At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure top-notch quality of fresh produce from intake to dispatch.
- Company: Join a respected fresh produce business in Dartford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, night shift premium, and stable employment.
- Other info: Great opportunities for progression and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team ensuring product excellence for UK retailers.
- Qualifications: 1 year experience in fresh produce quality control and strong teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 29600 £ per year.
Location: Dartford, Kent
Salary: £28,000 - £29,000 (Days) / shift premium for Nights (£33,600)
Hours:
- Days: 42.5 hours per week (rolling rota, including every other weekend)
- Nights: 40 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 9pm - 6am, 1-hour unpaid break)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role
We are looking for motivated and detail-driven Quality Controllers to join a busy fresh produce operation based in Dartford. Working within a fast-paced packhouse and ripening facility, you will be responsible for maintaining the highest quality standards from intake through to dispatch. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with a passion for fruit quality, ripening, and ensuring product excellence for UK retailers.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out quality inspections across intake, ripening, production, and dispatch.
- Monitor and report on ripening performance, ensuring product meets quality specifications.
- Conduct shelf-life and ripening trials, recording results and escalating issues as needed.
- Support stock rotation and reassessments to maximise product life and minimise waste.
- Perform equipment calibration and maintain accurate quality records.
- Communicate effectively with production, technical, and ripening teams to maintain consistent standards.
- Assist with customer samples and technical trials when required.
What We Are Looking For
- Previous experience in a fresh produce, packhouse, or ripening environment (minimum 1 year).
- Strong understanding of product quality control and ripening processes.
- Good IT skills, ideally some knowledge of Microsoft D365 or similar systems.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills with a proactive approach.
- Ability to make decisions confidently and work to tight schedules.
- Flexibility to work weekends or additional hours during busy seasonal periods.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary with 20% night shift premium.
- Long-term, stable employment in a respected fresh produce business.
- Great team culture and support from experienced quality and ripening professionals.
- Opportunities for progression and ongoing training.
Apply Today
If you are an experienced Quality Controller, Ripening Technician, or QA Assistant within the fresh produce industry and want to join a company that values quality, teamwork, and flexibility, we would love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV to be considered for immediate interviews in Dartford, Kent.
Quality Controller employer: Fresh People Ltd
Join a dynamic fresh produce business in Bearsted, Maidstone, where your passion for product quality and data can flourish. We offer a collaborative work culture that values innovation and hands-on experience, providing you with opportunities to engage directly with growers and breeders while developing your skills in product evaluation and emerging technologies. With a focus on employee growth and exciting projects, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the fresh produce industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Controller
✨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 Quality Controller
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.
