Dynamic Senior Manager with a proven track record at General Mills India, excelling in food safety audits and regulatory compliance. Expert in leading quality improvements and vendor risk reduction initiatives. Adept at influencing stakeholders and managing cross-functional teams to drive successful new product development and sanitation programs.
Responsible for executing regional and market strategies in AMEA markets for External quality management including auditing Co-packers, ingredient, and packaging suppliers (200+) & WHs (25+) to make sure the food safety, regulatory compliance, waste management and quality of General Mills' Products.
Deliver Global Supplier (RM & PM) maintenance audits plans, Enable NPDs by New Vendor qualifications & meet planned target for Vendor risk reduction. Lead vendor related quality improvements & Cost optimization project as per business need.
Ensuring Quality Assurance, Food Safety & regulatory compliances, waste Management, drive risk reduction and customer satisfaction for all external (co-manufacturing) Units (23 Co-packer Units) in AMEA.
Co-ordinate & liaison with General Mills Global Food Safety & Quality team to leverage existing Procedures, regularly share best practices & Food Safety Policy requirements being implemented at all Units across AMEA regions.
Handling multiple upcoming projects/New Product Development to ensure Quality & Food Safety Requirements. Working closely with R&D and Supply Chain-Operations teams for NPD, Process development & standardize processes and procedures.
Prepare Training Modules & Conduct Trainings at existing as well as new Units. Onboarding of all new Vendors & Co-pack locations QA team on GMI FSQ Policies. Ensure Sanitation, Traceability, HACCP implementation, Allergen Controls, EMPs in place, Food defence are functional at all sites.
Guide Consumer Care cell by advising technical insights to address customer/consumer complaints & assist plants on completing RCA & CAPA.
Ensure GMI Global Food Safety & regulatory Policies are implemented AMEA markets, Lead Onboarding region FSQ team on new Policy changes. Lead AMEA Market for all Sanitation Compliance initiatives & ensure Sanitary design review completion for all Projects.
CORPORATE MANAGER QUALITY ASSURANCE & OHS
ConAgra Foods India (Agro Tech Foods)
Gurugram
06.2010 - 06.2016
Coordinating between multiple Units (6 Third Party & 3 Company Owned) nationwide for ensuring Quality Assurance, Food Safety & OHS Standards.
Handling multiple upcoming projects/units to ensure Quality & Safety Requirements. Working closely with R&D and Manufacturing teams for Process development & standardize processes and procedures.
Independently Handling External Lab analysis for R&D, Supplier samples, Consumer complaint, Periodic Analysis across all units nationwide. Laboratory Management (Quality control & Microbiology), Identify & procure all Instrument, AMCs across all units nationwide.
Co-ordinate with (US) Quality team to leverage existing Procedures, regularly share best practices implemented at Units with Global QA team.
Ensure Sanitation, Fumigation & Pest control standards, Prepare Training Modules & Conduct Trainings at existing as well as new Units.
Collecting Daily reports of QHSE & Operational Quality from All Units and Generating Daily, weekly & Monthly MIS for Indian Leadership team.
EXECUTIVE QUALITY ASSURANCE
Hindustan Coca Cola India Ltd
Ghaziabad
01.2007 - 06.2008
Quality system Implementation, Production Engineering, Audits and Process Improvement, streamlining processes to facilitate smooth production process, reduce costs & ensure compliance with statutory quality standards, significant contribution in implementing Six Sigma, SPC, HACCP & 5S concepts and ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Quality Systems implementation.
Played an Instrumental role in start-up & shutdown procedures for new MIS based water line. Successfully completed the project of reducing the Preform weights for both & pack sizes of PET bottles.
Successfully ran PET lines without any manual inspection (Manpower reduction).
EXECUTIVE QUALITY ASSURANCE
Shaktibhog Foods
Noida
07.2006 - 12.2006
Quality In-charge for analytical & process parameters at wheat Milling/Atta Unit.
Education
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Lead Auditor- FSSC 22000 & BRC Food Standard, Issue 8
Technical Leadership Essential Certification - Minnesota University, USA
SQF & HACCP Implementation, NSF CMi
Green Belt Lean Six Sigma, NITIE, Mumbai
Global Sanitation & Food Safety Expert, General Mills-Global Sanitation Centre of Excellence
Calibrated Global Food Safety & Quality Auditor, General Mills-Global Verification Centre of excellence.
