Denise Cahill

Experienced Quality Professional with over 6 years of experience in managing food safety systems, leading microbiological and quality operations, and supporting audit and compliance activities across food manufacturing, retail, and laboratory environments. Skilled in driving continuous improvement, fostering a strong compliant culture, and ensuring adherence to HACCP, GMP, and regulatory standards.

Food Safety & Quality Coordinator - MUSGRAVE

(2025-01)

MAT LEAVE CONTRACT

• Conducted food safety and quality audits across multiple retail sites, identifying non-conformances and implementing corrective actions to ensure compliance with HACCP and food legislation.
• Led the implementation and continuous improvement of food safety management systems across 20 SuperValu stores in Ireland, enhancing food safety culture and compliance through targeted training and quarterly performance reviews.
• Investigated customer food complaints through root cause analysis and corrective action planning, reducing recurrence rates and enhancing customer confidence in brand standards.
• Oversaw external contractor performance, verifying service quality and alignment with technical and safety specifications to maintain high standards of hygiene and operational compliance.

GMP Microbiologist - BIDVEST NOONAN

(2023-01 - 2025-01)

• Delivered GMP compliance oversight on client sites in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and food manufacturing sectors, applying lean management, process improvement, and gap analysis to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen regulatory compliance, and reduce downtime on contracts exceeding half a million euro in value.
• Conducted internal audits of cleanroom documentation and hygiene protocols, identifying gaps and implementing corrective actions to ensure compliance and enhance operational integrity.
• Acted as client liaison, conducting site visits to assess compliance, foster relationships, and address operational challenges, ensuring client satisfaction and regulatory adherence.
• Provided tailored training to cleaning teams on GMP principles, contamination control, and regulatory expectations.

Microbiology Shift Supervisor - BIOMERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES - Newbridge

(2022-08 - 2023-01)

• Supervised a team of 7 technicians in microbiological testing and quality operations across multiple product categories, facilitating team development and process improvement initiatives that enhanced testing accuracy and supported continuous improvement in cross-functional technical and quality teams.
• Investigated microbiological deviations, led root cause analysis, and implemented corrective and preventive actions that strengthened process control and enhanced product safety.
• Identified and delivered process improvements that reduced testing turnaround time and enhanced operational efficiency while maintaining quality standards.

Quality Lead - MOLSON COORS - Cork

(2021-07 - 2022-03)

MAT LEAVE CONTRACT

• Oversaw microbiological testing and laboratory operations to uphold brewing quality standards, facilitating lab setup, method updates, and process improvements while enhancing cross-functional collaboration among production, R&D, and packing.
• Investigated microbiological deviations, implementing corrective actions and promoting continuous improvement.
• Collaborated with brewing, packaging, and R&D teams to enhance operational efficiency and maintain hygiene compliance.

Microbiology Technician - ABBOTT - Cavan

(2019-03 - 2020-06)

CONTRACT

• Conducted microbiological testing and monitoring across baby formula production, ensuring product safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to internal quality standards while supporting cross-functional collaboration.
• Investigated microbiological deviations, implementing root cause analysis and corrective actions to uphold product integrity and prevent future issues.
• Maintained laboratory equipment and testing environments, ensuring calibrated and validated systems met GMP standards to support consistent product quality.
• Collaborated with quality and operations teams to uphold hygiene standards and ensure readiness for audits through thorough preparation and proactive measures.

Food Technologist - BIOMARINE - Monaghan

(2018-02 - 2019-03)

• Created product specification documentation and ensured traceability throughout all production stages.
• Analyzed and mapped nutritional and quality trends throughout production lifecycle, maintaining consistent product quality and adherence to nutritional specifications.
• Developed and implemented HACCP plan, integrating food safety protocols into site operations.

MASTERS - FOOD MICROBIOLOGY - University College Cork (2021-06)

BACHELORS - NUTRITION - Atlantic Technological University (2018-06)

DIPLOMA - BEAUTY & MASSAGE THERAPY - Cavan Institute (2005-06)