Neila Ferreira

Senior Quality & Food Safety leader with 25+ years of progressive experience leading enterprise-wide quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across complex, multi-site manufacturing operations. Proven track record of driving national QA programs, supporting up to 8 facilities across Canada, and consistently delivering audit excellence, including sustained BRC Grade A certifications and strong CFIA compliance outcomes. Recognized for transforming regulatory and food safety requirements into scalable, high-impact systems, optimizing HACCP frameworks, and leading high-performing teams that enhance product integrity, operational efficiency, and cost performance.

Trusted partner to executive leadership, with extensive experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders, managing corporate QA strategy, and supporting large-scale food and beverage operations across diverse product categories.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance Manager at P&H Milling Group (2025-05 – Present)

• Provide corporate-level leadership supporting 8 manufacturing sites across Canada, driving alignment on food safety, regulatory compliance, and quality standards across diverse operations
• Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives, strengthening QA systems and enhancing operational performance across sites
• Oversee regulatory compliance for packaging and labeling, including approvals for export markets
• Partner cross-functionally to resolve complex, multi-site quality and compliance challenges
• Develop and present QA performance insights to executive leadership, supporting data-driven decision-making
• Lead and support CFIA, BRC, and customer audits, ensuring enterprise-wide audit readiness and consistent compliance across sites

Senior Manager, QA & Operations at Dogs We Love Inc. (2022-04 – 2025-05)

• Directed integrated QA and operations across 3 retail locations and 3 production bakeries, aligning quality, production, and business objectives
• Streamlined production workflows, reducing bottlenecks and improving throughput, sanitation standards, and employee safety
• Led regulatory compliance initiatives, ensuring accuracy of product claims and labeling standards
• Managed and developed cross-functional teams, driving accountability and performance across retail and production
• Strengthened customer trust by providing expert guidance on food safety and product-related concerns
• Contributed to business growth through operational improvements and support in sales initiatives

National Quality & Food Safety Manager at Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited (2019-12 – 2022-04)

• Led national quality and food safety programs across 5 manufacturing sites, ensuring standardized compliance and performance
• Provided strategic leadership on quality systems, continuous improvement, and regulatory alignment across operations
• Conducted corporate audits to identify gaps, drive corrective actions, and implement best practices at scale
• Managed cross-site CAPA processes addressing systemic quality risks and compliance issues
• Acted as key liaison with customers, providing guidance and reinforcing confidence in product safety and quality standards
• Delivered QA performance reporting to senior leadership, influencing corporate-level decisions

QA Manager at Sofina Foods Inc. (2010-11 – 2019-11)

• Led QA operations within a high-volume manufacturing environment, ensuring compliance with CFIA, BRC, and customer standards
• Managed and developed a 10-member QA team, including mentoring future leaders and strengthening team capability
• Drove audit excellence, achieving BRC Grade A certification for 8 consecutive years
• Optimized HACCP framework (5 plans consolidated into 3), improving efficiency and program sustainability
• Delivered cost-saving and continuous improvement initiatives within QA operations using data-driven and Six Sigma methodologies
• Oversaw microbiology and chemistry laboratories, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational effectiveness
• Acted as primary liaison with CFIA, addressing regulatory requirements and driving program enhancements

Food Safety Analyst / HACCP Coordinator at Maple Leaf Consumer Foods (2008-10 – 2010-11)

• Maintained and enhanced HACCP and food safety programs in alignment with regulatory requirements
• Developed and implemented sanitation programs, improving compliance and operational hygiene standards
• Led CFIA, BRC, and customer audits, including corrective and preventive action planning
• Collaborated with regulatory authorities to support compliance and continuous improvement initiatives

QA Supervisor at AFC Food Group (2007 – 2008)

Progressively advanced through QA and QC roles, building a strong technical foundation in food safety, laboratory operations, and regulatory compliance

QA Technician at European Quality Meats & Sausages (2005 – 2007)

QC Analyst at Premier Candle Corporation (2002 – 2005)

Led audits, developed food safety programs, conducted testing, and supported production quality across multiple industries

Bachelor of Science in Evaluated – York University

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Silliman University