AYSEL JALILOVA
Birmingham,United Kingdom
Summary
Regulatory and Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist with expertise in international food laws and compliance frameworks, including EU Food Law, FDA/USDA, Codex Alimentarius, and GFSI-recognized standards (BRC, IFS, FSSC 22000). Skilled in supplier auditing, risk assessment, QMS implementation, and regulatory documentation. Proven ability to ensure traceability, legal compliance, and export readiness across global supply chains.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work history
Food Safety and Compliance Manager (freelance)
Costa Coffee
03.2025 - Current
- Led the implementation and harmonization of Costa Coffee International quality and food safety requirements with local franchise operations of Azerbaijan.
- Developed and maintained Quality Management System (QMS), including SOPs, procedures, and compliance documentation.
- Conducted supplier audits, supported new product development, and ensured materials met agreed specifications.
- Ensured compliance with HACCP, traceability, product recall procedures, and food safety regulations.
- Oversaw product quality across categories (coffee, sandwiches, dairy, bakery) and managed internal and external audits (GMP, hygiene, allergen control).
- Coordinated microbiological, allergen, and environmental testing, reviewed results, and addressed non-conformities.
- Managed customer complaints, performed root cause analysis, and implemented corrective actions.
- Delivered staff training on food safety, hygiene, labelling, shelf life, and allergens.
- Reported on KPIs, audits, testing, and complaint trends; drove continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitored regulatory updates and ensured internal policies aligned with local and international food safety laws.
Quality and Compliance manager
West Design Products ltd
, United Kingdom
07.2024 - Current
- Managed supplier quality across the Far East supply chain, ensuring compliance with GPSR, UK/EU/USA regulations, and product safety standards.
- Conducted risk assessments, implemented corrective actions, and maintained high product quality in collaboration with suppliers.
- Oversaw FSC/PEFC compliance for wood-based products, supporting UN SDG 12 & 15 on sustainability and responsible sourcing.
- Led internal audits and cross-functional teams to ensure certification, legal compliance, and sustainable practices.
- Monitored regulatory changes and maintained up-to-date compliance documentation.
- Developed and tracked KPIs to measure supplier performance and drive continuous improvement.
Raw Material Quality Assurance Specialist
Bulk Food Supplement
, United Kingdom
11.2023 - 05.2024
- Conduct supplier audits and investigations to ensure compliance with food safety laws, legal requirements, and company policies.
- Select, approve, and evaluate suppliers through risk assessments, document checks, and supply chain mapping.
- Support New Product Development (NPD) by collaborating on label checks, product specifications, and regulatory approvals.
- Monitor changes in national and international regulations (exports/imports) to maintain ongoing compliance.
- Maintain and update technical records, including product specifications and supplier information, for audits and compliance.
- Prepare and present KPI reports highlighting findings and improvement areas.
- Coordinate with laboratories to ensure regular testing of product quality and safety requirements.
Intern
DC Health Department
Washington DC, United States
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Collaborated with the team to review legislative documents and food safety regulations.
- Participated in inspections and audits alongside colleagues to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to coordinate HACCP systems across enterprises in Washington, D.C.
- Supported the regulatory team in resolving consumer food safety complaints and implementing food standards projects for shared kitchens.
National Consultant on Food Technology
Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)
, Azerbaijan
08.2020 - 12.2022
- Supported the implementation of robust food safety systems (GMP, GHP, HACCP) for local suppliers to ensure compliance with international standards.
- Developed accurate food labelling in line with international regulations and national Food Law to support export readiness.
- Created detailed product specifications tailored for international markets, including compliance requirements for EU and US exports .
- Conducted regular food hygiene inspections and audits to monitor compliance and identify areas for improvement.
- Contributed to food control capacity-building programs and provided technical support to stakeholders.
- Collected and recorded scientific data to support food safety analysis and reporting.
- Presented findings and progress reports to stakeholders for continuous improvement and export compliance.
The head of Food Quality & Regulatory Department
Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency
Baku, Azerbaijan
09.2018 - 09.2022
- Led national food safety initiatives aligned with Codex Alimentarius , working with CAC , EFSA , and FAO to harmonize local regulations with international standards.
- Contributed to the development of national legislation using risk-based food control principles, collaborating with international experts on standard harmonization.
