BROOKE FAZEKAS
New Castle
Summary
Quality Assurance Manager with extensive experience in developing and executing food safety and quality management systems across various production settings. Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and food labeling standards, with a history of successfully coordinating audits in a highly regulated industry. Skilled in supplier evaluation and effective customer communication. Focused on fostering team collaboration and encouraging creative problem solving. Ensures multi-level accountability to elevate product quality and enhance customer satisfaction.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Quality Assurance Manager
Creekside Springs LLC
Ambridge
01.2020 - Current
- Established & maintained comprehensive quality documentation systems to monitor product quality and regulatory compliance across multiple beverage manufacturing facilities.
- Managed third-party audits and inspections, ensuring timely follow-up on corrective actions and correspondence.
- Directed internal audits to verify program accuracy and regulatory readiness, updating documents as needed.
- Implemented root cause analysis for internal and external findings, enacting corrective measures to prevent issue recurrence.
- Investigated customer complaints, executing corrective actions to resolve quality-related issues effectively. Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for quality improvement.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential quality issues and mitigate associated risks.
- Established key performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of the quality management system, and reviewed data-driven insights and recommendations for improvement with senior management.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to embed quality considerations in product design and development processes.
- Managed third-party customer specifications, quality relationships, and maintained CMS updates.
- Evaluated supplier performance against defined criteria to maintain the approved supplier list.
- Managed quality & GMP onboarding processes for all employees. Interviewed, selected, and trained new QA/QC personnel.
- Conducted annual training for all employees, including a review of GMPs, HACCP/HACQP/HARPC, SQF, chemical handling, and more.
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Creekside Springs LLC
Ambridge
09.2013 - 01.2020
- Trained associates on analytical testing procedures and documentation standards.
- Maintained laboratory supplies by managing inventory, placing orders, and verifying deliveries.
- Calibrated and maintained instruments to ensure optimal equipment functionality and accurate data collection.
- Collaborated with operation & production teams to identify defects and propose resolutions.
- Championed quality assurance initiatives by fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Supported regulatory compliance through strict adherence to guidelines and meticulous record-keeping.
QA/QC Specialist
Byrnes & Keifer
Callery
09.2012 - 09.2013
- Developed and implemented quality testing procedures for products and ingredients to enhance product quality.
- Led management, operations, and production reams in conducting root cause analysis for product defects and quality non-conformances, as reported internally or by customers.
- Promoted a culture of quality awareness throughout the organization, fostering accountability and ownership among all levels of employees.
- Led efforts to digitize ingredient listings and nutritional information using label generation systems.
- Standardized and maintained specifications to ensure adherence to internal, customer, and industry requirements.
- Evaluated supplier capabilities based on their ability to meet specifications consistently over time.
- Reviewed manufacturing records for accuracy, released product to inventory, and provided COAs to customers.
QA/QC Technician
Creekside Springs LLC
Ambridge
02.2009 - 09.2012
- Conducted thorough inspections to identify defects and improve product quality.
- Implemented corrective actions for non-conforming products, enhancing overall quality.
- Streamlined testing methodologies, reducing inspection times while ensuring accuracy.
- Developed comprehensive documentation of test results and inspection processes.
- Compiled inspection and test data into reports to document compliance with quality standards.
- Assisted with third-party and customer audits to ensure adherence to requirements.
- Participated in technical training sessions and workshops to enhance skill set.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA05-2008
Skills
- Complaint investigation and resolution
- Internal and external audit coordination
- Root cause analysis
- Corrective and preventive actions
- Data trending and analysis
- Continuous improvement initiatives
- Risk analysis and mitigation strategies
- Supplier quality management
- Customer communication
- Good manufacturing practices (GMP)
- Environmental monitoring practices
- Regulatory compliance and permitting expertise
- Food packaging and labeling compliance
- Good manufacturing practices (GMP)
- Environmental monitoring practices
- Specification and procedure writing and review
- HACCP plan management
- SQF Practitioner
- Preventive Controls Qualified Individual
- Food defense, food fraud, and intentional adulteration qualified individual
- Team leadership and development
- Meticulous attention to detail
Certification
• Preventive Controls Qualified Individual
• Intentional Adulteration Qualified Individual
• SQF Practitioner
• Lead Internal Auditor
• Certified Plant Operator ( via International Bottled Water Association
• Intentional Adulteration Qualified Individual
• SQF Practitioner
• Lead Internal Auditor
• Certified Plant Operator ( via International Bottled Water Association
Timeline
Senior Quality Assurance Manager
Creekside Springs LLC
01.2020 - Current
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Creekside Springs LLC
09.2013 - 01.2020
QA/QC Specialist
Byrnes & Keifer
09.2012 - 09.2013
QA/QC Technician
Creekside Springs LLC
02.2009 - 09.2012
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Slippery Rock University