Marilee Waanders

Dependable and organised collaborator with effective communication and customer service for good community relations. Diligent and efficient with research fieldwork experience. Data-driven and organised, skills needed to monitor high standards of a retail business and ensure the health and safety of customers, store products and work environment.

Food Safety Compliance Officer and Senior Retail Assistant - Regent New World Supermarket - Whangarei

(2013-06)

Worked independently and in a team to ensure quality customer service while learning sales skills for a retail environment. Developed an eye for detail to ensure elevated level of presentation and availability of merchandise and promotions. Innovation in technology allowed an update to the processing and records systems of the store, improving efficiency.

These systems I was quick to learn and be able to apply, to teach and supervise others to use to improve store productivity and monitor food safety. Food traceability and testing food samples ensured Regent New World's food safety achieved the high standards set by FoodStuffs and MPI. By conducting internal audits and food tests as a compliance officer, I verified that standards were met.

If I sanctioned corrective actions, with co-operation with departments and management, improvements were made to reobtain standards. Correct records and accountability safeguard the store and customers.

• Trained as a Compliance Officer for Food Safety with responsibilities according to FoodStuffs and the Ministry of Primary Industries regulations
• Conducted scale calibration, product compliance evaluations, weight checks and temperature checks
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints and enquiries. Any high risks issues that pose a potential safety risk to customers are completed efficiently following guidelines set by QAS and MPI
• Conducting three-monthly internal audits, the different departments and sanction corrective actions when standards are not met. Then, offer aide to affected departments to improve standards and increase productivity and safety
• Check fresh foods departments, of correct traceability procedures of high-risk foods are followed
• Completing listeria swabbing and taking food samples, pH readings and ppm readings to send off for laboratory testing to ensure food is safe for consumption and no risks of food poisoning or contamination from dangerous bacteria
• Assist in isolating and/or removing product recalls that could pose potential microbial or physical hazards to customers
• Acting administrator and go-to-person for the store program, SafeFoodPro, to monitor departments and endure food safety standards are met
• Stocktake and purchase PPE for high-risk departments and chemicals and cleaning for store use
• Currently a senior retail assistant for the Dry Goods departments: chilled and frozen, grocery, liquor and general merchandise
• Aided disabled customers, and assisting elderly with shopping and queries
• Trained new employees over a period of four years in supermarket operations and acting champion of the chilled/frozen department
• Raising orders for Chilled/Frozen department, developing computer abilities through SAP program
• Creating and contacting wholesale buyers for customer orders
• Receiving and receipting products
• Stock taking and counts
• Regular deep cleaning and maintenance of freezers and chillers
• Created theme and product promotions for unique events
• Trained to identify and implement prevention or safety barriers of chemical, physical and microbial hazards in the workplace
• Currently being trained to conduct Weekly and Monthly Fuel Site Safety Checks

Agricultural Labourer - Tahere Calla Farm

(2012-06 - 2013-06)

Agricultural Labourer on lily farm during university holidays

• Planting and handling lilies
• Grading and assembly of lilies for international export
• Preparation for marketing at Florists
• Fast and efficient planting and harvesting

Veterinary Experience - Kamo Vets

(2012-12 - 2012-12)

Completed 80 hours of work experience at a vet clinic. Developed concise communication and customer service skills as I assisted during consultations. I observed medical procedures and treatments, x-rays, surgery and confirmation of cattle pregnancies and condition. I achieved an understanding of processes and of basic skills needed in animal health care in a medical professional environment.

Senior Volunteer - Whangarei SPCA

(2010-01 - 2012-12)

Volunteered at the local SPCA every second Saturday and holidays for two years. I advanced in leadership and initiative when I became a senior volunteer and was assigned the task to teach and supervise new volunteers.

• Duties included administration, care, and husbandry from cleaning cages and, feeding, exercising, and management of cats, dogs, rabbits, turtles/chickens
• Performing isolation treatment for quarantine animals
• Ensured hygiene and welfare standards among volunteers, customers, and the animals
• I also achieved a First Aid certificate during my tenure at the SPCA
• Administered medicine to cats with flu under the guide of SPCA staff and vet

Gateway Program Student - Pompallier Catholic College

(2012-01 - 2012-12)

As a part of the Gateway program, which aims to introduce students to careers, I had the opportunity to assist Jacquie Walsh, Officer and Educator for the Whangarei SPCA.

• Tasks consisted of Administration, cleaning, feeding and laundry for the Cattery section
• Completed a one-day Fist Aid course

Member and Leader - 2nd Whangarei Girl's Brigade Company

(2002-01 - 2012-12)

Member of 2nd Whangarei Girls' Brigade Company for 10 years.

• Received the Brigade Brooch, the highest National award in 2011

Bachelor of Science - Zoology (Major), History (Minor) - Massey University (2013-01 - 2026-12)

NCEA Level 3 - Pompallier Catholic College (2010-01 - 2012-12)