MARIA LENI SANTILLAN
Polomolok, Province Of South Cotabato
Summary
Quality and Food Safety Professional with proven track record in maintaining high standards and ensuring compliance to customer, regulatory, and safety requirements. Known for strong team collaboration and achieving results by driving efficiency and cost effectiveness, consistently meeting and adapting to changing needs. Expertise in risk based development and implementation of procedures and training staff, coupled with meticulous approach to detail, and data-driven approach to problem-solving.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Safety Quality and Regulatory Lead
Cargill Oil Mills Philippines, Inc.
06.2020 - Current
- Managed a team of 34 people in Philippines and Indonesia and led development, training and maintenance of plant quality and food safety program in the crush and refinery plants for the production of crude coconut oil, refined coconut oil, coconut fatty acid distillate, and copra expeller meal in these locations.
- Cultivated and maintained customer-focused mindset and facilitated communication between various departments (Production, Commercial, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, Logistics) regarding quality, food safety matters, creating an environment conducive to collaboration and problem solving.
- Drove continuous improvement, process optimization and efficiency initiatives by regularly analyzing data trends and implementing targeted action plans which delivered cost savings and value to plant PNL.
- Served as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on matters pertaining to food safety, providing strategic insights that informed critical business decisions.
- Played a critical role in securing certifications from regulatory bodies, showcasing the organization''s commitment to food safety excellence.
- Developed and maintained a strong food safety culture within the organization, promoting awareness and responsibility among employees.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations by conducting regular inspections and audits.
Quality Control Supervisor
Cargill Oil Mills Philippines, Inc.
10.2010 - 06.2020
- Managed a diverse team of eight - four quality control technicians and four samplers - and led in the development, implementation and continuous improvement of plant quality and food safety programs in the production of crude coconut oil an copra meal from 2010 to 2020.
- Led quality and food safety audits, both internal and external, and led teams to fully investigate quality control processes and root out deficiencies resulting to successful annul audits results with zero major non-conformances.
- Coordinated with other department supervisors (Production, Commercial, Logistics, maintenance) to align quality control objectives and achieve customer and regulatory requirements.
- Reviewed raw material specifications, in process and finished product quality daily for alignment with company requirements, reducing instances of non-conformance in finished products and preventing customer complaints.
- Implemented corrective actions and achieving 100% closure in response to identified deficiencies, preventing recurring issues and maintaining high-quality standards.
- Supervised and directed quality control personnel through effective mentoring, coaching and work delegation to achieve department KPIs and to ensure the growth and development direct reports.
Environmental Technician
Sagittarius Mines, Inc.
06.2010 - 10.2010
- Improved environmental data accuracy by conducting thorough field investigations and sample collections in various locations of the project - Tampakan, South Cotabato, General Santos City and Malalag, Davao del Sur.
- Streamlined data collection for air quality studies, deploying advanced monitoring equipment such as High Volume Air Samplers (HVAS).
- Worked with site to maintain compliance with applicable environment regulations in relation to air standards.
- Maintained accurate records of all environmental activities weekly, facilitating streamlined reporting processes and regulatory compliance documentation.
- Assisted with data management for regulatory and operational reporting in compliance with internal and external requirements.
Laboratory Chemist
Progressive Farms, Inc.
02.2010 - 06.2010
- Supported company goals by providing timely and accurate daily chemical analysis on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure zero non-conformance.
- Increased accuracy of test results by performing routine instrument maintenance and calibration annually to prevent zero defects.
- Coordinated and performed analytical tests to comply with established standards and specifications for feed production.
- Optimized laboratory resources by effectively managing inventory levels, reducing waste, and ensuring efficient use of supplies.
- Maintained organized, safe and efficient laboratory environment to minimize accidents and prevent cross contamination.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
Notre Dame of Marbel University
Koronadal, Province Of South Cotabato, PhilippinesHigh School Diploma -
Libertad National High School
Surallah, South Cotabato03.2004
Master of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of Mindanao
Davao City, Province Of Davao Del Sur, PhilippinesSkills
- Food safety
- HACCP planning
- Quality assurance
- Food safety regulations
- Analytical thinking
- Cost Effectiveness
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Process improvement
- Problem-solving aptitude
Accomplishments
- Drove Income Generation as part of a team, contributing 40% of Business PNL for FY 2024
- Generated a projection of $125k in cost savings for the implementation of the Total Cost of Quality Program
- Piloted the Total Cost of Quality Program Cost Savings Initiatives for crush/refinery plants in Indonesia and China
- Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Program development of one Greenfield (2023-2024) and one Brownfield Project (2024)
- Awardee - Regional and APAC Level for team initiative and execution of Customer focused project driving increased PNL
- Greenbelt Certified introducing plant efficiencies
Affiliations
- Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers SOCSARGEN Chapter, President, 2019-2022
Timeline
Food Safety Quality and Regulatory Lead
Cargill Oil Mills Philippines, Inc.
06.2020 - Current
Quality Control Supervisor
Cargill Oil Mills Philippines, Inc.
10.2010 - 06.2020
Environmental Technician
Sagittarius Mines, Inc.
06.2010 - 10.2010
Laboratory Chemist
Progressive Farms, Inc.
02.2010 - 06.2010
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
Notre Dame of Marbel University
High School Diploma -
Libertad National High School
Master of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of Mindanao
Languages
English
Filipino
Bisaya
Ilonggo
References
Preethi Nair
Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Lead
Cargill Agricultural Supply Chain - Asia Pacific
Preethi_Nair@cargill.com
+91 98451 12822
Wilfred Visenio
Plant Manager
Cargill Oil Mills Philippines, Inc.
+63 917 107 6318
Vivien Nacion
Sustainability Lead
Cargill Oil Mills Philippines, Inc.
Vivien_Nacion@cargill.com
+63 917 715 4238
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