Ashleigh Graham
Head Of Technical
Perth,WA
Summary
As Head of Technical, entrusted with shaping the future of the Technical function and driving the company's technical and quality strategy. This pivotal role involves developing the business and ensuring strategic objectives are met, while also influencing daily operations and performance. Building high-performing relationships across the business is a proven strength, collaborating closely with heads of departments, directors, and operatives in all departments. Simultaneously, effectively managing own team and responsibilities. In this role, first-class technical management, strong leadership, and exceptional people skills are essential. Committed to leading by example, demonstrating boundless energy and enthusiasm. Keen attention to detail and proactive approach to identifying necessary changes enable engagement at all levels of the business, as well as with customers and suppliers. In addition, a flexible and adaptable nature enables the consideration and addressing of the needs of other departments. Gravitas, combined with strong persuasion and negotiation skills, ensures the seamless integration of initiatives, making them a core aspect of the business.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Technical
Daily Chef Ltd
Perth, Western Australia
09.2023 - Current
- Startup business, responsible for Quality and New Product Development
- Launched 28 products to date (26 WA, 2 National)
- Implemented 10 dumpling variants
- Delivering Technical and quality strategy throughout Daily Chef
- Implementing customer manufacturing requirements
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
- Cost saving initiatives to date $250k
- Training and implementing procedures
- Feasibility trials, product costings, specification writing and compliance
- Built high performing relationship with major retailer
- Strong leadership and people skills
- Proactive to resolve problems
New Product Development Manager
Vesco Foods
Perth, Western Australia
01.2018 - 09.2023
- Leading New Product Development on marketing leading brands - Lean Cuisine, Super Nature, On the Menu and Annabel Karmel using stage and gate process
- Leading private label New Product Development and creating specifications and maintaining customer portals – Fusion, Sphere, APP
- Increased revenue with successful new product launches, managing all aspects of the development process
- Allocation of resources, cross-functional relationships, and strong project management ensured execution of product launches and improvements to plan
- Reviewed product development budgets, expenditures and research
- Oversaw development of more than 50 new products each year
- Managed product launches by creating plans and coordinating with internal teams to maximise success
- Created and executed strategies to drive development and success of products
- Maintained internal product and process knowledge database
- Product and process optimisation resulted in savings of $8.1m over 2 periods
- Coached junior team members in best practices for product development, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Mitigated risk exposure in new product launches through rigorous testing protocols that ensured compliance with industry standards
- Approved final artwork for each product
- Liaised with internal and external parties on procurement of new product formulations, international requirements and regulatory changes
- Approved product documentation to promote easy-to-follow manuals and technical documents
Innovation Development Manager
Moy Park
Craigavon, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland
06.2017 - 01.2018
- Successfully developed ready to eat snacks collaborating with Jack Links
- Achieved 30% fat reduction on fried product funded by Innovate UK
- Carried out concept trial work using new machinery, packaging and ingredients in line with pre gate zero process
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced environment
- Organised and detail-oriented with strong work ethic
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating ability to work collaboratively and effectively
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
New Product Development Technologist
Moy Park
, Northern Ireland
11.2013 - 06.2017
- Managed and developed products that deliver attractive, profitable products
- Managed development projects for Moy Park by leading meetings and communicating progress to both internal and external teams
- Responsible for end to end development for Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl and Moy Park brands
- Launched 21 products in short time, proving successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced environment
- Worked effectively with other functions such as commercial, operations, group technical, process, packaging, site technical to deliver new products and reformulations of existing products
- Focused on optimisation and continuous improvement where possible
- Working closely with other technologists / to agree objectives and create work plans to deliver projects successfully
- Applied all relevant laws and regulations along with company and customer policies and practices pertaining to food standards, preparation and hygiene
- Conduct factory trials to generate specifications, nutrition, shelf life, cooking instructions and customer samples
- Product Costings – generating recipe passports accurately for product to be costed by site accounts
- Travelling to other sites in England and Thailand for trials
- Leading presentations at customer headquarters - Tesco, Sainsburys, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons and Aldi
- Organising and carrying out successful product launches
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Assistant Food Technologist
Moy Park
Craigavon, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland
05.2007 - 11.2013
- Entry level position that set the foundation for my career trajectory
- Carrying out competitor analysis benchmarking sessions regularly
- Demonstrated strong organisational and time management skills while managing multiple projects
- Assisting Senior Food Technologists in their role with paperwork (Submission forms and theoretical nutrition calculations)
- Representing Moy Park at food events and customer presentations
- Carrying out factory trials at various sites in Northern Ireland and England
- Performed research on latest technologies and current markets to develop new product concepts, successfully developing over 100 new products
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments
- Demonstrated strong organisational and time management skills while managing multiple projects
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
Education
PRINCE2 6th Edition Foundation - Project Management
ILX Group
Online 11.2023 - 01.2024
Master of Science - Food Nutrition and Health
University College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland 09.2020 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Food Manufacturing
Loughry College
Cookstown, Northern Ireland 09.2012 - 12.2015
Skills
Additional Information
Dual Citizenship - British & Australian
Full Clean Driving License - British & Australian
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
HybridOn-SiteImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursQuote
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
PRINCE2 6th Edition Foundation - Project Management
ILX Group
11.2023 - 01.2024
Head of Technical
Daily Chef Ltd
09.2023 - Current
Master of Science - Food Nutrition and Health
University College Dublin
09.2020 - 05.2023
New Product Development Manager
Vesco Foods
01.2018 - 09.2023
Innovation Development Manager
Moy Park
06.2017 - 01.2018
New Product Development Technologist
Moy Park
11.2013 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Food Manufacturing
Loughry College
09.2012 - 12.2015
Assistant Food Technologist
Moy Park
05.2007 - 11.2013
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