helen hawkins

This was a secondment as Quality Manager at Accolade Wines. The main responsibilities are to work alongside the production and warehouse management teams to deliver good, quality product whilst meeting our cost per case requirements. I have direct reports in the role of QMS Manager, Laboratory Manager & Packaging Technologist. These roles are the controllers of Quality and ensure we meet out KPI’s with regards to RFT (both Bulk and Finished Goods), CPMU (Complaints per million units), External and internal audits are completed on time and NCR’s (Non conformances) raised both internal and on our suppliers are closed out efficiently.

Responsible for the development of Juice and Juice Drinks for retailer own label and non retail business. Using knowledge of current regulations to ensure products developed meet the criteria, and also using the knowledge of client policies and processes to ensure product gets to market as soon as possible and meets all expectations. Completing all documentation for sample submissions and giving guidance on pack copy. Attending factory trials, with and without customers and signing off product before getting to market.

Generated bills for the trade effluent customers. I also did some debt collection with customers who had not paid their bills. I created a new filing system to make it easier to resolve customer queries.

Provided customers with services such as account balances and automatic payments, resolving customer queries, operating till, processing various payments, answering telephone enquires, and arranging appointments.

As a member of a busy team, I was managing all technical data of new and existing product formulations and ensuring that accurate and timely information is supplied to the appropriate customers, R&D, manufacturing and commercial teams. I also assisted in procedures relating to certain food safety issues and keeping abreast of forthcoming food legislation.

Main responsibility was to ensure the site is audit ready every day with no areas of exposure, by detailed gap analysis and interpretation of the standards that we have chosen to adhere too. This includes Retailer Food Manufacturing Standards, BRC Global & Warehouse, IFS and ISO 9001. Supporting the teams to ensure we meet the standards required following the gap analysis, and by continual GMP audits of all areas. Constant development and maintenance of the Quality Systems that we currently use to ensure all products manufactured on site will meet all requirements.

Responsible for completion of specifications for Retailers own systems (Tesco and Aldi). I looked after all aspects of quality management of bulk wine and finished packed product. This includes setting up codes using online systems such as MDM, creating technical specifications for the winemakers to ensure the bulk is set in the correct specification (ABV, SO2, CO2 levels). Regular tasting of packed product (in both 75cL and Bag in Box formats) to check quality does not deviate from agreed specification, and to check for any faults in the wine.

Completion of BTEC ND in Equine Management covering all aspects including Biology, Business Management, Training

German A English Literature B Math's C English Language B Food Technology C Business Studies C Double Science DD History D