Awards
Awarded by VP-Asia ITQ for Food Safety acceleration & risk reduction efforts across Co-packers in AMEA region.
Awarded by VP-Asia ITQ for successful site Food Safety qualification to enable Nature Valley Biscuit Commercialization.
Awarded by MD & President, General Mills India in Company Annual meet for work done towards PB Cookie Cake commercialization new ESC Location qualification.
Awarded for Snacks Bar acceleration Project completion by Vice President, General Mills India in 05/01/18.
Awarded 'Make a difference' award by President & CEO, Agro tech foods India at Annual Leadership conference held at Malaysia, 04/01/14.
Article on 'Food Safety Validation of Peanut Batch Roaster' got selected and published in Global Sanitation newsletter of ConAgra Foods, 06/01/14 Issue.
<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC
<ul><li>Key Role: Heading the HSE & AI department and acting as a Senior Management Personnel (SMP)</li><li>Responsibilities:</li><li>Corporate HSE & AI Functions:</li><li>Developed and implemented IRM’s HSE & AI policy and management system.</li><li>Spearheaded leadership development and safety culture initiatives across all levels.</li><li>Facilitated internal and external HSE communications and corporate-level engagement programs.</li><li>Oversaw compliance for ERDMP certification, PCB consents, and environmental audits.</li><li>Led HSE training strategy including induction programs and annual training calendars.</li><li>Initiated and monitored HSE & AI performance improvement plans and audits.</li><li>Developed strategic safety KPIs, trend analysis, and corporate-level MIS reporting.</li><li>Managed safety tours, incident investigations, and safety reward programs.</li><li>Championed process safety, MOC, RCA reviews, and critical safety studies.</li><li>Ensured effective GA-level implementation of HSE policies and risk management.</li><li>Conducted safety campaigns, mock drills, and employee engagement activities.</li><li>Geographical Area (GA) Operations HSE & AI Oversight:</li><li>Engaged field teams and contractors for proactive HSE compliance and audits.</li><li>Reviewed and maintained Asset Integrity systems including HAZOP, QRA, and Risk Registers.</li><li>Participated in PNGRB, IMS audits and implemented corrective actions at GA level.</li><li>Facilitated incident reporting to authorities and supported root cause investigations.</li><li>Supported GA-level environmental and emergency preparedness programs.</li></ul> at IRM Energy Limited<ul><li>Key Role: Heading the HSE & AI department and acting as a Senior Management Personnel (SMP)</li><li>Responsibilities:</li><li>Corporate HSE & AI Functions:</li><li>Developed and implemented IRM’s HSE & AI policy and management system.</li><li>Spearheaded leadership development and safety culture initiatives across all levels.</li><li>Facilitated internal and external HSE communications and corporate-level engagement programs.</li><li>Oversaw compliance for ERDMP certification, PCB consents, and environmental audits.</li><li>Led HSE training strategy including induction programs and annual training calendars.</li><li>Initiated and monitored HSE & AI performance improvement plans and audits.</li><li>Developed strategic safety KPIs, trend analysis, and corporate-level MIS reporting.</li><li>Managed safety tours, incident investigations, and safety reward programs.</li><li>Championed process safety, MOC, RCA reviews, and critical safety studies.</li><li>Ensured effective GA-level implementation of HSE policies and risk management.</li><li>Conducted safety campaigns, mock drills, and employee engagement activities.</li><li>Geographical Area (GA) Operations HSE & AI Oversight:</li><li>Engaged field teams and contractors for proactive HSE compliance and audits.</li><li>Reviewed and maintained Asset Integrity systems including HAZOP, QRA, and Risk Registers.</li><li>Participated in PNGRB, IMS audits and implemented corrective actions at GA level.</li><li>Facilitated incident reporting to authorities and supported root cause investigations.</li><li>Supported GA-level environmental and emergency preparedness programs.</li></ul> at IRM Energy Limited
<ul><li>- Working in Collaboration with the Central Quality team in the development of Quantitative checklists for Aggregate reports.</li><li>- Performing QR of Safety reports i.e, PADER, DSUR, PBRER and DSURs.</li><li>- Managing QR Team for Safety reports and acting as a training lead for Safety Writing Team.</li><li>- Prepared and Performed QC of the trackers for RSI project.</li><li>- Performed Quality review of cases in Argus database for VOQR project. Created error-free reports and other outputs according to tightly defined specifications to ensure timely reporting of assigned job to program management.</li><li>- Participating in weekly meetings on a regular basis to understand the client's requirement for a particular program and ensure that the team meets or exceeds the targets in terms of quality, quantity within the scope of time constraints</li><li>- Responsible for reviewing the SOPs, job aids as per program specific requirements.</li><li>- Acting as a subject matter expert and helping the team members with day-to-day trouble shooting activities.