At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product quality and compliance while collaborating with growers and suppliers.
- Company: Join a leading fresh produce company with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on training, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel to various sites for hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Take ownership of products and make a real impact in the fresh produce industry.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in Technical, Quality, or Product roles; strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33300 - 40700 £ per year.
We're delighted to be working with our client on an exciting opportunity for a Junior Product Manager to join their Technical team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Quality or Technical professional looking to take the next step in their career and develop specialist knowledge within the fresh produce.
Working closely with retail, growers, suppliers, packing sites, procurement and agronomy, you'll play an important role in ensuring products are consistently high-quality, compliant, customer-ready and aligned with technical and commercial expectations.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Own product and technical information across key customer and source systems, ensuring specifications, labelling, packaging verification and TPIS requirements are accurate, compliant and kept up to date.
- Monitor product quality and performance, analysing QSL data, weekly KPIs, shelf-life results and technical reports to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Support product quality and benchmarking, including sample assessments, taste panels, product evaluations and customer visits to ensure product meets agreed specifications and customer expectations.
- Investigate quality issues and customer refunds, completing root cause analysis, managing non-conformances and implementing practical corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Work closely with growers and packing sites, conducting audits and supporting supplier assurance activity to maintain technical, quality, food safety and legal standards throughout the supply chain.
- Support customer relationships and technical compliance, working alongside the customer and internal stakeholders to resolve issues, provide technical updates and ensure requirements are consistently delivered.
- Contribute to continuous improvement, using quality data, audit findings and product performance insights to drive improvements across sourcing, packing and product quality.
- Travel to growers and packing sites when required, gaining valuable hands-on exposure to the product supply chain while building strong relationships across the category.
What We're Looking For:
- 2+ years' experience in a Technical, Quality, Product or Compliance role, ideally within fresh produce, food manufacturing or a related FMCG environment.
- Working knowledge of legal labelling, weights & measures, technical compliance and auditing, with an internal auditing qualification/experience highly desirable.
- Strong experience in root cause analysis, corrective action and problem-solving, with the confidence to investigate issues and recommend practical solutions.
- Excellent MS Office, communication, organisational and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive and collaborative approach, with the confidence to work with customers, growers, suppliers and internal stakeholders and support customer or source-level visits.
Why This Opportunity?
This is an excellent opportunity to move beyond traditional QA or Technical responsibilities and gain genuine product ownership within a major fresh produce category. With full training provided on, you'll develop your category expertise while gaining exposure to major retail customers, growers, packing operations and the wider fresh produce supply chain.
If you're ready to take the next step and build a career at the intersection of Technical, Quality, Product and Fresh Produce, this could be the perfect opportunity.
Junior Product Manager in Kent employer: Henderson Brown Recruitment
Join a dynamic and health-focused manufacturing company in Lincolnshire as a Procurement Manager, where you will lead a dedicated team and play a pivotal role in enhancing supplier performance. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a hybrid working model, this organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and strategic thinking. Enjoy competitive remuneration and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a thriving business that prioritises both its people and its products.
Contact Details:
Henderson Brown Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Product Manager in Kent
✨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 Henderson Brown Recruitment.
✨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 Henderson Brown Recruitment!
✨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 Henderson Brown Recruitment, 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 Henderson Brown Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Product Manager in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Henderson Brown Recruitment, 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 Henderson Brown Recruitment.
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 Henderson Brown Recruitment. 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 Henderson Brown Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown Recruitment
✨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 Henderson Brown Recruitment’s mission.
