KANIKKA TYAGI

•Create, Lead and actualize FSQA Strategy by working closely with internal and external key stakeholders

• To strengthen Safety culture in multi manufacturing plants through complete alignment and effective communications to create an emotional connect

• Managing food/cleaning chemical/Testing labs/audit agencies and PCOs suppliers/service providers and releasing monthly dashboard showcasing vendor performance matrix.

•Lead overall Quality, Food Safety, Sanitation, and Continuous Improvement functions for a state-of-the-art plant-based milling , pasta and pulse processing and manufacturing facility.

• Played a key leadership role in the facility startup, from equipment installation, commissioning, validation, and process development to establishing world-class quality, food safety, and sanitation systems.

• Built and implemented Quality Management Systems, Food Safety Programs, Sanitation Standards, and Operational Excellence initiatives to support rapid business growth and scale-up.

• Lead regulatory compliance, customer quality programs, supplier quality management, audit readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with FDA, GFSI, FSSAI, HACCP, and customer requirements.

• Develop and mentor cross-functional teams, fostering a strong food safety and quality culture while driving accountability, engagement, and performance across the organization.

• Successfully supported commercialization, capacity expansion, and operational scale-up efforts that positioned the facility as a key contributor to company growth and market leader

• Conducted technical assessments of new PLANT to confirm compliance with standard requirements.

• Presented monthly Quality Assurance dashboards to all internal departments, providing comprehensive reviews and actionable insights.

• Conducted system certification audits (Third-party Audits) for food, safety, and quality management standards: FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, HACCP, ISO 9001:2015 in Storage & Warehouses, Catering, Food Manufacturing Industries & Production of (Bio) Chemicals.

• FSSAI Sch IV mandatory audits in Manufacturing, Storage & Warehouses, and Catering industries.

• Second-party audits, customized audits, supplier audits for Manufacturing, Storage and Warehouses, and Catering Industries. •Internal Auditor for implementation of various food safety standards ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 and HACCP in industries.

• In-depth knowledge and a certified auditor for conducting FSSAI initiated Hygiene Rating and Eat Right Campus Audits.

• Spearheaded Business development activities as well.

• Certified Auditor: FSSC VER 5.1, ISO 9001:2015, and HYGEINE RATING AUDITOR.

Managed end-to-end Quality Assurance and Food Safety operations in the manufacturing plant, ensuring compliance with FSSAI, HACCP, GMP, GHP, ISO, FSMS, FSSC, and QMS standards.

• Conducted in-process quality checks, internal audits, supplier audits, L-1 audits, and Plant Hygiene Index (PGI) assessments to maintain regulatory compliance and product quality.

• Led supplier quality management, vendor development initiatives, and resolution of quality-related issues through close coordination with cross-functional and technical teams.

• Supervised Quality Control activities including raw material inspection, finished product testing, laboratory instrument verification, process validation, and non-conforming product disposition.

• Ensured food safety and operational excellence by monitoring critical process parameters, sanitation effectiveness (CIP), pest control programs, packaging hygiene, and production line performance.

• Developed and delivered training programs on HACCP, GMP, FSMS, FSSC, ISO standards, and quality procedures, enhancing workforce competency and compliance awareness.

• Managed CAPA implementation, quality documentation, MIS reporting, customer audits, third-party audits, and regulatory inspections, consistently ensuring audit readiness.

• Supported new product development trials, process mapping, line studies, machinery performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives to drive product consistency, safety, and operational efficiency.

• Spearheaded daily manufacturing operations by aligning workforce deployment, production priorities, and resource utilization to achieve operational efficiency and output targets.

• Drove seamless execution of production plans, ensuring timely conversion of raw materials into finished products while maintaining process consistency, productivity, and adherence to quality benchmarks.

• Strengthened food safety and quality culture across the facility through rigorous implementation of regulatory requirements, hygiene practices, and preventive quality controls within the manufacturing environment.

• Led quality monitoring activities across production stages, ensuring compliance with critical process controls, product specifications, packaging standards, and food safety requirements while minimizing process deviations.

• Established robust documentation and compliance systems to support HACCP requirements, audit readiness, traceability, and continuous improvement initiatives, while overseeing the functionality of laboratory testing equipment.

• Partnered with cross-functional teams to investigate operational issues, implement corrective actions, improve process reliability, and optimize coordination of raw and packaging material availability.

• Consolidated and presented plant-level quality performance metrics, audit observations, customer complaint trends, and CAPA effectiveness reviews to support informed management decision-making.

• Generated and analyzed management reports related to quality compliance, material performance, audit outcomes, and consumer feedback, contributing to enhanced operational control and business performance.

• Directed end-to-end production operations, including workforce management, production planning, material utilization, process optimization, and quality assurance to achieve operational and business objectives.

• Executed and monitored production schedules from raw material procurement through finished goods manufacturing, maximizing equipment efficiency, line productivity, and adherence to product specifications and delivery timelines.

• Ensured compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards by implementing GMP, GLP, HACCP, and hygiene protocols, while conducting routine inspections and reporting quality performance metrics to management.

• Managed in-process and finished product quality control activities, including batch preparation, process parameter monitoring, package integrity verification, and Critical Control Point (CCP) compliance to ensure consistent product quality and food safety.

• Maintained comprehensive quality documentation and regulatory records, monitored laboratory equipment performance and calibration, coordinated raw and packaging material requirements, and drove corrective actions to address process deviations and enhance operational effectiveness.