We are looking for the perfect candidate to join our Ripening Centre of Excellence in Paddock Wood, where we currently ripen Avocados, Kiwi and stone fruit. With grower partners around the world, we supply quality fruit throughout the year to customers in retail, wholesale and foodservice in the UK and further afield.
Key Responsibilities
Ripening & quality management
- Plan and load rooms to customer requirements, holding at least 1.5 days of stock with a 2-day target.
- Assess pallet ripeness, carry out dry matter testing and report anomalies or quality concerns promptly.
- Run accelerated ripening trials and apply knowledge of origins and varieties to improve outcomes.
Stock Control & Operational Collaboration
- Manage stock through the ripening cycle, using rotation and proactive planning to minimise waste.
- Complete stock assessments, record waste levels and share findings with the relevant teams.
- Update Production, Technical and Commercial on performance and quality risks before production.
- Give Procurement and Technical clear evidence of quality concerns and supplier performance issues.
Equipment, Process & Compliance
- Check and calibrate equipment, monitor room controls and use trial data to improve ripening protocols.
- Support the Senior Ripeners with improvements to increase yield, reduce losses and improved efficiency.
- Keep accurate BRC records, maintain a safe 5S workplace and follow company hygiene and safety policies.
Our Perfect Candidate
You will bring fresh produce, ripening or food production experience and strong knowledge of ripening across different fruit categories, origins and varieties. You can assess quality accurately, plan stock to maximise shelf life and minimise waste, and use data confidently. You will communicate clearly and make sound decisions.
Proactive and collaborative, you will uphold food safety, hygiene and workplace standards and treat others with respect. Dry matter testing, ripening trials, equipment calibration or food or horticultural qualifications would be an advantage.
The Hours You Would Work
40 hours per week 5.30am until 2pm with ½ hour break and every other weekend.
What Else We Can Offer You
- 6.6 weeks annual leave incl. bank hols.
- Pension scheme.
- Optional company share scheme.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Free onsite parking.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Cycle to work Scheme.
- Medicash.
- Death in service benefit.
Ripener employer: Fresca Group
Join our dynamic Warehouse Team as a Level 2 Operative, where you'll not only play a crucial role in the movement of products and materials but also enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With benefits like 6.6 weeks of holiday, a pension scheme, and an Employee Assistance programme, we ensure our team members feel valued and empowered. Located in a vibrant area with free onsite parking, this position offers a unique opportunity to thrive in a high-volume environment while developing your skills and supporting your colleagues.
