Balaji Chokkalingam

Leading the transformation project in line with Roquette's business strategy, best practices, and related processes and solutions.

Managing end-to-end project management functions including initiation, planning, and execution. Directed cross-functional teams, managed stakeholder communication, and mitigated project risks. Oversaw budget, schedule, documentation, testing, and deployment activities. Advocated continuous improvement and effectively managed vendor relationships for successful project outcomes

Leading the transformation in Quality business domain in line with Roquette's business strategy, best practices, and related processes and solutions. Promoting and deploying global services, processes and solutions consistency with Symphony's Core Model and Roadmap worldwide, whilst arbitrating new business demands

Key accountabilities:

Core: Leading continuous improvement of global practices, processes and solutions in the business domain in full consistency with Roquette Functions' strategy to meet Customer's expectations

AMS Support & Development: Ensuring global consistency and adoption of the Symphony Core Model across deployed countries by driving its implementation and monitoring practices. This includes maintaining consistency through KPIs, reporting, and updated SAP roles, improving quality through incident monitoring and user feedback analysis, and overseeing enhancements for future validation and release.

Deployment: During rollouts, championing the Symphony processes and solutions to local teams as an ambassador for the global template. Addressing gaps with the Core Model, leading localization based on regulations, and guiding local teams through site preparation, data migration, testing, organization setup, change management, training, and communication activities to facilitate Symphony Go-Live.

As a Regional Product Line Manager (PLM), I am accountable for driving the Starch strategy across the Greater asia region, establishing clear objectives and executing strategies with the aid of actionable roadmaps and KPIs.

My role encompasses overseeing the profit and loss (P&L) for local starch and first products, where I develop roadmaps for product, investment, and operational efficiency. This involves collaborating with various functions, setting competitive pricing, optimizing product assortment, conducting competitive analysis, and maximizing asset utilization. Furthermore, I identify and prioritize necessary investments, manage diverse portfolios, spearhead critical projects, and meticulously evaluate financial metrics to ensure sustained profitability. In terms of operational efficiency, I actively engage with quality, manufacturing, and industrial controlling teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives that are aligned with our profitability objectives. Additionally, I contribute to shaping site development plans and capital expenditure decisions

· Implemented and reviewed Food Safety and Quality Management System for adequacy & effectiveness.

· Led Gokak Excellence team, driving Gemba kaizen, 5S, SPC, and manufacturing excellence.

· Conducted nationwide Food Safety & Facility Hygiene Audits, generating error-free reports.

· Guided auditors during customer and third-party audits.

· Updated and reviewed quality assurance reports, addressing deviations from manufacturing processes.

· Conducted periodic assessments to strengthen Quality & Regulatory Compliance.

· Assisted in training suppliers for food safety and regulatory compliance.

· Established QA technical & compliance system for food safety assurance.

· Implemented ISO 14001 Environmental management system and OHSAS 18001.

Achievements: Imparted training on food safety tools, ensured global food safety requirements, implemented social compliance, organized food safety & quality day celebration with 3884 participants, served as Editor of ‘Roquette one' magazine, and trained on shop floor initiatives like 5S, Autonomous maintenance, planned maintenance, and kaizen projects.

Responsible for developing and maintaining quality assurance policies, conducting audits, and leading improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with industry standards. Managed quality control processes, collaborated with cross-functional teams, and implemented key performance indicators (KPIs) to track quality metrics.

Led various projects, including the implementation of new Quality Management Systems, development of supplier quality programs, and commissions of the tetra pak juice line.

Responsible for ensuring products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements through inspections, tests, and data analysis. Collaborate with teams to address issues, provide training, maintain documentation, and stay updated on regulations. May assist in audits, support product development, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

As Team Leader - Process & Packing, I oversee and coordinate team activities to ensure efficient operations. Responsibilities include managing production schedules, ensuring quality and safety standards, and optimizing workflow processes. I provide guidance, conduct training, and address production issues, while also contributing to process improvements and equipment troubleshooting.