Jeff Merritt
Lititz,Pennsylvania
Summary
With nearly two decades of experience in the food industry, most recently with Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, I have developed deep expertise in food safety and quality assurance, including hazard communication and internal auditing. My proactive approach has driven significant improvements in regulatory compliance and operational standards, ensuring excellence at every level.
Committed to continuous learning and enhancing food safety systems, I am eager to embrace new challenges. I aim to leverage my skills and experience to build customer trust, ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality, and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of humanity.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Safety Quality Regulatory Specialist
Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate
07.2020 - 12.2024
- Optimized internal audit and risk assessment processes, improving regulatory compliance and identifying potential hazards.
- Conducted training sessions to raise awareness of food safety standards among staff, enhancing overall safety and compliance.
- Developed and implemented corrective actions through root cause analyses, mitigating risks and preventing recurrence of non-conformances.
- Maintained accurate documentation and conducted audits to ensure adherence to food safety regulations, sanitation, and quality assurance standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, contributing to day-to-day operations, product development, and customer satisfaction initiatives.
- Enhanced product quality and safety through inspections, hazard assessments, and proactive improvements in quality control measures.
- Provided support during food safety events, ensuring timely analysis, reporting, and resolution of issues.
- Adapted quickly to new technologies, demonstrating strong organizational skills and efficient time management across multiple projects.
- Built effective working relationships while maintaining a commitment to continual learning and improvement.
FSQR Lab Technician
Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate
11.2018 - 07.2020
- Maintained accurate documentation of tests, quality control checks, and laboratory procedures.
- Managed inventory efficiently, reducing waste and optimizing laboratory resource allocation.
- Ensured a safe and organized laboratory environment, adhering to safety protocols and quality control standards.
- Performed routine equipment inspections, troubleshooting, and calibrations, minimizing downtime and ensuring optimal functionality.
- Trained and mentored laboratory personnel, fostering collaboration and adherence to best practices.
- Coordinated with external laboratories for specialized testing and analyses.
- Prepared reagents and solutions following standardized protocols to support accurate testing.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills and a team-oriented approach in fast-paced environments.
- Resolved equipment and process issues, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.
High School Teacher
Lukhamhan Warin Chamrap School
08.2016 - 07.2017
- Taught Science and English to students in an English language program in rural Thailand.
- Designed and implemented assessments to measure student progress, including formative and summative methods.
- Provided individualized instruction and accommodations to support at-risk and diverse learners.
- Established clear objectives for educational activities, fostering an engaging and structured learning environment.
Chef
Med One Restaurant
01.2011 - 07.2016
- Handled and stored food safely, preventing cross-contamination and ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Operated and maintained kitchen equipment such as grills, stoves, and ovens, ensuring cleanliness after each shift.
- Improved customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality meals.
- Contributed to menu development and planned ingredient inventories to optimize vendor orders.
- Accommodated food allergy needs, preventing cross-contamination during meal preparation and plating.
Quality Assurance Intern
Grumpy Mule Coffee (Bewley's)
05.2014 - 08.2015
- Completed a one-year unpaid internship during a college gap year, gaining hands-on experience in quality assurance and food safety.
- Investigated customer complaints and conducted root cause analyses to resolve issues effectively.
- Conducted daily coffee "cuppings" (sensory analysis) and monitored roast levels to ensure product consistency.
- Assisted in food safety audit preparation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Prepared and submitted QA evaluation reports to management, contributing to decision-making processes.
- Evaluated product quality by performing and analyzing various QA tests with precision.
- Collaborated with developers to achieve successful project outcomes in a positive working environment.
- Maintained knowledge of industry best practices, staying updated on emerging trends in quality assurance methodologies.
Chef
Various Employers
06.2005 - 01.2011
- Worked at various restaurant and hotel establishments in Northern England during my final years of high school and my time at culinary school. More details available upon request.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Nutrition
University of Huddersfield
West Yorkshire, England06-2016
National Vocational Qualification (United Kingdom) - Culinary Science
Kirklees College
West Yorkshire, England06-2008
High School Diploma -
Salendine Nook High School
West Yorkshire England06-2005
Skills
- Hazard communication expertise and labeling compliance knowledge
- Proficient in food safety and transportation regulations
- Nearly 20 years of experience in the food industry, specializing in food safety and quality assurance
- Skilled in monitoring and improving food safety and quality systems
- HACCP Certified and Food Defense Qualified Individual (Cargill internal certifications)
- Strong background in internal auditing for food safety and quality
- Proven ability as a systems thinker, identifying and resolving complex issues efficiently
- Proficient in SAP and Microsoft Office applications
- Experienced in regulatory compliance and maintaining high operational standards
- Adept at training and mentoring teams, promoting adherence to food safety protocols
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement in food industry practices
Languages
Thai
Elementary
Interests
- Cooking for my loved ones
- Gardening
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Reading
Timeline
Food Safety Quality Regulatory Specialist
Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate
07.2020 - 12.2024
FSQR Lab Technician
Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate
11.2018 - 07.2020
High School Teacher
Lukhamhan Warin Chamrap School
08.2016 - 07.2017
Quality Assurance Intern
Grumpy Mule Coffee (Bewley's)
05.2014 - 08.2015
Chef
Med One Restaurant
01.2011 - 07.2016
Chef
Various Employers
06.2005 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Nutrition
University of Huddersfield
National Vocational Qualification (United Kingdom) - Culinary Science
Kirklees College
High School Diploma -
Salendine Nook High School
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