At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and ensure compliance in Dole UK's retail operations.
- Company: Join Dole PLC, a global leader in fresh produce with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive package and opportunities for travel across the UK.
- Other info: Be part of pioneering projects like Dole UK's Future of Food programme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food while making a real impact on sustainability and ethical sourcing.
- Qualifications: Seeking an experienced leader with a strategic mindset and knowledge of UK retail standards.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
Exclusive Opportunity: UK Technical & Sustainability Director – Dole PLC
Location: UK with regular travel to Kent and other locations
We are proud to be exclusively partnered with Dole PLC, one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of fresh fruit and vegetables, in their search for a Technical & Sustainability Director to spearhead a transformational agenda primarily across their UK Retail division, and Wholesale, Foodservice, and JV businesses.
This is a career-defining opportunity for a highly strategic, commercially aware, and values-driven leader to shape the future of technical compliance, food safety, sustainability and ethical sourcing at one of the most respected names in global fresh produce.
Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic direction for technical, ethical, and sustainability compliance across Dole UK’s retail operations, ensuring full alignment with the Dole Global Food Standard and UK retail customers.
- Champion sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives by embedding Dole Plc’s global ESG ambitions into measurable UK targets, with direct involvement in projects shaping the future of food.
- Define and monitor performance through robust KPI frameworks across food safety, health & safety, sustainability, and ethical trade platforms including the likes of SEDEX.
- Act as the authority on technical legislation, audit compliance (Red Tractor, GG, LEAF), and food safety governance to drive due diligence and continuous improvement across the supply base.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with UK retailers, growers, and industry bodies, acting as the senior interface to influence policy, respond to challenges, and elevate the Dole brand.
- Develop and implement a long-term technical & compliance roadmap, supporting cross-functional innovation, product development, and alignment with customer CSR agendas.
- Line manage and mentor divisional leads across Technical, Ethical and R&D functions, fostering a culture of performance, innovation, and accountability across the group.
- Support pioneering R&D work, including Dole UK’s Future of Food programme and new product categories such as the European berry business.
- Represent Dole PLC at industry level, providing thought leadership on sustainability, ethical trade and technical excellence to maintain Dole’s position as a global category leader.
- Drive technical knowledge-sharing across EMEA regions, supporting harmonisation of sustainability targets and compliance standards in a collaborative, future-focused environment.
Qualifications / Who You Are
You are a seasoned Technical and Sustainability Director, highly regarded across the industry for your strategic mindset, retail-facing experience, and ability to integrate commercial and ethical priorities. You bring practical agronomy know-how, deep knowledge of UK retailer expectations, and a passion for driving lasting impact in food systems.
How to Apply
If you believe you have the skills and personality to fit these requirements please either apply via this advert or call Henderson Brown on for more information.
Additional Information
- Seniority level: Director
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Quality Assurance, Product Management, and Manufacturing
- Industries: Food and Beverage Services, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Food and Beverage Retail
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Technical and Sustainability Director in England employer: Dole plc
Dole Wholesale is an exceptional employer, offering competitive wages and a supportive work culture that values its employees as the cornerstone of its success. Located in Manchester, our team enjoys opportunities for professional growth while being part of a company committed to ethical practices and high-quality service in the fresh produce industry. Join us to be part of a passionate team that prioritises local connections and global standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical and Sustainability Director in England
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Dole plc that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Dole plc that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Dole plc. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Dole plc when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical and Sustainability Director in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Dole plc's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Technical and Sustainability Director.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Dole plc and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Dole plc is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Technical and Sustainability Director.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dole plc
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Dole plc.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Dole plc.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Dole plc. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
