Karen Watkins
About Karen Watkins
Karen Watkins is a Manager of Supplier Quality at Inspire Brands, with extensive experience in food safety and quality assurance. She has held various positions in the food industry, including roles at Food Safety Net Services, Schweid & Sons, Smithfield Foods, Boar's Head Brand, and Snyder's-Lance, Inc.
Current Role at Inspire Brands
Karen Watkins serves as the Manager of Supplier Quality at Inspire Brands, a position she has held since 2019. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the quality assurance processes associated with suppliers. Her work focuses on ensuring that the products meet the company's standards for safety and quality. Inspire Brands is known for its diverse portfolio of restaurant brands, and Watkins plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the supply chain.
Previous Experience in Quality Assurance
Before joining Inspire Brands, Karen Watkins held several significant positions in the food industry. She worked as the Director of Quality Assurance and Food Safety at Schweid & Sons from 2017 to 2019. Prior to that, she was a Quality Assurance Manager at Snyder's-Lance, Inc. for six years, from 2011 to 2017. Her earlier roles include Quality Assurance Manager at Smithfield Foods and Corporate Food Safety Manager at Boar's Head Brand. These experiences contributed to her extensive knowledge in food safety and quality management.
Career Background in Food Safety
Karen Watkins began her career in food safety as an Auditor/Consultant at Food Safety Net Services from 2007 to 2011. This role allowed her to develop a strong foundation in food safety standards and compliance. She also worked at Smithfield Foods and Boar's Head Brand, where she focused on quality assurance and food safety protocols. Her diverse background in various food industry roles has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of quality management systems.
Educational Qualifications
Karen Watkins holds a Master of Science (MS) degree from Michigan State University. She also earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Chemistry from Elizabeth City State University. Her educational background provides her with a solid foundation in scientific principles, which she applies in her roles within the food industry, particularly in quality assurance and food safety.