Career Journey in Food Science: Innovations and Transformations
The world of food science is a dynamic and ever-evolving field where technology and innovation play key roles. My journey in food science has been a fascinating one, filled with challenges and opportunities that have provided me with profound insights into food hygiene, the prevention of food poisoning, and the use of bacteria to produce wholesome food varieties.
Early Beginnings at Dean Foods Company
After graduating from school, I had the privilege of receiving multiple job offers. However, it was Dean Foods Company that captured my interest, offering me an opportunity to be part of their production training program. My journey began at the Rochester, IN dairy plant, where I spent nine months learning every aspect of the plant's operations. This included night clean-up duties, operating the gallon machine for cottage cheese production, farm milk pick-up, and numerous other roles. During this period, I meticulously documented the detailed procedures and offered recommendations for each task, showcasing my attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Transition to a Production Supervisor Role
My progression continued with a move to the Louisville, KY dairy plant as a Production Supervisor Fill-In. In this role, I filled in for several more senior supervisors during their vacations and leaves. This position required a keen understanding of plant operations, personnel management, and ensuring the quality of production during my shift. With experience and confidence, I took on a full-time Production Supervisor role in Louisville, where my responsibilities expanded to include team development and the continuous improvement of the overall cost, quality, speed, and effectiveness of the production process.
National Exposure and Advanced Education
The next phase of my career involved a significant leap to the Miami, FL dairy plant, which was the largest among Dean Foods’ 27 manufacturing plants. This was a substantial step-up and I capitalized on my Spanish language skills, which were vital in the Miami plant. To further enhance my expertise and knowledge, I decided to take a two-year break to pursue an MBA from Cornell University, during which I was supported by Dean Foods, their financial assistance program, and exposure to various plants across the country through their flexible schedule.
Head of Human Resources and Benefits
Upon returning from my MBA, I was appointed as the Head of Human Resources and Benefits at Dean Foods. Leveraging my previous experiences in the plants, I established a strong rapport with the Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, who encouraged me to join the headquarters team. At Dean Foods HQ, I was responsible for shaping the strategic direction of human resources and benefits management, a role that required a deep understanding of corporate culture and employee welfare.
Entry into Food Ingredient Sales
After my time at Dean Foods, I shifted gears into sales, specifically in the realm of food ingredients. My MBA with a focus on food science made me a perfect fit for the NutraSweet Company, where I led a global sales team, responsible for selling Dean products to major manufacturers such as Kraft General Foods, General Mills, and countless others. This role not only capitalized on my sales skills but also deepened my knowledge of the food industry and its complexities.
Leaving the Food Industry, but Keeping the Passion
Despite my deep love for the food industry, I eventually decided to leave the food industry to explore other sales and business development opportunities. I attribute this decision to a great sales opportunity that came my way in another field. It took some time to navigate this transition, but I realized that my passion lie in sales and business development. However, the lessons and experiences from my food science career remain a significant part of who I am.
Today, I continue to leverage my background in food science to drive business growth and innovation in new areas, staying connected to the world of food and ensuring its integrity and safety at every step of the journey.
Key Takeaways:
Continuous Learning and Adaptability: My journey in food science has taught me the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to new challenges. Hands-On Experience: Immersing myself in various roles has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the food industry. Global Perspective: My international experience and MBA have shaped my ability to think strategically and lead teams globally.