- Conducted audits of foreign and local food production enterprises , ensuring compliance with international and local food safety regulations, GMP , GHP , and import/export requirements.
- Supported the implementation of ISO 22000:2018 and HACCP systems across various food businesses, including export-oriented operations.
- Delivered training to food manufacturers on food law, Codex principles, ISO standards, and HACCP to build compliance capacity.
- Led a food regulatory team in implementing allergen, microbiology, contaminant, and food labelling regulations in line with Codex and EU requirements.
- Approved food specifications and verified regulatory compliance through audits and lab collaboration.
- Facilitated supplier approval processes for EU export markets and oversaw audits of importers from Russia and non-EU countries .
- Presented detailed audit reports, identified non-conformities, and ensured implementation of corrective actions.
Senior Food Regulatory manager
Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency
Baku, Azerbaijan
01.2018 - 09.2018
- Establishment of risk based approach for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) control in Azerbaijan Republic.
- Creation of national legal register for foodstuff, animal and plant origin products as well as veterinary and phytosanitary drugs importers.
- Inspection of food producer facilities in foreign countries.
- Organization of regional food security divisions.
- Managing import and export of goods under SPS control.
- Meeting with food business operators.
- Pathogen exposure assessment.
- Focal point for collaboration with international organizations (e.g RASFF).
Quality Control Inspector
Veyseloglu Group Of Companies
01.2014 - 04.2017
- Implemented BRC and IFS standards across the retail food chain and supported full HACCP integration.
- Conducted system audits based on FSSC 22000 , EC Regulation 852/2004 and 853/2004 to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Verified adherence to procedures, maintained QA records, certificates, and inspection logs.
- Led supplier quality support and conducted product label and specification reviews for regulatory accuracy.
- Delivered QA training programs to improve staff awareness and compliance.
- Identified and addressed quality issues through root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Presented monthly KPI reports with key performance metrics and operational insights to management.
- Audited production operations to improve performance and ensure product quality met safety and design standards.
Education
Master of Science - MSc: Food Safety, Hygiene and Management, 2023
The University of Birmingham
United Kingdom 09.2022 - 09.2023
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
Azerbaijan State University of Economics
Azerbaijan 09.2010 - 09.2014
CIEH certified Food Identification course
CIEH
Birmingham 08.2023 -
lead auditor - Lead auditor ISO 22000:2018
British Standard Institution
Food toxins and sampling
Spain Standardisation Organization
Madrid, SpainLaboratory Quality Management
TEXAS A&M University
USAAnimal based products safety
World Organization of Animal Health
ItalyHACCP
The Ecole Nationale des Services Vétérinaires
FranceSustainable Agriculture
Koan Kaen University
ThailandSkills
- Regulatory Compliance (EU/US, Codex, GFSI)
- Supplier Audits & Risk Management
- QMS, HACCP, ISO Standards
- Project Management (PMP)
- Advanced Microsoft Office
- SPSS statistical analysis
Languages
English
Advanced
Russian
Upper intermediate
Turkish
Advanced
Timeline
Food Safety and Compliance Manager (freelance)
Costa Coffee
03.2025 - Current
Quality and Compliance manager
West Design Products ltd
07.2024 - Current
Raw Material Quality Assurance Specialist
Bulk Food Supplement
11.2023 - 05.2024
CIEH certified Food Identification course
CIEH
08.2023 -
Intern
DC Health Department
05.2023 - 07.2023
Master of Science - MSc: Food Safety, Hygiene and Management, 2023
The University of Birmingham
09.2022 - 09.2023
National Consultant on Food Technology
Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)
08.2020 - 12.2022
The head of Food Quality & Regulatory Department
Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency
09.2018 - 09.2022
Senior Food Regulatory manager
Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency
01.2018 - 09.2018
Quality Control Inspector
Veyseloglu Group Of Companies
01.2014 - 04.2017
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
Azerbaijan State University of Economics
09.2010 - 09.2014
lead auditor - Lead auditor ISO 22000:2018
British Standard Institution
Food toxins and sampling
Spain Standardisation Organization
Laboratory Quality Management
TEXAS A&M University
Animal based products safety
World Organization of Animal Health
HACCP
The Ecole Nationale des Services Vétérinaires
Sustainable Agriculture
Koan Kaen University