</li><li>- Signal detection and risk management plan authoring or other assigned PV related activities for client's product(s), per the regulations and SOPs when required.</li><li>- Exhibiting a growing awareness of program strategy and thinking capability alongside independence.</li><li>- Reviewing and providing solutions for issues relating to program delivery or escalating appropriately to the Team Lead / Program Lead as required.</li><li>- Providing standards for gathering information for use in trend analysis.</li><li>- Involved in people development in partnership with PDG leads.</li><li>- Ensuring that all training (internal training and client training) are successfully completed in a timely manner.</li></ul> at Syneos Health<ul><li>- Working in Collaboration with the Central Quality team in the development of Quantitative checklists for Aggregate reports.</li><li>- Performing QR of Safety reports i.e, PADER, DSUR, PBRER and DSURs.</li><li>- Managing QR Team for Safety reports and acting as a training lead for Safety Writing Team.</li><li>- Prepared and Performed QC of the trackers for RSI project.</li><li>- Performed Quality review of cases in Argus database for VOQR project. Created error-free reports and other outputs according to tightly defined specifications to ensure timely reporting of assigned job to program management.</li><li>- Participating in weekly meetings on a regular basis to understand the client's requirement for a particular program and ensure that the team meets or exceeds the targets in terms of quality, quantity within the scope of time constraints</li><li>- Responsible for reviewing the SOPs, job aids as per program specific requirements.</li><li>- Acting as a subject matter expert and helping the team members with day-to-day trouble shooting activities.</li><li>- Signal detection and risk management plan authoring or other assigned PV related activities for client's product(s), per the regulations and SOPs when required.</li><li>- Exhibiting a growing awareness of program strategy and thinking capability alongside independence.</li><li>- Reviewing and providing solutions for issues relating to program delivery or escalating appropriately to the Team Lead / Program Lead as required.</li><li>- Providing standards for gathering information for use in trend analysis.</li><li>- Involved in people development in partnership with PDG leads.</li><li>- Ensuring that all training (internal training and client training) are successfully completed in a timely manner.</li></ul> at Syneos Health
<ul><li>Company Overview: Group Company of PUIG, Spain</li><li>Team Leadership & Process Excellence: Organised the transformation of the Finance & Accounts function, establishing performance-driven goals, and embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Drove operational efficiency through process redesigns, SOP implementation and optimal resource deployment, leading to measurable improvements in turnaround time and accuracy.</li><li>Strategic Partnering with CXOs: Acted as a key advisor to the CEO, CFO, and other CXOs on business planning, pricing strategies, and business model pivots to support scale-up and profitability. Contributed to investor communications with data-backed insights to enhance stakeholder confidence and secure strategic funding.</li><li>Cross-Functional & Global Stakeholder Management: Functioned as the strategic finance business partner to cross-functional heads and the PUIG global finance team, aligning local execution with global financial strategies and compliance requirements.</li><li>ERP Transformation & System Automation: Led end-to-end ERP reimplementation to address system gaps, enforce role-based controls, and automate core finance processes—resulting in enhanced data accuracy, faster reporting and improved internal controls.</li><li>Costing, Inventory & Profitability Optimization: Designed and implemented plant-level costing models to ensure accurate COGS determination. Improved inventory management across pricing, consumption tracking, and aging analysis—enabling better working capital control and cost efficiency.</li><li>Manufacturing Finance & Statutory Compliance: Supervised end-to-end accounting for manufacturing operations and ensured full statutory compliance.</li><li>Financial Reporting, MIS & Profitability Analytics: Delivered accurate and timely monthly MIS reports, including P&L, Balance Sheet and KPI dashboards with deep-dive variance analysis across stores, business verticals, and geographies. Supported board-level decision-making through insightful presentations on financial health and business performance.</li><li>Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Planning: Led the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and rolling forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and market dynamics. Monitored key financial metrics to enable business decisions and proactive cost management.</li><li>Statutory, Internal & Tax Audit Management: Finalized standalone and consolidated financials under Ind AS and IFRS, ensured timely group reporting and compliance with international standards. Delivered clean and timely closures of statutory, tax, and internal audits in coordination with Big 4 auditors. Strengthened audit readiness through pre-audit diagnostics and rectification of recurring control gaps.