SHARMISHTA KRISHNAN
Senior Manager – Operations Excellence | Six Sigma Black Belt | ISO 22000, BRC, HACCP | QSR, F&B & Retail Operations
Bangalore,TS
Summary
Dynamic Operations Excellence and Process Improvement Leader with over 18 years of experience in the QSR, F&B, and Retail sectors. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt proficient in driving productivity, optimizing processes, and enhancing cost efficiency across multi-unit operations. Expertise in implementing ISO, BRC, and HACCP standards while streamlining workflows to achieve measurable operational results. Recognized for leveraging Lean methodologies, data analytics, and cross-functional collaboration to elevate service quality, ensure compliance, and boost customer satisfaction through innovative digital process automation and continuous improvement initiatives.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
4
4
Languages
Work History
Manager - Operational Excellence
Café Coffee Day
11.2019 - Current
- Spearheaded operational excellence initiatives across 400+ cafés PAN India, leading end-to-end process improvement and audit readiness.
- Designed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs), improving consistency across regional operations.
- Applied Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve efficiency and reduce wastage by 4%.
- Developed digital dashboards for KPI tracking, enhancing visibility of operational performance.
- Partnered with leadership to design and execute cost optimization programs without compromising quality.
- Led ISO 22000 implementation and maintained compliance for food safety and quality.
- Introduced Wooqer-based automation for daily café audits, reducing manual reporting efforts by 40%.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Streamlined project delivery processes, significantly reducing time to market for new product launches.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade technology infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and data security.
- Implemented customer feedback mechanisms to gather insights, using this information to guide strategic planning and decision-making.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
Manager - Quality Assurance & Operations Support
Café Udupi Ruchi
03.2018 - 10.2019
- Established scalable operational frameworks and QA systems for a fast-growing F&B startup.
- Defined operational KPIs, audit processes, and training structures for franchisee management.
- Partnered with R&D on new menu and process rollout for improved efficiency and cost control.
Manager - Quality Assurance
Café Coffee Day
07.2010 - 10.2015
- Implemented ISO and BRC systems across regional units, achieving certification within 12 months.
- Enhanced process governance and reduced audit non-conformances by 25%.
- Collaborated with supply chain to improve vendor compliance and ensure product consistency.
- Drove change management and process standardization initiatives across café operations.
- Performed observations and evaluated supporting documents to supplement audit findings.
- Provided detailed documentation on audit findings, facilitating swift corrective action when necessary.
- Managed multiple concurrent audit engagements, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines without compromising quality.
- Planned and executed follow-up audits at appropriate intervals.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade technology infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and data security.
- Organized professional development programs for staff, leading to improved performance and skill sets.
Auditor - Quality Assurance
Sky Gourmet Catering Pvt. Ltd
11.2005 - 07.2010
- Conducted process and quality audits in airline catering units ensuring ISO 22000, HACCP, and AEA standards.
- Supported process improvement through CAPA and employee training programs.
- Led continuous improvement projects to reduce waste and enhance turnaround efficiency.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Microbiologist
Annapoorna Beverages
10.2002 - 10.2003
- Ensured microbial quality of processed water and maintained 100% ISI compliance.
Education
Master's - Microbiology
Bangalore University
01.2003
Skills
Team leadership
Policy and procedure development
Vendor management
Change management
Operations management
Staff development
Customer service
Project management
Policy implementation
Cross-functional teamwork
Documentation and reporting
Inventory management
Certification
Six Sigma Black Belt, Classify IQ, 2025
Accomplishments
- Implemented Lean process improvements leading to 4% reduction in wastage across cafés.
- Digitized and automated café audits using Wooqer, cutting manual reporting time by 40%.
- Spearheaded ISO 22000 certification and operational standardization across 400+ outlets.
- Launched nationwide training programs for café managers and operations teams on SOP adherence and process improvement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver cost-saving and efficiency projects impacting multiple business units.
- Recognized for excellence in operational governance and continuous improvement by senior leadership.
Timeline
Manager - Operational Excellence
Café Coffee Day
11.2019 - Current
Manager - Quality Assurance & Operations Support
Café Udupi Ruchi
03.2018 - 10.2019
Manager - Quality Assurance
Café Coffee Day
07.2010 - 10.2015
Auditor - Quality Assurance
Sky Gourmet Catering Pvt. Ltd
11.2005 - 07.2010
Microbiologist
Annapoorna Beverages
10.2002 - 10.2003
Master's - Microbiology
Bangalore University