Janelle Wehner

Experience

• 

  Sanford Limited

  Nov 2004 - Feb 2005

  Food Technologist

  Sanford Limited is a nation-wide company which supplies a range of sustainable seafood products throughout the world.• Analyzed Finfish line operations and reported optimization improvements to Corporate Branch Manager• Updated and standardized the Quality Manual System• Developed the Inventory Control/Storage and Transport quality system following a new ERP system implementation• Assisted the Production Manager in an audit of the Quality Manual System by New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA)• Implemented corrective actions with all department managers Show less

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  Barker Fruit Processors Ltd

  Nov 2006 - Nov 2008

  New Product Development Technologist

  Barker's focuses on innovation and creative thinking. They manufacturer and market processed fruit and vegetable products for retail, food service, bakery and dairy markets in Australasia. The team atmosphere was supportive and inspiring.• Launched new products for food service, dairy and bakery applications.• Reformulated products for cost savings, flavour, function, and shelf-life improvements.• Managed multiple projects through the stage-gate process.• Collaborated on process optimisation initiatives.• Created and reviewed technical papers, reports and specifications. Show less

• 

  Dreaming Cow

  Jan 2009 - Feb 2019

  Technical Director (Owner/Operator)

  Built an innovative, vertically integrated dairy company from the ground up. Leading innovation and technical operations from startup to scale.• Designed and commissioned a yogurt and fruit processing facility with three expansions.• Project managed business start-up from planning, fund raising to commissioning, product launches and production optimisation.• Launched Dreaming Cow Cream-top yogurt, which was the fastest growing natural yogurt in 2015.• Managed all raw material and packaging sourcing, including contract negotiations.• Optimised vertical supply chain to deliver ‘best in show’ products.• Built and developed technical and production teams.• Monitoring market success and determining feasibility of potential product innovations.• Launched LUSH, a first generation nutrient dense yogurt drink including a full serving of vegetables, 20 billion probiotics, high protein and vitamin claims.• Led SAP implementation.• Passing FDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture food safety audits by meeting Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) and Interstate Milk Shipper (IMS) regulations. Show less

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  Life Health Foods

  Oct 2018 - now

  Optimising innovation and food safety opportunities to ensure profitable growth.• Developed the 3-year innovation pipeline and led the Innovation Steering Group.• Lead breakthrough innovation projects.• Championed the regulatory review and label updates across all products.• Implemented industry best practice gap analysis and managed continuous improvement initiatives.• Achieved Excellent Safe Quality Food (SQF) audit rating.• Enhanced cross-functional capability by developing and leading training programs in risk assessments and root cause analysis.• Collaborated to increase throughput by 15% while maintaining labour and overhead costs. Show less Leading innovation and implementing Quality strategy.• Created the Technical Excellence Strategy and delivered to the Quality Roadmap.• Reduced and managed COGS in developing alternative raw material and supplier approval sourcing system.• Implemented new procedures, product validations and verification testing to optimise the Quality budget.• Consulted for an international business partner in system improvements and product launches.• Strengthened relationships with suppliers, co-packers, Ministry for Primary Industries, corporate teams, and Safe Quality Foods Institute. Show less Improving business success by designing new processes and products.• Project managed 20+ new products launches or renovations per year.• Streamlined NPD systems with stage gate tracker, RACI, and new product validation.• Managed raw material and packaging changes.• Developed formal sensory, artwork regulatory and labelling systems.• Designed and implemented process improvements to reduce waste, improve efficiency and compliance.• Mentored direct reports to gain skills and foster personal development. Show less

  • Head of Innovation & Technical NZ

    Jan 2023 - now

  • Technical Manager NZ

    Jan 2022 - Jan 2023

  • NPD Manager NZ

    Oct 2018 - Mar 2022