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Ensured end-to-end compliance which includes ROC, RBI, FEMA, Income Tax, GST, Transfer Pricing, DTAA, and Customs. Reviewed cross-border contracts and transactions to ensure arm’s length pricing, accurate TDS application, and proper documentation under Transfer Pricing regulations.</li><li>Commercial Negotiation & Contract Governance: Led commercial negotiations and structured deals with vendors and franchisees. Reviewed key business contracts to ensure financial viability, risk protection, and compliance with regulatory standards.</li><li>Treasury & External Commercial Borrowing (ECB): Managed fund planning and liquidity management including ECB drawdowns, bank negotiations, and interest optimization. Improved working capital cycles through proactive cash flow forecasting and receivables control.</li><li>Internal Controls & Governance Framework: Led organization-wide reviews of internal control systems, identified process gaps, and redesigned or implemented over 40 SOPs and IFCs. Established a governance structure for financial discipline, risk mitigation, and policy compliance across departments.</li></ul> at Kama Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. & PUIG India Pvt. Ltd.<ul><li>Company Overview: Group Company of PUIG, Spain</li><li>Team Leadership & Process Excellence: Organised the transformation of the Finance & Accounts function, establishing performance-driven goals, and embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Drove operational efficiency through process redesigns, SOP implementation and optimal resource deployment, leading to measurable improvements in turnaround time and accuracy.</li><li>Strategic Partnering with CXOs: Acted as a key advisor to the CEO, CFO, and other CXOs on business planning, pricing strategies, and business model pivots to support scale-up and profitability. Contributed to investor communications with data-backed insights to enhance stakeholder confidence and secure strategic funding.</li><li>Cross-Functional & Global Stakeholder Management: Functioned as the strategic finance business partner to cross-functional heads and the PUIG global finance team, aligning local execution with global financial strategies and compliance requirements.</li><li>ERP Transformation & System Automation: Led end-to-end ERP reimplementation to address system gaps, enforce role-based controls, and automate core finance processes—resulting in enhanced data accuracy, faster reporting and improved internal controls.</li><li>Costing, Inventory & Profitability Optimization: Designed and implemented plant-level costing models to ensure accurate COGS determination. Improved inventory management across pricing, consumption tracking, and aging analysis—enabling better working capital control and cost efficiency.</li><li>Manufacturing Finance & Statutory Compliance: Supervised end-to-end accounting for manufacturing operations and ensured full statutory compliance.</li><li>Financial Reporting, MIS & Profitability Analytics: Delivered accurate and timely monthly MIS reports, including P&L, Balance Sheet and KPI dashboards with deep-dive variance analysis across stores, business verticals, and geographies. Supported board-level decision-making through insightful presentations on financial health and business performance.</li><li>Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Planning: Led the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and rolling forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and market dynamics. Monitored key financial metrics to enable business decisions and proactive cost management.</li><li>Statutory, Internal & Tax Audit Management: Finalized standalone and consolidated financials under Ind AS and IFRS, ensured timely group reporting and compliance with international standards. Delivered clean and timely closures of statutory, tax, and internal audits in coordination with Big 4 auditors. Strengthened audit readiness through pre-audit diagnostics and rectification of recurring control gaps.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Ensured end-to-end compliance which includes ROC, RBI, FEMA, Income Tax, GST, Transfer Pricing, DTAA, and Customs. Reviewed cross-border contracts and transactions to ensure arm’s length pricing, accurate TDS application, and proper documentation under Transfer Pricing regulations.</li><li>Commercial Negotiation & Contract Governance: Led commercial negotiations and structured deals with vendors and franchisees. Reviewed key business contracts to ensure financial viability, risk protection, and compliance with regulatory standards.</li><li>Treasury & External Commercial Borrowing (ECB): Managed fund planning and liquidity management including ECB drawdowns, bank negotiations, and interest optimization. Improved working capital cycles through proactive cash flow forecasting and receivables control.</li><li>Internal Controls & Governance Framework: Led organization-wide reviews of internal control systems, identified process gaps, and redesigned or implemented over 40 SOPs and IFCs. Established a governance structure for financial discipline, risk mitigation, and policy compliance across departments.</li></ul> at Kama Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. & PUIG India Pvt. Ltd.