LEELA KRISHNA DEVARAKONDA
Shippensburg
Summary
Dedicated Quality Assurance expert with a strong foundation in HACCP, FSMA, and SQF compliance. Proven ability to enhance product reliability through effective audits, training, and corrective actions. Collaborates cross-functionally to ensure adherence to safety standards and continuous quality improvement.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Lead
Ventura Foods
Chambersburg
10.2025 - Current
- Lead and mentor a team of 7 QA technicians, setting daily inspection priorities, conducting performance coaching, and driving accountability to food safety standards across all production shifts.
- Identified critical batch sheet non-compliance during audit cycles, processors were skipping mandatory documentation steps, resulting in immediate corrective action protocols and retraining of production staff.
- Uncovered systemic PPE violations and GMP deviations on the production floor through unannounced audits; escalated findings to management and co-developed a mandatory remedial training program that eliminated repeat violations within 30 days.
- Execute comprehensive audits and verification of critical process controls using RedZone, including weight checks, batch sheets, FSMA inspections, and raw material receiving.
- Ensure full compliance with SQF Code, GMPs, and FSMA preventive controls; maintain audit-ready documentation that has consistently yielded high health inspection scores.
- Author and review non-conformance reports, lead root cause analysis sessions, and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to resolution.
- Develop and implement QA testing protocols that have measurably improved product reliability and reduced defect rates on the production line.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, sanitation, and operations to close quality gaps and sustain continuous improvement initiatives.
Quality Analyst Lead
Chick-fil-A
Edmond
09.2023 - 02.2025
- Led food safety and HACCP compliance oversight across all kitchen operations, conducting routine and unannounced quality audits to verify adherence to food safety laws, temperature controls, and sanitation procedures.
- Identified critical violations during audits, including processors not following batch sheet protocols, improper PPE usage, and GMP non-compliance and escalated findings with documented corrective action plans.
- Mentored and trained team members on proper food handling, safe storage practices, and sanitation protocols, building a compliance-first culture on the floor.
- Investigated food safety incidents and implemented targeted corrective measures to prevent recurrence and maintain consistent quality standards.
Quality Executive Supervisor
Akshaya Patra
Vishakhapatnam
09.2021 - 03.2023
- Developed and implemented HACCP plans and QA processes across large-scale food production operations, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
- Designed and delivered training programs for QA team members on HACCP methodologies, GMP standards, and audit readiness.
- Led root cause analysis sessions for recurring quality issues, driving systemic improvements in production processes and reducing non-conformance rates.
- Streamlined documentation and traceability workflows, increasing audit efficiency and accountability across QA activities.
- Conducted regular compliance audits to assess adherence to food safety standards and identify areas for continuous improvement.
Quality Control Intern
Ongole Dairy
Ongole
04.2021 - 06.2021
- Conducted routine quality inspections and laboratory testing to ensure FSSAI, ISO, and HACCP compliance across milk processing operations.
- Verified raw materials, enforced hygiene regulations in manufacturing areas, and ensured proper product storage to preserve integrity.
Food Quality & Safety Assurance Intern
Jaipur Dairy
Jaipur
02.2021 - 03.2021
- Performed physical, microbial, chemical, and sensory analysis including APC, SPC, yeast, mold, and coliform testing to ensure product safety and quality.
- Monitored pasteurization and homogenization processes; documented and rejected nonconforming raw materials and packaging.
- Implemented HACCP protocols, SSOPs, and food defense measures; supported shelf-life studies and verified product labeling for FDA compliance.
Education
Master of Science - Food Science and Nutrition
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK05-2025
Bachelor of Agriculture -
Vivekananda Global University
India05-2021
Skills
- HACCP & FSMA Compliance
- SQF Code Auditing
- GMP & SSOP Enforcement
- Root Cause Analysis
- Non-Conformance Reporting
- Team Leadership & Training
- RedZone QA Software
- Microbiological & Sensory Analysis
- Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA)
- Raw Material Inspection
- Batch Sheet Verification
- Product Development & Formulation
- MS Office
Websites
Certifications And Awards
- PCQI Certified FDA-recognized training in food safety plan development, hazard analysis, and preventive controls under FSMA.
- HACCP Certification on GMPs for Food Processors and Manufacturers, EHACCP.
- Food Safety and Quality Certification, University of Central Oklahoma.
- Best Optimization Initiative Award, recognized for implementing innovative waste-reduction strategies in a production environment.
- CITI Program Certificate, Social & Behavioral Research.
Timeline
Quality Assurance Lead
Ventura Foods
10.2025 - Current
Quality Analyst Lead
Chick-fil-A
09.2023 - 02.2025
Quality Executive Supervisor
Akshaya Patra
09.2021 - 03.2023
Quality Control Intern
Ongole Dairy
04.2021 - 06.2021
Food Quality & Safety Assurance Intern
Jaipur Dairy
02.2021 - 03.2021
Master of Science - Food Science and Nutrition
University of Central Oklahoma
Bachelor of Agriculture -
Vivekananda Global University