Cristinel Adrian Ghioc

About you

My journey in food safety began in early 2018, when I made the decision to take this career path more seriously. Since then, I have built experience across a wide range of departments within the food industry, including Learning & Development, Technical, Health & Safety, Supervisory roles and Production Leadership. I’ve also worked across multiple product categories such as ready meals, dairy, red meat, confectionery, and raw prepared products, as well as areas linked to packaging and materials.

I have always been driven to understand the more challenging aspects of the job rather than taking the easiest route, and that mindset has shaped my development. I started from the bottom and continuously pushed myself toward the most complex responsibilities, which ultimately led me to my current role as a Technical Auditor.

My educational background began in civil engineering at high school, and after a long personal decision-making process, I am now in the final year of my BSc (Hons) in Project Management.

Outside of work, I’m still very much focused on learning and expanding my professional knowledge. I’m a naturally busy person who enjoys staying productive and investing in continuous improvement in every area of my career.

Why did you join the BRCGS Professional Programme?

I joined the BRCGS Professional Programme because I recognise the significant value it brings both personally and professionally. Achieving this milestone reinforces my commitment to continuous improvement and validates the career path I have chosen within food safety.

From a professional perspective, gaining the BRCGS Professional status strengthens my credibility and enhances my understanding of Product Safety Management. It also supports brand protection within my organisation by ensuring I stay aligned with globally recognised standards.

Equally important to me is the opportunity to connect with a wider network of industry professionals. Being part of a respected community encourages knowledge sharing, exposure to best practices, and ongoing development.

Ultimately, I joined because I genuinely believe in the values of BRCGS and the vital role it plays in upholding the highest standards of food safety across the industry.

What value do you personally feel the BRCGS Professional certification bring to you?

For me, the BRCGS Professional certification represents far more than a qualification; it validates my capability and my ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in food safety and quality.

It provides enhanced knowledge of Product Safety Management and strengthens my confidence when applying best practice standards in my role. Being part of a recognised global programme also increases my employability and supports my long-term career development.

Equally important is the sense of belonging to a wider community of professionals. The programme connects me with like-minded individuals, enabling collaboration, knowledge sharing, and exposure to high-quality learning resources that help me stay at the forefront of industry expectations.

How has the training helped improve operations at your site/company?

The training has had a positive impact on our operations by strengthening overall product safety and helping us achieve improved audit outcomes. It has also increased our credibility with external customers by demonstrating our commitment to high standards and internationally recognised best practices. This combination of enhanced knowledge, improved compliance, and greater customer confidence has contributed to a more robust and reliable food safety culture across the site.

What did you most enjoy about the training?

I particularly enjoyed the quality of the trainer, the effective training techniques used, and the engaging delivery style. The interactive tasks were especially valuable, as they helped reinforce the learning and made the sessions both practical and enjoyable.

What are you most looking forward to within the Professional community?

I’m most looking forward to taking part in networking events and connecting with other like-minded professionals within the BRCGS community. The opportunity to engage with specialists from across the industry, share experiences, exchange knowledge, and gain exposure to new perspectives is something I value highly. Being part of this professional network will support my ongoing development and help me stay aligned with evolving best practices.

How do you plan to keep your skills up to date?

I plan to keep my skills up to date through our PPP system, taking part in activities such as enrolling in further training, mentoring, attending conferences and industry events, and engaging in continuous learning through e-learning and webinars. These ongoing development opportunities ensure I stay aligned with evolving best practices and maintain a strong, up-to-date understanding of food safety and quality standards.

What are your career ambitions/aims?

I am committed to continuous professional development, and I’m currently working toward completing my Six Sigma Black Belt and my Master’s in Project Management. Next month, I will also begin progressing toward becoming a BRCGS Approved Training Partner (ATP) and Consultant.

Ultimately, I aspire to be recognised as a trusted industry leader, someone who continuously drives improvement, promotes best practice, and contributes meaningfully to the future of food safety and quality.