LISA HOU
East Tāmaki,New Zealand
Summary
Experienced and strategic Quality Assurance Leader with over 8 years in the food manufacturing industry, currently holding full site accountability as the sole Quality subject matter expert at Tip Top Bakery (George Weston Foods). While titled as 'QA Business Partner', the role functions at QA Manager level and includes leading quality systems, audits, vendor compliance, and food safety. A trusted member of the site leadership team since 2020, contributing to key decisions and major CAPEX projects. Proven track record in BRC (GFSI), Woolworths compliance, supplier assurance, and multi-site quality leadership. Holds an NZ Certificate in Project Management (Level 4), with advanced training in HACCP, internal auditing, and allergen control.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Assurance Business Partner
Tip Top Bakery
05.2022 - Current
- Company Overview: George Weston Foods
- Functioning at QA Manager level, serving as the sole quality subject matter expert for the site
- Report directly to the National QA Manager
- Manage quality operations across sites producing bread and gluten-free bread under GFSI-recognised BRC and Woolworths standards
- Temporarily managing QA for Christchurch site, with potential to take on permanent multi-site QA leadership
- Led the commissioning and QMS implementation of a new gluten-free production line
- Manage QA budgets and collaborate with CAPEX teams to deliver quality and safety initiatives
- Coordinate supplier compliance, manage traceability systems, and ensure documentation aligns with audit standards
- Resolve customer complaints through structured root cause analysis and cross-functional improvement plans
- Active member of the site leadership team since 2020, involved in decision-making and strategic site projects
- George Weston Foods
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Tip Top Bakery
03.2020 - 05.2022
- Company Overview: George Weston Foods
- Oversaw QA programs for pies, crumpets, and bakery products
- Maintained compliance with BRC and Woolworths audit standards
- Supported internal audits, food safety documentation and RCA investigations
- Participated in the site leadership team and contributed to key decisions
- George Weston Foods
QA Technologist & Technician Roles
Delmaine Fine Foods
01.2017 - 03.2020
- Ensured compliance for products including chilled sauces, pasta, cooked meals, hummus, antipasto, and fruit preparations
- Conducted environmental swabbing, traceability exercises, and internal audits
- Handled complaint investigations and implemented quality improvements
- Managed calibration, validation, and QA documentation systems
Shift Supervisor
Comvita Health Limited
06.2016 - 01.2017
- Managed a team of 8 across both shifts in a retail and operational environment
- Led staff training, performance development, and in-store audits
- Ensured quality, service consistency, and compliance
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
University of Auckland
01.2015
Skills
- Supplier Quality Assurance
- Risk Mitigation
- GFSI-recognised BRC Compliance
- Woolworths Compliance
- Quality System Design
- Quality System Implementation
- Audit Readiness
- Regulatory Compliance
- Root Cause Analysis
- Complaint Resolution
- Multi-Site QA Operations
- Budget Ownership
- CAPEX Collaboration
- Food Quality
- Food Safety
- Cross-Functional Project Leadership
- Internal Audit Preparation
- External Audit Preparation
- Team Development
- Site Leadership Involvement
Certifications And Technical Training
- Advanced HACCP Training
- VITAL Allergen Management Training
- Advanced Internal Auditor Training
- Advanced Hygienic Design Training
Certification
NZQA Level 4 - Certificate in Project Management
Timeline
Quality Assurance Business Partner
Tip Top Bakery
05.2022 - Current
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Tip Top Bakery
03.2020 - 05.2022
QA Technologist & Technician Roles
Delmaine Fine Foods
01.2017 - 03.2020
Shift Supervisor
Comvita Health Limited
06.2016 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
University of Auckland
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