At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure product safety and quality through testing, audits, and supplier development.
- Company: Join Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in fresh produce and avocado supply.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days holiday, free parking, and a company pension plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that sets the standard for excellence in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in product testing and quality management systems is essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and professional growth in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain, we grow, source, ripen, pack, process, and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce - 365 days a year & across the globe. With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers, served from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.
We’re looking for a Convenience Technologist to join our team in Spalding, Lincolnshire. You will play a vital role in maintaining our reputation for excellence in product safety, quality, and authenticity. You’ll work closely with Technical Managers and cross‑functional teams to ensure customer and internal standards are met and exceeded, through proactive supplier development and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Maintain supplier risk assessments and ensure all due diligence and certification requirements are up to date (e.g. GlobalG.A.P., GFSI, SEDEX).
- Manage sampling and analysis programmes covering microbiology, pesticide, nutritional, and organoleptic testing.
- Ensure customer due diligence, protocols, and quality standards are fully met.
- Conduct internal audits and support external, customer, and BRC site audits.
- Update and maintain specifications, packaging documentation, and customer complaint databases.
- Analyse performance, complete monthly KPI and benchmarking reports, and share insights with the business.
- Support NPD projects through trials, results analysis, and artwork approvals.
- Undertake overseas supplier visits for auditing and development.
Requirements
- Strong understanding of product testing processes, including pesticide residue, microbiological, organoleptic, and nutritional analysis.
- Proven experience using retailer and industry technical or quality management systems.
- Background in working with prepared and manufactured food products, ideally within a retail or supply chain environment.
- Proven ability to maintain a high level of attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all aspects of work.
- Strong proactive mindset, with the ability to anticipate challenges, take initiative, and drive continuous improvements independently.
- Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally, as required by business needs.
Desirable
- Qualified or trained Internal Auditor is highly desirable.
Benefits
- 20 days holiday
- Free on-site parking
- Additional Annual Leave Day on your Birthday
- Company pension plan
- Medicash plan
- Life Insurance
Convenience Technologist employer: Westfalia Fruit
Contact Detail:
Westfalia Fruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Convenience Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those connected to Westfalia Fruit. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Convenience Technologist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of product testing processes and quality management systems. We want you to shine when discussing how you can maintain excellence in product safety and quality!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your proactive mindset! During interviews, share examples of how you've anticipated challenges and driven improvements in past roles. This will demonstrate you're the perfect fit for the team at Westfalia Fruit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Convenience Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Convenience Technologist role. Highlight your experience with product testing processes and any relevant certifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with fresh produce and how you can contribute to our reputation for excellence. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: In this role, attention to detail is key. Use specific examples in your application to demonstrate how you've maintained high standards in previous positions. We love seeing candidates who take pride in their work!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Westfalia Fruit team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westfalia Fruit
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of product testing processes, especially around pesticide residue and microbiological analysis. Familiarise yourself with GlobalG.A.P. and GFSI standards, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Show Your Attention to Detail
During the interview, highlight examples from your past work where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was maintaining specifications or conducting audits, be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy and quality in your work.
✨Be Proactive
Demonstrate your proactive mindset by sharing instances where you anticipated challenges and took the initiative to drive improvements. This could be through supplier development or enhancing internal processes—show them you’re a problem-solver!
✨Prepare for Travel Questions
Since the role involves travel, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to visit suppliers both in the UK and internationally. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your adaptability and readiness to engage with global partners.