Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Academic Research Experience
Timeline
Generic

Hiranis Velazquez Rivera

Lancaster

Summary

Experienced Quality Assurance professional with expertise in food safety, regulatory compliance, and team leadership. Proven track record in implementing quality control procedures, managing audits, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Strong background in microbiology and laboratory research, with hands-on experience in sustainable biocontrol methods and academic lab support.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Quality Assurance Supervisor

Lancaster Sauce Company LLC
Lancaster
05.2025 - Current
  • Supervise QA Technicians to ensure compliance with SOPs, food safety, and facility safety standards.
  • Conduct and document QA training sessions for team members on new and updated QA and production procedures.
  • Collaborate with QA and R&D leadership to develop, refine, and implement QA procedures and plant trial protocols (e.g., picture specs, weight, torque, temperature).
  • Investigate customer complaints related to product quality, perform root cause analysis, and coordinate corrective actions with the QA Manager.
  • Ensure laboratory equipment calibration, QA documentation updates, and proper documentation of HACCP, weight, torque, batching, and freezer/cooler logs.
  • Serve as the point of contact for third-party laboratories, pest control company, and support plant trials and customer audits.
  • Monitor production retains, log materials into the system, and review disposition of expired inventory.
  • Support SQF policy enforcement and promote a culture of food safety across departments.
  • Maintain 30% production floor presence while completing 70% administrative and documentation duties.
  • Provide backup support for QA Manager, QA System Manager, Sanitation Supervisor, and QA Techs as needed.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives and manage KPIs to improve quality metrics and operational efficiency.
  • Oversee safety compliance, PPE usage, and workplace hazard prevention across teams.
  • Assign QA tasks, monitor performance, and ensure alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Complete Certificates of Analysis for outgoing shipments and review QA operational records for accuracy.
  • Perform inventory adjustments in the system to reflect QA Hold status, including placing items on hold and releasing them as needed.
  • Prepare and submit Allergen Cleaning Validation Reports.

Quality Assurance Supervisor

Charles and Alice
Lancaster
07.2021 - 05.2025
  • Supervised and led a team of quality assurance technicians, ensuring product quality standards were consistently met.
  • Hired, trained, and managed the QA team, overseeing daily workflow, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
  • Developed, implemented, and managed quality control procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards.
  • Conducted and enforced all established safety, health, quality, GMP, HACCP, and company policies.
  • Conducted routine inspections and audits of production processes to identify and resolve quality issues.
  • Managed HACCP, CCPs, SQF, USDA Organic, and third-party audits, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
  • Led root cause analysis using 5W2H Methodology to solve quality issues and drive continuous improvement.
  • Tracked and analyzed quality data, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions to improve product performance.
  • Oversaw product holds and rework processes, maintaining compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Acted as a Regulatory Compliance Reviewer, supporting audits, investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Performed and documented batch releases, verifying best-by date codes and adherence to product specifications.
  • Reviewed and maintained hold logs, product specifications, certificates of analysis (COAs), and QA documentation.
  • Conducted routine quality checks such as pH, Brix, viscosity, color, and taste evaluations to ensure product consistency.
  • Verified and approved batch records, Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) checklists, and operator pre-op inspections.
  • Performed environmental testing and ensured compliance with OSHA regulations.
  • Executed and documented monthly calibrations of laboratory equipment.
  • Maintained and updated spec books for products and materials.
  • Managed food identity programs, including Organic, Kosher, and Non-GMO certifications.
  • Coordinated new product sample batching and verified labels, artwork, and nutrition panels for accuracy.
  • Tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) such as holds, cost of non-quality, and customer complaints.
  • Answered customer complaints courteously and in a timely manner to resolve quality concerns.
  • Promoted positive employee relations and teamwork, fostering a strong food safety and quality culture.
  • Ensured safe work practices and proper operation of company tools and equipment.

Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Ryder System Inc.
Lancaster
08.2020 - 06.2021
  • Oversee truck receiving processes, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
  • Communicate with truck drivers to facilitate smooth deliveries and departures.
  • Ensure dock door availability by monitoring status (checked, empty, open, closed, etc.).
  • Coordinate with jockeys for efficient trailer movement and staging status updates.
  • Prioritize Lift Truck Operator (LTO) duties, including receiving and put-away processes.
  • Maintain organized staging areas for inbound and outbound shipments.
  • Ensure adherence to warehouse safety protocols and operational efficiency.

Lead Operator 1

GlaxoSmithKline
Marietta
11.2019 - 08.2020
  • Operate and maintain adjuvant skid systems to ensure proper functionality.
  • Execute Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) procedures to maintain sanitary conditions.
  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
  • Maintain sterile environments, adhering to strict pharmaceutical cleanliness protocols.
  • Utilize SAP for documentation, inventory management, and process tracking.
  • Identify, document, and manage deviations, ensuring timely resolution and compliance.
  • Perform batch record reviews to ensure accuracy, compliance, and adherence to SOPs.
  • Utilize Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Delta V systems for monitoring and controlling manufacturing processes.
  • Implement and maintain 5S methodology to optimize workplace organization and efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and regulatory standards.

Quality Control Inspector Lead

Thermacore Inc
Lancaster
02.2018 - 09.2019
  • Perform equipment calibration to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Maintain the quality of medical products and parts through inspections and testing.
  • Conduct and support audits to meet regulatory and company standards.
  • Review data and paperwork for accuracy and compliance.
  • Manage tasks and time efficiently to meet operational goals.
  • Assist in scheduling employees for optimal workflow and productivity.

Machine Operator

Dart Container
Leola
01.2016 - 02.2018
  • Install, maintain, and operate various types of machinery.
  • Ensure equipment maintenance for optimal performance and longevity.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot machinery to ensure full functionality and smooth operation.

Key Holder/Sales Associate

New York and Company Outlet
Lancaster
09.2016 - 04.2017
  • Manage stock, register, and returns.
  • Promote and process credit card sales.
  • Provide customer service and assist with fitting rooms.
  • Handle jewelry organization and merchandising.
  • Call FedEx for online order pickups.
  • Fill and sensor new merchandise.
  • Open and close the store.
  • Deposit store money at the bank.
  • Provide general support to management.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biology, Minor Chemistry

Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, PA
05-2025

High School Diploma -

Conestoga High School
Lancaster, PA

Skills

  • Quality Control
  • HACCP
  • SQF
  • GMP
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Laboratory Testing
  • Food Safety
  • Data Analysis
  • Team Leadership
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Spectrophotometry
  • PCR
  • HPLC
  • Cell Culture
  • Quality Management
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Documentation
  • Data analysis
  • Problem solving
  • Laboratory techniques

Languages

  • English, Highly proficient
  • Spanish, Native

Academic Research Experience

  • Independent Study - Microbiology: Lab Support & Research Assistance, BIOL 498, Spring 2024, Assisted with microbiology lab preparation for undergraduate classes, including setting up materials and maintaining sterile conditions. Supported faculty-led research projects by preparing media, culturing microbes, and collecting experimental data.
  • Independent Study - Microbiology: Yeast Biocontrol in Plants, BIOL 498, Summer 2025, Conducted independent research on the use of yeast as a biocontrol agent in plants. Investigated the effects of yeast on plant health and its potential to reduce microbial contamination, focusing on sustainable alternatives to chemical treatments.

Timeline

Quality Assurance Supervisor

Lancaster Sauce Company LLC
05.2025 - Current

Quality Assurance Supervisor

Charles and Alice
07.2021 - 05.2025

Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Ryder System Inc.
08.2020 - 06.2021

Lead Operator 1

GlaxoSmithKline
11.2019 - 08.2020

Quality Control Inspector Lead

Thermacore Inc
02.2018 - 09.2019

Key Holder/Sales Associate

New York and Company Outlet
09.2016 - 04.2017

Machine Operator

Dart Container
01.2016 - 02.2018

Bachelor of Science - Biology, Minor Chemistry

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

High School Diploma -

Conestoga High School
Hiranis Velazquez Rivera