Craig Russell

Skills

Technical & Regulatory Skills
• GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, ISO 9000 compliance
• FDA/USDA regulatory requirements
• Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI)
• Sanitation systems, CIP/SIP verification
• Thermal processing systems (HTST, evaporators, dryers, ESL/aseptic)
• Environmental controls (HVAC/R, ammonia refrigeration)
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA), CAPA development
• Risk assessment & mitigation
• Process qualification & validation
• Laboratory testing (chemical, biochemical, microbial)
• Calibration, instrumentation, and equipment troubleshooting
Operations & Quality Systems
• Production support & process monitoring
• Time studies, workflow analysis, capacity planning
• Documentation systems: ERP, LIMS, QMS, MES
• Data integrity, traceability, and audit‑ready documentation
• Continuous improvement (Lean, 5S, Six Sigma Black Belt)
• KPI tracking, reporting, and performance analysis
• Cross‑functional coordination (QA, Production, Sanitation, Maintenance)
Leadership & Training
• Team supervision and coaching
• Training development and delivery (GMP, CCP, safety, documentation)
• Stakeholder communication & alignment
• Change management and process adoption
• Safety meeting facilitation and compliance reinforcement
• Conflict resolution and performance support
Safety & Compliance
• OSHA safety standards
• Job hazard analysis (JHA)
• Incident investigation & corrective action planning
• Pre‑op inspections, sanitation audits, and compliance checks
• Chemical handling, PPE, and hazard communication
• Emergency response awareness
Technical Tools & Software
• Microsoft Excel (advanced), Word, PowerPoint
• ERP systems (SAP‑style environments)
• LIMS, QMS, MES platforms
• SCADA & PLC interface familiarity
• CAD for layout and troubleshooting
• KPI dashboards & data visualization tools
General Skills
• Project management & prioritization
• Documentation accuracy & recordkeeping
• Problem‑solving & analytical thinking
• High‑volume, fast‑paced operations support
• Vendor coordination & technical communication
• Strong written and verbal communication

About

Accomplished Operations and Quality Systems Leader with 13+ years of experience in regulated food and dairy manufacturing environments. Expert in GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and ISO‑based compliance with a strong record of improving audit readiness by 20% and reducing non‑conformance by 35%. Skilled in cross‑functional leadership, project management, process optimization, and documentation systems including ERP, LIMS, QMS, and MES. Experienced in root cause analysis, risk mitigation, sanitation system upgrades, and equipment troubleshooting across thermal processing, CIP, and aseptic systems. Proven ability to train and mentor teams, lead safety and quality initiatives, and support operational readiness through time studies, workflow assessments, and capacity planning. Recognized for strong communication, stakeholder alignment, and the ability to lead teams through change in fast‑paced, compliance‑driven environments.