The systems leader position at Heritage (Maple Leaf's brand new fully automated meat processing facility) was created in recognition of the multiple layers of systems (SAP, MES, SCADA, Exacta, Savanna) that were going to be at Heritage and the complex integration between them . My job is to learn and understand all of the systems that we use and how they are integrated, document that information in the form of a work instruction, train everyone on that information, and trouble shoot and correct… Show more The systems leader position at Heritage (Maple Leaf's brand new fully automated meat processing facility) was created in recognition of the multiple layers of systems (SAP, MES, SCADA, Exacta, Savanna) that were going to be at Heritage and the complex integration between them . My job is to learn and understand all of the systems that we use and how they are integrated, document that information in the form of a work instruction, train everyone on that information, and trouble shoot and correct the systems when the information is not flowing between them or they don't match. Due to the dynamic nature of the systems, processes are constantly changing, so my job never is the same from week to week. I get a lot of satisfaction from teaching the operators on the floor new things and from coming up with ideas to make their jobs easier. Show less

This time in Product Development was largely spent at the Cappola facility. I transitioned all of their products into SAPRD. This required strict documentation of all of their processes, and in taking on this role I learned a ton about the dry curing process and specialty Italian meats. I was also able to do a lot of work on simplifying their processes and internal product allergen mix, helping to ensure that all HACCP guidelines could be met.

As a supervisor at Courtneypark I was responsible for up to 60 employees at a time across up to 5 production lines. My role was to achieve production targets while maintaining a high level of morale among the employees. I played a key role in transitioning two new lines to the facility as the supervisor at the Courtneypark facility once they were installed and in documenting the previous process (paperwork, photos, employee interviews) so that it could be replicated. I completed a number of… Show more As a supervisor at Courtneypark I was responsible for up to 60 employees at a time across up to 5 production lines. My role was to achieve production targets while maintaining a high level of morale among the employees. I played a key role in transitioning two new lines to the facility as the supervisor at the Courtneypark facility once they were installed and in documenting the previous process (paperwork, photos, employee interviews) so that it could be replicated. I completed a number of process improvement projects and served as the SAP production key user to the plant. The most rewarding part of this job was providing coaching and training to the hourly employees to help them achieve their career goals. Show less

In my role as product developer Initiated and coordinated plant and product testing including recruiting and directing R&D staff as well as plant employees. I compiled and communicated microbiology and other test data using graphical and statistical Six Sigma techniques (test of hypothesis, visual data presentation, general linear model comparisons), generating recommendations based on the findings. I played a key role in developing the ThinkFood! Meat development area by writing a CER and… Show more In my role as product developer Initiated and coordinated plant and product testing including recruiting and directing R&D staff as well as plant employees. I compiled and communicated microbiology and other test data using graphical and statistical Six Sigma techniques (test of hypothesis, visual data presentation, general linear model comparisons), generating recommendations based on the findings. I played a key role in developing the ThinkFood! Meat development area by writing a CER and acquiring new equipment, replacing unsuitable or damaged equipment and training new employees on all equipment. I was a certified member of the Health and Safety committee starting in 2009. My main areas of expertise within the department included fresh sausage, hot dogs, further processed poultry, HPP technology, natural ingredients and natural preservation systems. In 2011 I administered the MLCF NSERC program, mentoring the students in the program by being a strong role model and helping them develop both soft and technical skills. Show less

I worked at Shur Gain as a co-op student. I was given the very unique opportunity to split my days between the accounting office and the chemistry laboratory given my program at Waterloo and the generosity of my managers. In the accounting office I performed many daily tasks, but was also able to get involved in some special projects. I created the system in use which matches a product made to its sale through a database query in BPCS. I also worked with a small team to test and create a method… Show more I worked at Shur Gain as a co-op student. I was given the very unique opportunity to split my days between the accounting office and the chemistry laboratory given my program at Waterloo and the generosity of my managers. In the accounting office I performed many daily tasks, but was also able to get involved in some special projects. I created the system in use which matches a product made to its sale through a database query in BPCS. I also worked with a small team to test and create a method to account for inventory shrinkage in the plant. I was able to assist in the preparation of the annual budget and coordinated with the finance team to create a budget manual for use in subsequent years. Show less

In the lab at Shur Gain I used both sophisticated equipment and basic chemistry to test animal feed, calibrated and cleaned equipment, recorded and reported sample data and prepared control samples and solutions for testing.