Judy Day

I am deeply committed to ensuring the highest standards of food safety and have also played a pivotal role in driving product development initiatives. I possess a comprehensive understanding of the entire product development lifecycle, from concept ideation to commercialization, and have successfully launched innovative food products in the market.

Some key strengths and accomplishments that I would bring to any role include:

• Proven expertise in driving successful product development initiatives, from concept to launch.
• A strong track record of integrating food safety measures seamlessly into product development processes.
• Creative problem-solving abilities that lead to the introduction of cutting-edge food products.
• A demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• A relentless dedication to quality and safety standards, resulting in the creation of market-leading products.

June 2020 – July 2023: 

Senior product technologist

• Product development of textured vegetable proteins through extrusion technology
• Dry TVP and wet/HMEC formulations for meat analogue applications
• Supporting the research and development teams internationally
• Understanding of protein chemistry and process dependent behaviour
• Safe and efficient development, modification and manufacture of extrudate products, samples, processes and leading of production trials
• Procurement and selection of raw materials
• Project management 
• Application/ customer recipes and sales support
• Customer sampling
• On and off site testing of prospective production equipment 
• Product documentation and certifications
• Legal compliance and food safety
• Reported to President

February 2018 to September 2019: 

Product development manager: Pet food 

• Product development of sterilised (wet) shelf stable pet food in cans and pouches 
• Execution of customer briefs to price, nutritional and legal requirements 
• Product and packaging design for Boss and Petley’s brands, as well as retailer house brands and export brands
• Product specifications 
• Product and process optimisation
• Transit and shelf-life testing 
• Management of stage and gate process 
• Maintenance of recipes, batch documentation and master data
• Reported to operations manager

May 2012 to February 2018: 

Product development manager (Technical customer service and application)

• Developing ingredients, ingredient systems and botanical extracts for the food and beverage industry
• Instrumental in the set up of beverage development lab in South African operations
• Technical support to sales and customers on recipe and process development
• Sensory evaluation and regulatory compliance
• Ensuring the growth of department is in line with company strategy
• Management of local product portfolio for flavours
• Contributing to special project teams
• Ensuring success of production trials and first production runs 
• Technical project management and allocatioReported to Product development manager
• n of resources
• Budgeting, forecasting and planning 
• Maintenance of recipe and master data in SAP & QMuzik
• Managed  6 subordinates
• Reporting to General Manager 

November 2006 to August 2011: 

Product development technologist

• Project leader: sauces category
• Product and process development
• Development of retorted or pasteurised products in DOY pouches & cans and glass jars such as soups and sauces as well as cold filled condiments
• Trends, cost saving solutions, reverse engineering and new product concepts
• Packaging upgrades across all product categories 
• Ensuring legal compliance to relevant legislation and retail requirements
• Responsible in planning and implementation of factory trials
• Assisting Quality department with troubleshooting on product returns
• Establishing correct heat processing parameters for retort and pasteuriser lines
• Batch manufacturing documentation

2017- 2021 

Bachelor Consumer Science (food and nutrition): UNISA

Completed this degree while studying part time and working full time. Majors: Food Science and Human Nutrition. The degree also covered extensive courses on consumer behaviour, marketing and social and environmental concerns. 

2016

Management development programme: University of Stellenbosch Business School

The Management development programme aims to develop an understanding of the various fields of management and how they integrate in an organization. It covers topics such as leadership skills, strategic thinking and assists in ensuring competence in basic management functions.  It serves as a preparation tool for future MBA students, involves group projects and presentation of viable business plans. 

2004 to 2006

National Diploma, Consumer Science, food and nutrition (Graduated Cum laude): Cape Peninsula University of Technology

The three-year national diploma course is focused on Food and Food Science, Human Nutrition and Consumer sciences. Course work involved both theoretical and practical courses encompassing food science, technology, nutritional science and culinary skills.