At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate product evaluations and analyse data to improve fresh produce quality.
- Company: Leading fresh produce business with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Permanent position, hands-on experience, and exposure to cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in product evaluation and development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the fresh produce industry.
- Qualifications: Interest in food science or related fields; strong analytical and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 22050 - 26950 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Product Evaluation Assistant to join a highly successful fresh produce business based in Bearsted, Maidstone. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with an interest in fresh produce, product quality, data and emerging technology to support the development of increasingly data-driven supply chains.
Working closely with the Technical Management team, growers, breeders, suppliers and external consumer panel partners, you will coordinate product evaluation activity, capture and analyse product performance data and support projects designed to improve the quality and consistency of fresh produce.
The Role
- Coordinate the day-to-day product evaluation process
- Work with growers, breeders and internal teams to collate samples of new and existing varieties for consumer testing
- Organise the transportation of samples to Consumer Panel partners
- Measure and record product characteristics including size, weight, firmness, colour, Brix and Brix/acid ratios
- Play a key role in a new blueberry data collection project
- Measure and record shelf-life performance
- Upload and maintain accurate information within the Product Evaluation database
- Attend consumer panels where required to ensure testing is completed objectively and in line with agreed procedures
- Conduct packaging and shelf-life trials
- Support the implementation and ongoing development of Business Objects
- Visit suppliers and breeders to review new varieties and provide feedback on product performance
- Support the expansion of Product Evaluation activity into additional fresh produce categories
- Collaborate with suppliers and research partners on product evaluation projects
- Support internal taste panels and technical data collection
- Help develop and maintain databases covering varieties, breeders and licences
- Manage elements of the supplier portal, including quality intake reports, users and supplier access
- Liaise with IT support to troubleshoot system and access issues
About You
We are looking for someone who is naturally analytical, highly organised and genuinely interested in product quality and data. You will ideally have:
- Experience or a strong interest in fresh produce, food, horticulture, technical or product quality; would consider a graduate
- Strong numerical and data-handling skills
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Confidence working with databases, systems and Excel/data reporting tools
- An interest in AI and emerging technologies and how these can improve product consistency
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to coordinate samples, testing and multiple projects
- Good communication skills and confidence dealing with growers, breeders, suppliers and internal stakeholders
- A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to work directly with fresh produce
- The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider Technical team
What's on Offer
- Permanent, full-time position
- Opportunity to work closely with growers, breeders and leading fresh produce specialists
- Exposure to product development, consumer research, technical systems and data-led supply chains
- Opportunity to become involved in innovative projects using data, AI and emerging technology within fresh produce
This would particularly suit someone looking to develop their career within fresh produce technical, product evaluation or product development and who enjoys combining hands-on product work with data and technology.
Product Evaluation Assistant in Maidstone employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Evaluation Assistant in Maidstone
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like All The Top Bananas.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from All The Top Bananas!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like All The Top Bananas, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at All The Top Bananas, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Evaluation Assistant in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at All The Top Bananas, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at All The Top Bananas.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to All The Top Bananas. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at All The Top Bananas. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to All The Top Bananas’s mission.
