Ernest Akukumah

Team Leadership and Development.

Activities:

• Leading and mentoring microbiology team members in food safety practices, microbiological testing, and compliance with safety standards.
• Conducting training sessions for both microbiology staff and other departments on food safety protocols, emphasizing their importance in the brewing process.
• Improved team productivity by providing clear communication, guidance, and mentorship to junior microbiologists.

Food Safety Management.

Activities:

• Actively participating as a key member of the Food Safety Team, contributing to the development and implementation of food safety policies and procedures.
• Performing regular food safety risk assessments and ensuring that microbiological risks are identified and mitigated effectively.
• Communicating findings and recommendations to management and relevant teams to ensure continuous improvement in food safety practices.

ISO Certification Compliance.

Activities:

• Maintaining knowledge of ISO standards (particularly FSSC 9001:2015 and FSSC 22000:2018) and ensuring that microbiological practices align with these standards.
• Assisting in internal audits and preparations for third-party audits related to ISO certifications, ensuring compliance with quality management and food safety standards.
• Developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) that reflect best practices in microbiological testing and food safety management.

HACCP Team Contribution.

Activities:

• Serving as an active member of the HACCP team, contributing to the development and monitoring of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan.
• Identifying critical control points (CCPs) related to microbiological hazards in the brewing process and collaborating with teams to establish effective monitoring procedures.
• Conducting regular reviews of the HACCP plan to ensure its effectiveness and relevance, and making adjustments based on performance data and industry standards.

Quality Assurance and Compliance Management.

Activities:

• Overseeing the implementation of microbiological quality control systems that integrate food safety principles, as outlined in ISO and HACCP standards.
• Conducting microbiological testing and analysis in accordance with documented procedures, ensuring that testing methods align with ISO standards.

Data Management and Reporting.

Activities:

• Compiling and analyzing data related to microbiological testing and food safety metrics for internal reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Preparing documentation and reports required for compliance with ISO standards and food safety audits, ensuring clarity and completeness.

Communication and Collaboration.

Activities:

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., production, quality assurance, and R&D) to foster a culture of food safety and quality throughout the brewery.
• Communicating effectively with suppliers and external partners regarding microbiological requirements and food safety protocols.

Continuous Improvement and Education.

Activities:

• Staying up-to-date with current trends, regulations, and best practices in food safety and microbiological testing to enhance the brewery's processes.
• Promoting a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging team participation in food safety initiatives and professional development opportunities.

Research and Development Initiatives.

Activities:

• Leading projects aimed at optimizing yeast performance and fermentation processes to enhance product quality and consistency.
• Conducting experiments to evaluate the effects of different yeast strains, adjuncts, or fermentation conditions on flavor profiles and microbial stability.
• Collaborating with R&D departments to support the development of new beer styles and product innovations.

Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution.

Activities:

• Investigating and troubleshooting microbiological issues impacting production, such as contamination or inconsistent fermentation.
• Working closely with operations and production teams to identify the root cause of quality issues and develop corrective action plans.
• Implementing preventive measures and continuously monitoring processes to preemptively address microbial challenges.

Training and Capacity Building

Activities:

• Designing and delivering training programs on microbiological safety practices, quality control measures, and emerging technologies for staff.
• Promoting awareness of the importance of microbiological practices across the brewing facility, encouraging a culture of quality and safety.
• Facilitating knowledge transfer by organizing workshops and seminars for the microbiology team and other relevant departments.

Production and Fermentation Monitoring.

Activities:

• Monitoring fermentation kinetics by measuring parameters such as specific gravity, pH, and temperature regularly throughout the brewing process.
• Analyzing yeast health and activity through microscope counts and viability tests to ensure optimal fermentation performance.
• Conducting trials with different fermentation temperatures and conditions to assess their impact on fermentation speed and flavor profiles.

Quality control and contamination prevention.

Activities:

• Implementing microbiological testing protocols for raw materials (malt, hops, water), and finished products to check for contamination and adherence to quality standards.
• Establishing and executing sanitation protocols for brewing equipment and the brewing environment to prevent microbial contamination.
• Conducting swab tests on brewing equipment and surfaces to monitor for potential contaminants, and ensure a sterile brewing environment.

Flavor Analysis and Process Improvement.

Activities:

• Conducting analyses on the impact of different yeast strains and fermentation conditions on flavor compound production.
• Collaborating with brewing engineers to review fermentation processes and suggest adjustments based on microbial behavior and flavor outcomes.
• Testing different adjuncts and ingredients to evaluate their effects on the overall flavor profile and stability of the beer.

Research and Development.

Activities:

• Participating in pilot brewing projects to test new beer styles and flavors using various yeast strains and fermentation techniques.
• Evaluating new or rare ingredients for their brewing potential through small-scale experiments.
• Investigating novel fermentation methods, such as using non-traditional yeast or bacteria, to develop unique products or improve brewing efficiency.

Training and Staff Workshops.

Activities:

• Developing and delivering training modules on best practices for microbial management in brewing.
• Conducting workshops on the importance of yeast health and microbial dynamics in the brewing process, tailored for various team members.
• Providing hands-on training in microbiological testing methods and quality control measures to ensure proper execution among brewing staff.
• Facilitated cross-functional collaboration among departments for smoother workflow and improved decision-making processes.
• Improved employee morale and retention rates through effective communication, training programs, and recognition of achievements.
• Conducted staff meetings to discuss performance metrics, resolve conflicts, and identify areas for improvement.

Regulatory Compliance and Reporting.

Activities:

• Ensuring all microbiological testing complies with local and international food safety regulations and standards.
• Preparing and maintaining documentation related to microbiological testing, including standard operating procedures and results.
• Collaborating with quality assurance teams to create reports on the microbiological status of raw materials and finished products for internal and external audits.

• Lab Excellence, Hygiene, and Quality Assurance: Achieved a pristine and organized lab environment by consistently executing routine maintenance and cleanliness procedures.
• Improved data integrity and compliance by meticulously maintaining daily logs and equipment documentation.
• Spearheaded routine quality assurance checks, interpreting data, and guaranteeing strict adherence to regulatory standards.
• Kept up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments.

Quality Control/Assurance Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in conducting rigorous testing and quality control, consistently following established lab protocols and utilizing precision instruments.

• Established the peak performance of lab equipment through diligent calibration and maintenance efforts.
• Conducted experiments under defined conditions to verify or reject various types of hypotheses using refined scientific methods.
• Technical Proficiency, Training, and Process Enhancement: Exhibited adept operation of fundamental lab equipment such as pH meters, spectrophotometers, and autoclaves.
• Skillfully managed inventory, including meticulous stock tracking, efficient ordering, and thorough verification.
• Elevated team competence by providing comprehensive training to new colleagues, and consistently upholding high standards.
• Executed a leadership role in process development initiatives, contributing to the successful scaling up of operations.
• Analytical Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in conducting analytical tests on incoming raw materials, ensuring quality control before processing.
• Employed advanced troubleshooting skills to address complex issues and provide valuable support for special projects.
• Conducted in-depth analysis of water quality, identifying trends and patterns, and led audits and investigations into water and chemical quality, proposing effective solutions.
• Effective Documentation: Maintained 90-95% comprehensive records of lab tests and results, facilitating easy access for future reference.
• Managed data entry, scanning, and monitoring efficiently through the SAP platform.
• Efficiency in Data Interpretation: Utilized advanced analytical techniques, including chromatography and spectroscopy, to accurately evaluate chemical compositions.
• Expertly interpreted data and communicated scientific findings effectively to cross-functional teams.