At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality and ripening activities in a fast-paced fresh produce environment.
- Company: Join a leading fresh produce business in Dartford, Kent.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career growth and making a real impact.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to develop leadership skills.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving continuous improvement in quality standards.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in Fresh Produce Quality or Ripening roles, strong decision-making skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Fresh People are currently recruiting for an Assistant Ripening & Quality Manager on behalf of a leading Fresh Produce business based in Dartford, Kent. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality, Technical or Ripening professional looking to take the next step in their career within a fast-paced Fresh Produce environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in leading daily quality and ripening activities, supporting operational performance, and driving continuous improvement across the site.
Working closely with the Quality & Ripening Manager, you will be responsible for:
- Managing day-to-day quality and ripening activities across intake and operational areas.
- Monitoring and executing ripening programmes, ensuring plans are followed and any deviations are escalated appropriately.
- Making informed decisions regarding stock rotation, product utilisation and waste reduction.
- Capturing and analysing quality performance data, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
- Leading, supporting and developing the Ripening team, ensuring daily priorities are understood and completed.
- Allocating resources effectively to meet operational and technical requirements.
- Acting as the first point of escalation for quality-related shopfloor issues.
- Supporting technical and ripening trials, ensuring accurate execution and data collection.
- Monitoring shelf-life performance and supporting benchmarking activities.
- Working closely with Production, Technical and Quality teams to ensure alignment between planning and execution.
- Leading daily KPI reviews and communicating performance expectations clearly across the team.
- Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across quality and ripening operations.
The Person
- Minimum 4 years' experience within a Fresh Produce Quality, Technical or Ripening role.
- Experience making quality decisions relating to stock utilisation, rotation and waste management.
- Strong understanding of Fresh Produce quality standards and product assessment.
- Previous experience leading, supervising or mentoring operational teams.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyse and interpret data.
- Experience working with ERP systems; exposure to D365 would be advantageous.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Able to work effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Self-motivated with a hands-on approach and strong attention to detail.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing Fresh Produce business where you can make a real impact within quality and ripening operations while developing your career further within the sector.
Assistant Quality & Ripening Manager in Maidstone employer: Fresh People Ltd
Fresh People is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Dartford, Kent, where you can thrive as an Assistant Quality & Ripening Manager. With a strong focus on employee development and continuous improvement, the company fosters a collaborative culture that empowers you to make impactful decisions while working alongside experienced professionals in the fresh produce sector. Enjoy competitive benefits and the opportunity to grow your career in a fast-paced industry dedicated to quality and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Quality & Ripening Manager in Maidstone
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Fresh People Ltd.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Fresh People Ltd!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Fresh People Ltd, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Fresh People Ltd, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Quality & Ripening Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Fresh People Ltd, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Fresh People Ltd.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Fresh People Ltd. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Fresh People Ltd. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh People Ltd
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Fresh People Ltd’s mission.
