Olasumbo Abraham-Olutoye: A journey of excellence – from hospitality management to quality assurance leadership

Olasumbo Abraham-Olutoye’s career has been marked by continuous growth, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. After years of refining her skills in hospitality operations, Olasumbo has taken a bold step forward in her career as the Quality Assurance Manager at Sweet Sensation Confectionery Limited. With a diverse background, including a key role as the Temperance Annex Coordinator at The Temperance Lodging and Conference Centre, Olasumbo is now focused on leveraging her expertise to ensure the highest standards in food production. In this interview, she shares her journey, reflects on the lessons learned in hospitality, and reveals her vision for the future of quality assurance.

Olasumbo, it’s a pleasure to speak with you. You’ve made a remarkable transition from managing hotel operations to overseeing quality assurance in food production. Can you walk us through your career journey and what led you to this exciting new role at Sweet Sensation?

Thank you! It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m thrilled about the new challenges I’m tackling in quality assurance. My career began in hospitality, where I had the opportunity to manage a broad range of hotel operations at The Temperance Lodging and Conference Centre. As the Temperance Annex Coordinator, I was responsible for ensuring that every aspect of the hotel ran smoothly — from front desk services to housekeeping, maintenance, food and beverage operations, and event coordination. I oversaw a team of 15 staff, ensuring that service quality and guest satisfaction were always top priorities. During this time, I learned the importance of creating efficient systems, managing a diverse team, and maintaining high standards, all of which have been instrumental in my transition to quality assurance.

The shift to Sweet Sensation came after realizing that my passion for maintaining operational excellence could be applied even more effectively in a structured quality control role. I’ve always been detail-oriented, and food production offered a new area where I could apply my skills in streamlining processes, enhancing product quality, and ensuring compliance with the highest standards. This new role as Quality Assurance Manager feels like a natural progression, and I’m eager to make an impact.

Your role at The Temperance involved a wide range of responsibilities. How did your experiences there influence your current work at Sweet Sensation?

My time at The Temperance was truly formative, and many of the lessons I learned have seamlessly transferred into my current role. One of the key things I learned at The Temperance was how to manage multiple moving parts while keeping everything running smoothly. Whether it was ensuring the kitchen adhered to health and safety standards or coordinating events and guest services, I was constantly focused on maintaining consistency and quality.

The skills I developed in operations management — particularly around team leadership, quality monitoring, and process optimization — are directly applicable to quality assurance. For example, I created training programs for staff to ensure they met service standards, which is very similar to how I now focus on ensuring that food production teams meet safety and quality standards at Sweet Sensation. The approach I take is to create systems that are clear, measurable, and consistent — just as I did in hospitality. It’s all about ensuring that every element of the operation is in alignment with the overarching quality goals.

It sounds like your experiences at The Temperance were pivotal in preparing you for your role in quality assurance. When you decided to move on from that role, was it a difficult decision?

Leaving The Temperance was indeed a bittersweet decision. I had invested so much into that role — from training staff and overseeing daily operations to handling guest relations and event management. But after achieving a certain level of success in that role, I knew that my professional aspirations were evolving. I wanted to explore new challenges and deepen my expertise in quality control and management.

At The Temperance, I developed and implemented operational procedures and training programs that improved both guest satisfaction and efficiency. However, I felt it was time to take that experience to a larger scale. The opportunity at Sweet Sensation represented the chance to combine my passion for maintaining high standards with the exciting challenges of the food industry. It was a decision driven by growth — not just in terms of the role itself but also in terms of the broader impact I could have in the field.

You’ve clearly made a strategic move. Now that you’re at Sweet Sensation, what are your top objectives in your new role as Quality Assurance Manager?

My main objective in this role is to strengthen and streamline our quality assurance processes to ensure that Sweet Sensation remains at the forefront of the Quick Service restaurant (QSR) industry. This includes implementing real-time monitoring systems, introducing proactive measures to address potential issues before they arise, and making sure our products consistently meet the highest quality standards. I also focus on integrating sustainability practices into the production process, as I believe this is crucial for both the business and the environment.

Another key goal is staff development. Just like at The Temperance, I understand that the foundation of any successful operation is a team that’s trained, motivated, and aligned with the organization’s goals. I’m working closely with our teams to ensure that they are fully equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to uphold our quality standards. At the end of the day, a company’s success is tied to the capabilities of its people.

Your focus on leadership and training is inspiring. What’s your vision for the future of quality assurance in the food industry, and how do you see yourself contributing to that future?

I see technology playing a major role in shaping the future of quality assurance. In the food industry, we’re moving towards more data-driven, automated systems that allow for real-time monitoring and quality control. Predictive analytics and automation will make quality assurance processes more efficient and accurate, reducing human error and improving product consistency. I’m focused on embracing these technologies and finding ways to integrate them into Sweet Sensation’s operations.

Another significant trend I see is the growing importance of sustainability. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products they purchase, and I believe that food companies will need to adopt more sustainable practices. I am passionate about helping Sweet Sensation navigate this shift, ensuring that we maintain high-quality products while also being mindful of our environmental footprint.

In terms of my own contribution, I hope to lead by example, helping to drive these innovations while ensuring that our team remains focused on continuous improvement. I’m eager to be part of the ongoing evolution of the food industry, combining quality assurance with sustainable practices and technological advancements.

It’s clear that you have an exciting vision for both your role and the future of the industry. Thank you so much for sharing your story, Olasumbo. We’re excited to see all the positive changes you will bring to Sweet Sensation and the broader food industry.

Thank you for having me! I’m excited for the journey ahead and the opportunities to continue learning, growing, and contributing to the success of Sweet Sensation. The future is full of possibilities, and I’m looking forward to making a meaningful impact.

In this in-depth interview, Olasumbo Abraham-Olutoye reflects on her journey from managing hotel operations to taking on the pivotal role of Quality Assurance Manager at Sweet Sensation Confectionery Limited. She shares insights into how her experiences at The Temperance Lodging and Conference Centre have shaped her approach to leadership and quality assurance, revealing her vision for the future of the food industry and her role in driving innovation and sustainability. Olasumbo’s story is a testament to her continuous growth, passion for excellence, and commitment to making a lasting impact in her new career.

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