed to enhance productivity levels in the workplace.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
Laboratory Technician
Nestle Dairy Products India
11.2019 - 01.2023
Quality Manager
Gopala Sweets, India
12.2018 - 09.2019
- Company Overview: Prominent Indian confectionary brand with multiple outlets, where I spearheaded full automation of snack production and packaging lines, enhancing efficiency and maintaining quality standards.
- Supplied quality control data for regulatory submissions to support corrective actions.
- Supported cleanliness and health standards to foster safe and effective sample analysis.
- Prepared lab for daily operations by stacking materials and equipment.
- Maintained, calibrated and troubleshot pH probes, EC meters, balances, automatic pipettes and diluters.
- Performed quality control checks on laboratory equipment and chemicals to maintain laboratory standards.
- Documentation batch information on log sheet.
- Analyzed operational data to identify areas for improvement within the milk processing facility.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Led a team of 6 quality executives, conducting food safety and hygiene audits across 60 outlets, ensuring quality standards and compliance throughout Gopala Sweets' operations.
- Coordinated new product development with R & D teams, managed market launches, and integrated customer feedback for products.
- Prominent Indian confectionary brand with multiple outlets, where I spearheaded full automation of snack production and packaging lines, enhancing efficiency and maintaining quality standards.
Education
MASTER OF SCIENCE - FOOD INNOVATION
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
01.2024
MASTER OF SCIENCE - BIOTECHNOLOGY
THAPAR UNIVERSIRY
INDIA01.2018
BACHELOR OF BIOTECHNOLOGY -
KHALSA COLLEGE OF AMRITSAR
INDIA01.2015
Skills
- HACCP
- GMP
- ISO 17025
- Food safety management systems (FSMS)
- Quality assurance & control
- Hygiene practices
- Auditing
- Traceability
- Supplier quality
- Storage inspection
- New product formulation
- Shelf-life analysis
- Sensory evaluation
- Nutritional profiling
- Scale-up processes
- Ingredient functionality
- Packaging innovation
- Consumer trend alignment
- Documentation
- Import/export standards
- Certification
- SOPs development
- Inventory management
- Production supervision
- Staff training
- Supplier relations
- Complaint resolution
- Client relationship management
- Customer surveys
- Lab testing
- Chemical preparation
- Quality data recording and analysis
- MS Office Suite
- Adobe Photoshop
- Inventory systems
- QA platforms
- Team supervision
- Training and capacity building
- Cross-functional collaboration
References
Available on Request
Hobbies and Interests
Engaged with local food markets and professional networks like NZIFST for industry insights.
Timeline
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
Hill laboratory
05.2025 - Current
Laboratory Technician
LIC(Liveimprovement corporation)
03.2024 - 05.2025
Quality Control Food Officer
Cookie time
05.2023 - 02.2024
Laboratory Technician
Nestle Dairy Products India
11.2019 - 01.2023
Quality Manager
Gopala Sweets, India
12.2018 - 09.2019
MASTER OF SCIENCE - FOOD INNOVATION
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
MASTER OF SCIENCE - BIOTECHNOLOGY
THAPAR UNIVERSIRY
BACHELOR OF BIOTECHNOLOGY -
KHALSA COLLEGE OF AMRITSAR
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