Stephanie Then
Dunedin,Waverley
Summary
Highly experienced and innovative product development technologist and sensory panel manager with over two decades of expertise in product development, consumer and sensory science. Holding degrees in both science and Consumer and Applied Science. Proven track record of delivering successful product outcomes and technical solutions to commercial clients. Skill set spans diverse areas, including project management, product development, innovation and team leadership. Highly motivated and driven, a forward thinker with a hands-on approach. Accomplished in leading and building high performing teams and inspiring teams to achieve professional goals. Excellent project management skills, verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills at all levels within an organisation.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Fellow
PDRC, University Of Otago
05.2002 - Current
Commercial Hub of University, fully funded by industry projects, part of NZ Food Innovation Network, Food South Otago)
New Product Development
- Successfully managed development of multiple food and beverage products and consistently delivering projects on schedule, within budget constraints and in accordance with predefined scopes
- Extensively skilled in guiding new product development process from initial concept to commercialisation, product reformulation, product and process optimisation of food and beverage, functional foods and animal feeds
- Collaborated closely with clients, suppliers, contract manufacturers and cross functional teams to ensure seamless adherence to stage-gate new product development process while maintaining consistency and quality in product development objectives
- Developed technical specifications and quality assessments for new to market/novel products by utilizing knowledge of industry standards, country specific and customer requirements
- Proficient in new technology approach for novel food processing technology such as HPP(High Pressure Processing), PEF (Pulsed Electric Field) and HPH (High Pressure Homogenisation)
Sensory Panel Manager
- Managed, led and organised commercial consumer projects for product acceptance, preference and quality, ranging from 400 to 4000 consumers locally and nation wide
- Recruited, trained and managed diverse team of 18 sensory testers fo evaluation of extensive range of food and beverage products
- Developed and implemented systems and tools for coaching, monitoring performance, training of teams, fostering collaboration and gathering feedbacks
- Fostered open communication and resolved conflicts among team members through active listening and mediation discussions
- Designed and conducted consumer preference studies and successfully translated and transferred these into reusable knowledge to clients for product development and improvement of several products including new plant milks and functional food
- Conducted consumer focus groups to explore consumer trends, preferences and market gaps
- Organised and led sensory training workshops for industry clients
- Collaborated and worked with international clients from Australia, Europe, China and USA on commercial projects
- Analysed and interpreted data for quantitative and qualitative sensory and consumer tests
Product Development Technologist
ANZCO Green Island Ltd
11.2001 - 04.2002
- Reformulated existing product line (meat patties) and successfully increased product yield by 25% resulting in improved quality and cost saving
- Delivered products from concept, pilot factory trials through to commercialisation for overseas foodservice
- Optimized ingredients formulations, troubleshooting product and process issues
Education
Bachelor of Consumer And Applied Science (BCApSc) - Food Science
University of Otago
Dunedin2001
Bachelor of Science - Human Nutrition
University of Otago
Dunedin12.1999
Skills
- Project Management
- Product Development
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Stage Gate Process
- Staff Management and Training
Accomplishments
- Actively involved in training students by sharing knowledge and expertise on new product development paper (FOSC 311) through lectures, tutorials, labs and coaching project teams
- Responsible for grading team assignments and presentations
- Product Development Technologist November 2001 –April 2002
- ANZCO Green Island Ltd
- Reformulated existing product line (meat patties) and successfully increased product yield by 25% resulting in improved quality and cost saving
- Delivered products from concept, pilot factory trials through to commercialisation for Japanese fast food chain
- Optimized ingredients formulations, troubleshooting product and process issues
Affiliations
New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (NZIFST)
Additional Information
- AWARDS , Awarded Best Submission in Asia Pacific for Novation Starch Product Development Challenge 2001 Class Award For Best Hard Candy Product, Food Science Department, University of Otago 2001
Timeline
Research Fellow
PDRC, University Of Otago
05.2002 - Current
Product Development Technologist
ANZCO Green Island Ltd
11.2001 - 04.2002
Bachelor of Consumer And Applied Science (BCApSc) - Food Science
University of Otago
Bachelor of Science - Human Nutrition
University of Otago
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