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- Tasks: Lead quality strategy and ensure top-notch food safety across UK operations.
- 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.
- Other info: Apply now; we review applications on a rolling basis!
- Why this job: Shape the future of quality in a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; senior quality experience required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Come and join the leading #avoexperts
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 as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.
We\’re looking for a Head of Quality – UK Business Unit to join our team in, Spalding.
Role Summary
The Head of Quality UK is responsible for leading and executing the regional quality strategy in alignment with the global quality vision. This role ensures best-in-class food safety, quality assurance, and continuous improvement standards are met across all UK-based sourcing, operations, ripening, packing, and distribution activities.
The role will work cross-functionally with UK operations, supply chain, sourcing, commercial, and quality teams, while maintaining strong alignment with the global quality function. The Head of Quality will champion customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence, ensuring that both Westfalia-grown and third party-sourced products consistently meet the high standards required by UK retail and wholesale customers
Travel Requirements
The role will involve regular travel within the UK to visit customers, and other Westfalia locations (Kent – Head office), as well as international travel to support global quality alignment, supplier engagement, or audits as required.
Flexibility is essential, as travel may be reactive to quality incidents or aligned to seasonal supply chain needs. Some evening or overnight stays may be necessary depending on travel requirements.
Working Conditions
This role is based at the UK operations site in Spalding, with a requirement to be on-site a minimum of 3 days per week to support operational oversight and team engagement.
Responsibilities include:
- Champion UK Quality Strategy by implementing global standards and driving a culture of compliance, consistency, and customer satisfaction
- Oversee End-to-End Quality across the full value chain—from intake through ripening, packing, and logistics—to ensure \”right first time\” results
- Build Robust Systems & KPIs tailored to the UK market, ensuring measurable improvements and world-class performance
- Guarantee Compliance with all customer requirements, food safety laws, and industry regulations—always audit-ready
- Own Product Integrity by managing incidents, recalls, and deviations with swift, effective corrective actions
- Collaborate Across Functions with global, regional, and UK teams to align standards, share insights, and implement best practices
- Drive Continuous Improvement using data, trend analysis, and customer feedback to boost quality and shelf life
- Innovate with Digital Tools by leading initiatives in predictive quality control and smart technology integration
- Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team by building capability, fostering accountability, and delivering impactful training
- Shape the Future of Quality in a dynamic, fast-paced business where your leadership directly influences success
Health & Safety – Special Responsibilities
- To take reasonable care of your own health and safety
- To take reasonable care not to put other employees and members of the public at risk by what you do or don\’t do in the course of your work
- To co-operate with your employer, in relation to training given, following procedures and wearing of any PPE required for carrying out your role
- Not to interfere with or misuse anything that\’s been provided for your own or others health, safety or welfare
- To report any injuries, strains or illnesses you suffer as a result of performing your role
- To inform your employer immediately if something happens that might affect your ability to work i.e. pregnancy or suffering an injury
- To ensure a good standard of housekeeping in your work area adhering to the clean as you go policy
Food Safety, Integrity & Hygiene – Special Responsibilities
- It is your responsibility to ensure food safety and hygiene standards are always maintained and adhered to in your working area
- You shall ensure any food safety and integrity concerns are reported immediately to management
- It is your responsibility to ensure product meets customer expectations that aligns to customer brand values
- You shall handle all products with care ensuring highest quality is supplied to our customers
- To make reasonable effort to contribute positively to the business food safety, quality and integrity culture
- You shall adhere to hygiene rules including clean as you go and wear applicable PPE where required
Requirements
Experience we look for:
Essential
- Educational Background: Degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Supply Chain, or related field; additional qualifications in Food Safety or Quality Management are a plus
- Proven Experience in a senior quality role within fresh produce, FMCG, or food manufacturing, with hands-on knowledge of ripening, packing, and logistics
- Compliance Expertise: Deep understanding of UK food legislation, retailer standards, and certifications like HACCP, BRC, GlobalG.A.P, and CAPA
- Technical Know-How: Skilled in auditing, risk assessment, root cause analysis, and post-harvest fruit biology
- Digital & Analytical: Confident using Quality Management Systems and leveraging data to drive continuous improvement
- Leadership & Influence: Strong people manager with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strategic Yet Detail-Oriented: Capable of balancing big-picture thinking with a meticulous eye for detail
- Resilient & Adaptive: Comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a mindset focused on growth and improvement
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualifications in Food Safety, Quality Management, or Business Leadership
- Experience working within the avocado, tropical, or subtropical fruit sectors
- Previous involvement in customer-facing technical or quality roles, including direct engagement in retailer audits and product claims
- Familiarity with sustainability standards and their integration into quality frameworks
- Experience leading cross-functional quality improvement projects across multiple sites or functions
- Exposure to digital quality systems, traceability tools, and data analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, ERP-integrated QMS)
- Demonstrated ability to navigate and influence within a matrix or global organisation
- Track record of building and mentoring high-performing quality teams
- Continuous improvement certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen)
Benefits
What can Westfalia Fruit offer you?
- 20 days holiday
- Free on-site parking
- Additional Annual Leave day on your Birthday
- Company pension plan
- Medicash plan
- Life Insurance
Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.
We\’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Quality - UK Business Unit employer: Westfalia Fruit
Contact Detail:
Westfalia Fruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality - UK Business Unit
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest UK food legislation and retailer standards, especially those related to quality assurance and food safety. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and excellence in quality management.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fresh produce and FMCG sectors, particularly those who have experience in quality roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the challenges and innovations in quality management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experiences where you successfully led a team or project focused on quality improvement. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you drove change and achieved measurable results.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Westfalia Fruit's operations and values thoroughly. Understanding their approach to quality and customer satisfaction will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showing that you are aligned with their mission and ready to contribute from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality - UK Business Unit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in quality management, particularly within the fresh produce or FMCG sectors. Emphasise your understanding of UK food legislation and any specific certifications you hold.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for quality assurance and how your leadership style aligns with Westfalia Fruit's values. Mention specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills in auditing, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement. Use bullet points to make these stand out, ensuring they align with the job requirements listed in the description.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as improvements in product quality or compliance rates. This will demonstrate your capability to deliver results and lead a high-performing team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westfalia Fruit
✨Understand the Quality Landscape
Familiarise yourself with UK food legislation and quality standards relevant to the fresh produce sector. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with compliance requirements like HACCP and BRC, as well as any specific challenges you foresee in maintaining these standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Quality, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams in the past, focusing on your approach to training, accountability, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated across functions to achieve quality goals. Highlight your communication skills and how you align different stakeholders towards a common objective.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially regarding quality incidents or recalls. Be ready to outline your thought process in managing such situations, including how you would implement corrective actions and ensure compliance moving forward.