Shalika Gamage

Detail-oriented NPD / Process Technologist with 3+ years of experience in bakery and food manufacturing environments. Proven ability to support the integration of new products into production through effective planning of factory trials, process scale-up, and cross-functional coordination. Strong background in technical documentation, product specifications, and ensuring smooth transition from concept to full-scale production.

Experienced in working closely with NPD, technical, and production teams to deliver high-quality, commercially viable products.

Intern – Quality & Production Support at Aria Foods Ltd (2024-02 – 2024-04)

Supported production processes and quality standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Supported production processes and quality standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Assisted with production trials and ensured adherence to specifications and SOPs
• Gained hands-on experience with factory workflows and cross-functional collaboration

Product Development Trainee (Industry Project) at Teesside University (2023-09 – 2024-01)

Delivered a full NPD project from concept to final product, including formulation, trials, and validation.

• Delivered a full NPD project from concept to final product, including formulation, trials, and validation
• Coordinated packaging, labelling, and documentation in line with UK regulations
• Conducted sensory evaluation and optimization to ensure product quality
• Managed project timelines and documentation to support smooth product delivery

NPD Technologist (R&D Technologist) at Coconut Research Institute (2020-09 – 2022-12)

Managed end-to-end product development and supported integration into manufacturing through structured process scale-up.

• Managed end-to-end product development and supported integration into manufacturing through structured process scale-up
• Planned and executed pilot-scale and factory-scale trials, ensuring successful transition to production
• Coordinated with production, technical, and planning teams to schedule trials and first production runs
• Developed and maintained technical documentation including product specifications, SOPs, and product records
• Ensured recipes were accurately documented, validated, and ready ahead of production
• Supported product change management by updating documentation & maintaining audit trails
• Collaborated with technical teams to ensure compliance with labelling, specifications, and food safety standards
• Contributed to bakery and biscuit product innovation, focusing on quality, consistency, and process efficiency

Quality Controller & Laboratory Technician at Noorani Estate (Pvt) Ltd (2019-08 – 2020-02)

Maintained food safety and quality systems in line with HACCP and GMP.

• Maintained food safety and quality systems in line with HACCP and GMP
• Conducted internal audits and maintained accurate documentation
• Supported production teams in maintaining consistent product quality

Retail Assistant (Part-time) at Farmfoods Ltd (2023-02 – 2026-03)

Maintained food quality, stock control, and hygiene standards in a fast-paced environment.

• Maintained food quality, stock control, and hygiene standards in a fast-paced environment

MSc in Food Science and Biotechnology – Teesside University (2023 – 2025)

BSc in Agriculture (Hons) – Food Product Technology – Eastern University (2015 – 2019)