Technical & Sustainability Director
Technical & Sustainability Director

Technical & Sustainability Director

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
D

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead sustainability and compliance initiatives for Dole UK, shaping the future of food.
  • Company: Join Dole PLC, a global leader in fresh produce, committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive package and opportunities for travel across the UK.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on food systems while working with industry leaders in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Seeking experienced leaders with a strategic mindset and knowledge of UK retail expectations.
  • Other info: This role offers a chance to mentor teams and drive innovation in the food sector.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Exclusive Opportunity: UK Technical & Sustainability Director – Dole PLC Location: UK with regular travel to Kent and other locations Competitive package depending on experience 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. Key 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. 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. If you believe you have the skills and personality to fit these requirements please either apply via this advert or call Henderson Brown on 01733 235 111 for more information.41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15

Technical & Sustainability Director employer: Dole plc

Dole PLC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and ethical sourcing within the fresh produce sector. With a commitment to employee growth, Dole provides opportunities for professional development and innovation, particularly in the UK where you can influence significant change in food systems while collaborating with industry leaders. Join a team that values strategic thinking and fosters a collaborative environment, making a meaningful impact on the future of food.
D

Contact Detail:

Dole plc Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical & Sustainability Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the food and sustainability sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where you can meet key players from Dole PLC and similar companies. Building these connections can give you insights into the company culture and expectations.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on the latest trends in sustainability and food safety regulations. Familiarise yourself with Dole's current initiatives and how they align with global ESG standards. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to their mission during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led sustainability projects or compliance initiatives in previous roles. Highlight measurable outcomes and how they contributed to the overall business strategy, as this will resonate well with Dole's focus on performance.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Dole PLC’s partnerships and collaborations within the industry. Understanding their strategic alliances can provide you with talking points that show your interest in their operations and how you can contribute to enhancing those relationships.

We think you need these skills to ace Technical & Sustainability Director

Strategic Leadership
Technical Compliance Knowledge
Sustainability Expertise
Food Safety Governance
Ethical Sourcing
Performance Monitoring
KPI Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Industry Knowledge
Project Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Mentoring and Coaching
Regulatory Knowledge
Communication Skills
Thought Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in technical compliance, sustainability, and leadership roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic mindset and ability to drive change in food systems.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainability and ethical sourcing. Explain how your background aligns with Dole PLC's values and their commitment to global ESG ambitions.

Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise key achievements related to food safety, compliance, and sustainability initiatives. Use metrics where possible to illustrate the impact of your work.

Show Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the fresh produce industry and UK retailer expectations. Mention any relevant legislation or standards you are familiar with, such as Red Tractor or SEDEX, to show your expertise.

How to prepare for a job interview at Dole plc

✨Research Dole PLC and the Industry

Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research Dole PLC, their values, and their position in the fresh produce market. Understand their sustainability initiatives and how they align with current industry trends. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge during the conversation.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Given the role's focus on technical compliance and food safety, be ready to discuss specific legislation, audit processes, and sustainability frameworks. Brush up on relevant standards like Red Tractor and SEDEX, and think of examples from your past experience that showcase your expertise in these areas.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a potential leader, it's crucial to highlight your experience in managing teams and driving performance. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional projects or mentored team members, particularly in the context of sustainability and ethical sourcing.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

The role requires a strategic mindset, so be prepared to discuss how you would develop and implement a long-term technical and compliance roadmap. Think about how you can align Dole's goals with customer CSR agendas and share your vision for the future of food within the company.

Technical & Sustainability Director
Dole plc
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>