Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Dervla Maguire

Perth,WA

Summary

Innovative Food Technologist known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Possess specialized skills in food safety management, product development, and sensory evaluation. Excel in teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring success in fast-paced environments.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Client Services Coordinator/Team Assistant

Ashurst
Melbourne, VIC
08.2024 - Current
  • Assisting with client function coordination - sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, updating kitchen on dietary requirements of attendees.
  • Warmly greeted customers by employing positive telephone etiquette and asking well-rounded questions to identify issues.
  • Excellent customer service and team-oriented attitude
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Experience using EMS, Chrome River and advanced knowledge of Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Billing, expense management and reporting

Various Temporary Assignments

Recruitment Agencies
Melbourne, VIC
01.2023 - 08.2024
  • Receptionist, Holding Redlich, Melbourne, June 2024 – July 2024
  • Member Services Consultant, UniSuper, Melbourne, May 2024 – June 2024
  • Receptionist, Mercedes Benz, Feb 2024 – April 2024
  • Receptionist, BMW Mini Brighton, Nov 2023 – Jan 2024
  • Regional Work for Visa, Banana Farm, QLD, July 2023 – November 2023
  • Migration Consultant, CPA Australia, Melbourne, March 2023 – June 2023
  • Office/Administrative Coordinator, Melbourne Fashion Festival, Jan 2023 – March 2023

Food Technologist

Hughes Group
Ireland, Dungannon
03.2021 - 10.2022
  • Manage and lead multiple complex, large-scale, technically-driven projects from concept to commercialization
  • Created innovative product ideas and modified existing products and processes.
  • Act as the main point of contact for product development with overseas customers, ensuring their needs are addressed through consistent communication.
  • Coordinate and oversee factory trials, maintaining accurate records for trials being performed, and liaising with suppliers to ensure the availability of new ingredients
  • Manage the Point 74 Recipe & Costing System, including recipe uploads, trial reports, and nutritional checks
  • Prepare and submit submission forms to customers while collaborating with the internal commercial team on submissions and costings
  • Organize and dispatch samples to customers, and handle purchase orders.
  • Conducted organoleptic testing on products to ensure safety and quality standards were met.
  • Evaluated packaging materials for suitability with respect to product protection and preservation.
  • Collaborate with NPD team and chefs on product briefs and ingredient sourcing
  • Prepare samples for microbiological and nutritional analysis
  • Ensure effective teamwork across departments.
  • Reviewing packaging artwork prior to printing.
  • Aided in client cost reduction by implementing new product improvements.

Technical Assistant

Mc Colgan’s Quality Foods
Ireland, Strabane
01.2021 - 03.2021
  • Resolved customer complaints and non-conforming issues in a timely manner
  • Assisted in the preparation and delivery of food safety training sessions.
  • Requesting shelf-life extensions from suppliers where necessary.
  • Updating, reviewing, and requesting information from suppliers for the supplier approval matrix.
  • Taking part in taste panels and providing constructive criticism.

Deli Assistant

Centra
Ireland
02.2020 - 12.2020
  • Maintained high standards of customer service during high-volume work shifts and fast-paced operations.
  • Maintaining HACCP records each hour to maintain food safety and quality
  • Assessed customer needs, evaluated food allergies and suggested additional menu items as appropriate.
  • Stored food in designated areas following wrapping, dating, food safety and rotation procedures.
  • Organizational and time management skills – preparing, cooking, and presenting the breakfast and lunch menu.
  • Cleaned and sanitized food preparation areas, equipment, utensils, dishes and silverware.
  • Working on my own initiative, problem solving, being solution focused

New Product Development Assistant

Scotts Bakery
05.2019 - 01.2020
  • Involved with the creative process of designing new frostings, toppings and decorations including trialing new flavourings and textures
  • Following product brief as per customer, e.g
  • Dunnes, Aldi, Tesco, Asda, Lidl
  • Assisting in trials for branded and own brand products
  • Conducted shelf-life testing on all products
  • Reviewed competitor product lines for comparison and new product ideas
  • Completed Product Launch Documents
  • Supported and observed First Production Run of new products to ensure quality
  • Worked as part of a team including supporting and liaising with other dept’s
  • Assist with sample requests, organise and distribute samples to customers

New Product Development and Quality Assurance Intern

Good4U
08.2018 - 04.2019
  • Quality Assurance Intern
  • Ensure that all products and processes are safe and in compliance with specifications, statutory obligations, and customer requirements
  • Ensuring daily quality checks were accurately completed prior to production starting
  • Ensure effective implementation of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system on factory floor
  • Ensure all product production adheres to the required food hygiene legislation
  • Provide onsite support for British Retail Consortium (BRC) and customer audit readiness
  • Swabbing equipment, gathering micro-samples, registering online, and arranging transport to the lab for testing
  • Ensure prompt reporting of non-conformances to the Quality Manager and assisting with their investigation to prevent re-occurrence
  • Ensure that any equipment or processing fault is managed effectively
  • Reporting of any assigned Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) on a weekly basis to the Quality Manager
  • Enter same on excel and produce visual graph for discussion at weekly management production meeting
  • New Product Development Intern
  • Assisted in the development of branded and own label product from concept to launch
  • Supported the marketing team in carrying out research on latest and future market trends as well as conducting market analysis of key competitors ranges to determine opportunities
  • Coordinate and conduct new product trials on site
  • Represent Good4U at Trade Events
  • Assist with sample requests, organise, and distribute samples to customers
  • Carry out nutritional analysis of products using Nutritics software
  • Organise and participate in sensory taste panels

Education

Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Food And Nutrition

Ulster University
Ireland
07-2020

Skills

  • Problem solving
  • Time management
  • HACCP compliance
  • Product development
  • Project management
  • Sensory evaluation
  • Customer service
  • Recipe formulation
  • Food safety
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Quality assurance
  • Professionalism
  • Reliability
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Cross-functional teamwork and collaboration
  • Excellent communication
  • Multitasking
  • Shelf-life testing
  • GMP compliance
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Prototype development
  • Food Allergens Management

Certification

  • Driving license
  • Food Allergy and Intolerance Certificate, the Food Standards Agency

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Client Services Coordinator/Team Assistant

Ashurst
08.2024 - Current

Various Temporary Assignments

Recruitment Agencies
01.2023 - 08.2024

Food Technologist

Hughes Group
03.2021 - 10.2022

Technical Assistant

Mc Colgan’s Quality Foods
01.2021 - 03.2021

Deli Assistant

Centra
02.2020 - 12.2020

New Product Development Assistant

Scotts Bakery
05.2019 - 01.2020

New Product Development and Quality Assurance Intern

Good4U
08.2018 - 04.2019

Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Food And Nutrition

Ulster University

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Dervla Maguire