HEMANTH CHAKRAVARTHY
CHATHAM
Summary
Accomplished quality assurance and fresh produce specialist with expertise in BRCGS Standards, HACCP Level 3, ISO 22000, and internal auditing. Demonstrates proficiency in ripening management for avocados and exotics, dry matter testing, brix analysis, and adherence to Defra standards. Skilled in operational efficiency through root cause analysis, supplier performance management, FIFO inventory control, and waste reduction. Experienced in product development with a focus on sensory evaluation, recipe formulation, cost engineering, and shelf-life studies. Recognised for strong leadership, strategic planning, team building, and effective communication skills. Adept at problem-solving under pressure while driving continuous improvement initiatives to ensure quality excellence.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Quality Assurance Technologist
THE FRESH PRODUCE CENTRE
Paddock Wood
09.2024 - 12.2025
- Managed the technical quality function for high-volume fresh produce lines, ensuring 100% compliance with UK food safety regulations and retailer specifications
- Spearheaded root cause analysis for customer complaints and internal non-conformances, implementing corrective actions that reduced rejection rates from 32% to 15% (53% improvement)
- Led preparation for BRCGS audits and retailer visits, maintaining robust QMS documentation that achieved zero non-conformances during external audits
- Optimized supplier performance by issuing non-conformance reports (NCRs) and conducting trend analysis, improving raw material quality consistency by 28%
- Developed and implemented updated HACCP protocols for fresh produce handling, storage, and distribution operations
QA/QC Inspector
THE FRESH PRODUCE CENTRE
Paddock Wood
07.2023 - 08.2024
- Executed rigorous quality assessments on 500+ units daily of incoming fresh produce (avocados, tomatoes), utilizing pressure testing and Brix analysis
- Achieved 99.2% accuracy in defect identification, preventing non-compliant stock from entering the supply chain and protecting brand reputation
- Implemented FIFO inventory management procedures, reducing product waste by 18% and optimizing stock rotation efficiency
- Managed high-volume inspections during peak seasons (processing 15+ tonnes daily), consistently meeting tight distribution deadlines
New Product Developer (Research & Development)
TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY
Middlesbrough
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Led the end-to-end development of an innovative millet-based food product (Foxtail Millet Idly) from concept to commercial viability analysis
- Designed and executed sensory evaluation programs with 50+ panellists, utilizing statistical analysis to optimize consumer acceptance
- Conducted cost engineering and nutritional analysis to calculate breakeven points and ensure profitability for UK market entry
- Developed a go-to-market strategy including competitive analysis and packaging development
Sustainable Agriculture Consultant (ZBNF Programme)
RYTHU SADHIKARA SAMSTHA
Anantapur
02.2020 - 11.2020
- Implemented the Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) programme across 200+ acres, training 150+ farmers on regenerative agricultural practices
- Improved soil health metrics by 35% and reduced farmer input costs by 60% through the introduction of biological inputs
- Collected field trial data comparing conventional vs. natural farming, demonstrating a 22% improvement in crop immunity and yield sustainability
Sales and Quality Marketing Executive
KRISHI TECH PVT LIMITED
Chittoor
05.2019 - 01.2020
- Executed regional sales strategies for agricultural technology inputs, successfully expanding the client base and distributor network in the Chittoor region
- Conducted on-farm product demonstrations to prove quality efficacy, ensuring farmers understood correct application methods to maximize yield
- Acted as the primary liaison between farmers and the technical team, gathering market feedback to improve product quality standards
Education
MSc - Food Science and Biotechnology with Advanced Practice
Teesside University
Middlesbrough, UKBSc - Agricultural Science (Mushroom Production Specialization)
Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth
IndiaSkills
- Quality Assurance: BRCGS Standards, HACCP Level 3, ISO 22000, Internal Auditing, QMS, CAPA
- Fresh Produce Specialist: Ripening Management (Avocados/Exotics), Dry Matter Testing, Brix Analysis, Defra Standards
- Operational Efficiency: Root Cause Analysis, Supplier Performance Management, FIFO Inventory Control, Waste Reduction
- Product Development: Sensory Evaluation, Recipe Formulation, Cost Engineering, Shelf-Life Studies
- Calm under pressure
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
- Public speaking
- Team building
- Strategic planning
- Leadership
- Resourcefulness
- Quality Assurance
Certification
- Certifications: HACCP Level 3, Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2
- Technical Skills: Microbiology, Laboratory Calibration, Statistical Analysis
- Software: Advanced Microsoft Excel, ERP Systems, Quality Documentation Systems
Timeline
Quality Assurance Technologist
THE FRESH PRODUCE CENTRE
09.2024 - 12.2025
QA/QC Inspector
THE FRESH PRODUCE CENTRE
07.2023 - 08.2024
New Product Developer (Research & Development)
TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY
01.2021 - 01.2023
Sustainable Agriculture Consultant (ZBNF Programme)
RYTHU SADHIKARA SAMSTHA
02.2020 - 11.2020
Sales and Quality Marketing Executive
KRISHI TECH PVT LIMITED
05.2019 - 01.2020
BSc - Agricultural Science (Mushroom Production Specialization)
Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth
MSc - Food Science and Biotechnology with Advanced Practice
Teesside University