At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the ripening process and ensure top-quality fruit for customers.
- Company: Leading fresh produce organisation near Tonbridge, Kent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on fresh produce quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in food production and strong communication skills required.
Fruit Ripener – Fresh Produce Near Tonbridge, Kent £32,593.60 per annum 40 hours per week | 05:30 to 14:00 (with a 30-minute break) | Working every other weekend
The Opportunity
I am currently working with a leading fresh produce organisation near Tonbridge, Kent, as they look to expand their ripening team. Known for supplying top-tier retail all year-round, they specialise in ripening high-quality stone fruit. They are looking for a hands-on Fruit Ripener to join the operation, reporting directly to the Head of Product & Ripening while working alongside Senior Ripeners to hit strict customer specifications and maintain exceptional quality standards.
Your Responsibilities
- Managing the Ripening Process: Planning and loading rooms to match customer briefs, keeping a solid stock holding of around 1.5 to 2 days.
- Quality & Testing: Assessing fruit ripeness, running dry matter tests, conducting trial ripening runs, and flagging any quality variations straight away.
- Stock Control & Waste Reduction: Keeping a close eye on stock rotation through the cycle to minimise waste and maximise shelf life.
- Cross-Functional Communication: Liaising with the Production, Technical, Procurement, and Commercial teams to update them on performance, yield, and any supplier issues before production kicks off.
- Compliance & Calibration: Monitoring room controls, calibrating equipment, keeping BRC documentation up to date, and maintaining a safe 5S working environment.
Your Skills & Experience
- Proven experience working as a Ripener or within a fresh produce/food production environment.
- A strong grasp of fruit ripening across various categories, origins, and varieties.
- Confident working with data, handling dry matter testing, and executing ripening trials.
- Clear communication skills with a proactive, collaborative approach to teamwork and food safety.
- Relevant qualifications in horticulture or food science are a great bonus, though hands-on experience is key.
The Package & Benefits
- Salary: £32,593.60 per year
- Holiday: 6.6 weeks annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Pension & Shares: Company pension scheme plus optional share scheme
- Wellbeing & Support: Medicash plan, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and Death in Service benefit
- Perks: Cycle to Work scheme, on-site parking, and ongoing professional development
How to Apply
If this sounds like your next career step, hit Apply or get in touch with me directly to discuss the role in more detail.
Ripener in Tonbridge employer: D R Newitt & Associates
Join a dynamic and collaborative team at a leading manufacturer in Lancashire, where your sales expertise will be valued and rewarded. With a competitive salary of circa £25k plus OTE commission, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through training and future progression opportunities. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ripener in Tonbridge
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like D R Newitt & Associates often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Ripener in Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what D R Newitt & Associates does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at D R Newitt & Associates
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with D R Newitt & Associates will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at D R Newitt & Associates.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with D R Newitt & Associates.
