Technologist (Fresh Produce / Food Industry)
Nr Tonbridge, Kent
£35,000 – £40,000 per annum (Depending on Experience)
Contract Type: Maternity Cover (with strong potential to go permanent)
About the Opportunity
Are you a technical or QA professional looking to join one of the fastest-growing and most exciting categories in fresh produce? We are partnering with a leading UK fresh produce business, operating from a newly invested, state-of-the-art facility—to source an Ethical Technologist to join their expert technical team.
Reporting directly to the Technical Manager, this role acts as the vital link between international grower partners and major retail, foodservice, and wholesale customers. With a key focus on ethical compliance and grower due diligence, you will manage critical supply chain data, support R&D initiatives, and help drive sustainable, value-adding innovation across a high-demand product category.
Whether you are an experienced Technologist/QA looking for your next challenge, or a fresh produce professional with strong analytical skills ready to step into a technical path, tailor‑made training and development will be provided to help you succeed.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and oversee grower due diligence processes, ensuring world-class supply partners meet all customer, ethical, and third-party requirements.
- Collate, accurately analyse, and present complex technical data (primarily using MS Excel) to enable internal teams to clearly communicate key insights to customers.
- Gain hands‑on exposure to post-harvest controls, advanced ripening processes, and full end‑to‑end supply chain technical standards.
- Support category leadership through R&D projects, including variety development, sustainable packaging solutions, and key technical points of difference.
- Act as an effective point of contact between global grower partners, internal teams, and external commercial customers.
What You’ll Bring
- Background in fresh produce or food manufacturing within a Technical or Quality Assurance (QA) environment is highly desirable.
- Ability to interpret third‑party and retailer standards while maintaining commercial focus.
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities, alongside confidence in PowerPoint and Word.
- High precision when managing complex numerical data and compiling compliance documentation.
- Strong interpersonal skills across all organisational levels, coupled with a proactive, reliable, inquisitive, and enthusiastic approach.
- Practical awareness of IT systems and Health & Safety regulations.
What’s on Offer?
- Competitive Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 depending on experience.
- Generous Holiday: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays).
- Work place Benefits: Pension scheme, optional company share scheme, Medicash, and Death in Service benefit.
- Perks & Support: Free on‑site parking, Cycle to Work scheme, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Growth: Comprehensive learning, development, and clear career progression opportunities within a dynamic team environment.
- Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (40 hours per week)
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