Bhashini Madhuwanthi Prabha Weerasinghe
Padukka
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Norfolk Foods Private Limited, specializing in new product development and process optimization. Excelled in project management and cross-functional collaboration, driving innovation and efficiency. Skilled in SAP ERP and adept at fostering team growth, consistently delivering market-leading solutions.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager – Product Development
Norfolk Foods Private Limited
Homagama
01.2024 - Current
- Oversaw all phases of the product development lifecycle, from concept through post-launch analysis.
- Established solid connections with top clients through comprehensive understanding of their operating environment and industry nuances.
- Fostered collaboration among internal teams for uninterrupted project workflow.
- Develop products suitable for specific applications, maintaining compliance with necessary regulations, costs, and compositional guidelines.
- Spearheading development and enhancement of existing processes.
- Preparation of product formulations, organizing factory trials, scale-up production, and analyzing data.
- Conducted shelf-life studies as part of the project implementation process.
- Conducted product training sessions for a sales team of 90.
- Troubleshooting any product issues, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Proactively identify and resolve potential challenges in process and product performance.
- Supported technical knowledge development within the team through shared expertise.
- Authored specifications for end products, maintained the SAP ERP system, and produced BOM.
- Directed cross-functional teams, promoting a collaborative environment to expedite the development and release of new product lines.
- Provided product knowledge to customers at various trade fairs abroad and locally.
- Conducted routine sensory evaluations each day.
- Managed a team of four by overseeing hiring, training, and daily operations.
Assistant Manager – Product Development
Norfolk Foods Private Limited
Homagama
01.2018 - 12.2023
- Managed all stages of the product development process including initial concept drafting, execution, and post-launch review.
- Evaluated existing products for possible enhancements or modifications based on customer feedback.
- Developed product formulations, organized factory trials, scaled up production, and analyzed data.
- Delivered concepts, product presentations, and technical support to customers.
- Spearheaded development and modification of current processes to enhance product performance.
- Analyzed new raw materials, functional ingredients, and packaging for suitability in products.
- Produced necessary pack copy information for artworks.
- Resolved product issues efficiently.
- Collaborated with diverse teams to fast-track new product line launches.
- Gathered requisite data for comprehensive cost-price assessments.
- Handled BOM creation and maintenance through SAP.
- Shared product knowledge with customers at various trade events.
- Conducted training sessions for a sales force of 70, focusing on product functionalities.
- Conducted sensory assessments on a daily basis.
- Selected, coached, and directed three team members.
- Created and maintained product development timelines to ensure deadlines were met.
- Coordinated testing activities with quality assurance team prior to releasing products into the market.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for new product lines.
- Documented completed work to meet internal compliance standards and achieve favorable audit results.
- Worked closely with engineering teams during prototyping phase to ensure accuracy of designs.
Senior Executive- Product Development
Norfolk Foods Private Limited
Homagama
08.2014 - 01.2018
- Engineered both new and existing offerings to satisfy consumer demands throughout the product lifecycle.
- Presented products professionally, delivered samples to clients, supported customers technically.
- Adhered to ISO 22000 guidelines to ensure all production quality parameters were met.
- Prepared product formulations, conducting factory trials, scale-up production, and processing of data.
- Source of new raw materials and packaging in line with customer requirements
- Worked with engineers to develop prototypes for new products and process improvements
- Created finished product specifications and generated the required pack copy information for Artworks (Quality Attribute Sheets)
- Prepared information for cost- price analysis
- ERP System maintenance using SAP, BOM Creation and maintenance
- Participated in local and international trade fairs representing the company and shared product knowledge with the customers
- Train and support sales team (Team of 60) on product features and uses
- Participated in Daily Sensory Evaluation
Executive- Product Development
Norfolk Foods Private Limited
Homagama
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Developed new and existing products to meet customer requirements from concept to launch and handled multiple complex projects
- Ensured all quality parameters of the products are met during production according to safety regulations with the knowledge of HACCP and ISO22000 quality standards
- Provided concepts and sample delivery, product presentation and technical support to customers
- Evaluated new raw materials and packaging in line with customer requirements
- Worked with engineers to develop prototypes for new products and process improvements
- Prepared the necessary information and document for cost pricing, and creating specifications
- ERP System maintenance using SAP and BOM Creation
- Participated in local and international trade fairs representing the company and shared product knowledge with the customers
- Trained and supported sales team (Team of 60) on product features and uses
- Prepared Daily Sensory Evaluation
Junior Executive- Product Development
Norfolk Foods Private Limited
Homagama
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Developed new and existing products to meet customer requirements
- Ensured all quality parameters of the products are met during production according to safety regulations
- Prepared Daily Sensory Evaluation
- Evaluated of new raw materials and packaging in line with customer requirements
- Work with engineers to develop prototypes for new products and process improvements
- Prepare the necessary information and document for cost pricing, and creating specifications
Internship
Genetech Molecular Diagnostics
Colombo 08
11.2011 - 01.2012
- DNA Extraction
- Forensic DNA typing, DNA based human identification, identification of biological evidence
- Paternity testing
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Gel electrophoresis
- Spectrophotometry Detection of Genetically Modified Food Samples
Education
Visiting Lecturer - Food Technology NVQ Level VI
University College of Ratmalana
Ratmalana, Sri Lanka01.2021
Master’s degree - food science and technology
University of Peradeniya
Sri Lanka01.2017
Bachelor of Animal Science (B.ASc.) - Special Degree in Animal Science (Hons)
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka01.2012
Skills
- Process Optimization
- Packaging Development
- Project Management
- Primary costing
- Recipe Development
- Product Management
- Frozen food manufacturing
- HACCP, BRCGS, and FSSC 22000 knowledge
- SAP ERP System
- MS Office
- Market Research
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Regulatory compliance
- Time management
- Innovation management
- Competitor research
Accomplishments
- Innovation Award, 2017 - Recognized for launching the Best Innovative Products at Jakay Marketing (Pvt) Ltd
- Participation in BrainTease Competition representing Norfolk Foods (Pvt) Ltd organized by Expolanka Holdings PLC
- Business English – Intermediate Course, Distinction, Expolanka Holdings PLC
- Basic Food Preparation & Culinary Arts Course, Distinction, Swiss Lanka Hotel School, 2015
Hobbies and Interests
- Baking
- Crocheting
- Listening to Music
Languages
Sinhalese
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Manager – Product Development
Norfolk Foods Private Limited
01.2024 - Current
Assistant Manager – Product Development
Norfolk Foods Private Limited
01.2018 - 12.2023
Senior Executive- Product Development
Norfolk Foods Private Limited
08.2014 - 01.2018
Executive- Product Development
Norfolk Foods Private Limited
01.2013 - 01.2014
Junior Executive- Product Development
Norfolk Foods Private Limited
01.2012 - 01.2013
Internship
Genetech Molecular Diagnostics
11.2011 - 01.2012
Visiting Lecturer - Food Technology NVQ Level VI
University College of Ratmalana
Master’s degree - food science and technology
University of Peradeniya
Bachelor of Animal Science (B.ASc.) - Special Degree in Animal Science (Hons)
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
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