Fruit Packer - Full-Time, Performance Bonus & Growth

Winterwood Farms Ltd; Kingswood; On-site; Full time

Job description

What we have to offer and general employment details

The Packhouse is busy all year round, so there is reliable full-time employment for those that want it.

• Payment is by the hour, and the National Minimum Wage is guaranteed to all.
• All employees from all countries are on the same rates of pay.
• Opportunity for packers to earn a bonus based on speed and efficiency.

The Farm requires more staff from June to September for the harvest, with full time work available for a smaller number of people.

• All picking is ‘piece-work’ rates, so opportunities to earn more than the minimum wage, but the National Minimum Wage is guaranteed to all.
• All employees from all countries and all ages are paid the same rates of pay, so if you are under 23yrs old, you have same rates of pay as those of 24rs and older when picking on ‘piece-rate’
• Minimum recommended age is 18yr old due to restrictions but we will still consider you if 16 or 17yrs old,.
• We have a mixture of crops grown under tunnels as well as outside to protect the fruit from the weather and also to spread out the harvest. If it rains, we therefore have work picking under cover.
• Some accommodation is available in ‘mobile homes’ for seasonal harvest workers.
• Statutory holiday entitlement for all, from 1 st day of employment.
• Wages paid weekly into bank account (this can be paid cash for first two weeks if bank account is not set up at the start of employment)
• All necessary training will be given, with a comprehensive induction and Q&A session with one of your managers or supervisors before commencing any work.
• Above minimum wages paid from the start, with opportunities to increase after 3- and 12-months dependant on position held.
• Fixed days off each week and no rolling shifts, so you can make plans.
• Most people do 5 days per week, with a target average of 40hrs worked each week, but there are plenty of opportunities for those that wish to do more hours.
• Due to the seasonal nature of some of the work (both inside the packhouse and on the farm) we may ask you to help finish the field harvested or Job being packed before going home.If you regularly need to leave at a fixed time of day, then this role will not be suited to you.
• ‘Extra time’ is available most weeks of the year for those that wish to do a few more hours, both on the farm and in the packhouse.
• Part time work (3 or 4 days per week) is sometimes available.
• Opportunities for quick career progression, together with improved wages.
• Free onsite parking.
• Free WIFI on site.
• Free Internet Café with desktop PC’s as well as WIFI
• Automatic pension scheme enrolment after 3 months work (you can also opt out of this at any time)
• We have a good working atmosphere.
• Free use of onsite gym
• Subsidised canteen on site, serving hot food all day, together with various vending machines for snacks, hot and cold drinks in the evening when canteen servery is closed. No cash required for canteen, any purchases are deducted from wages weekly.
• Modern packhouse with modern equipment and good staff facilities.
• To help with protecting the spread of illness, the site has automatic temperature screening equipment, both where packhouse staff enter the packhouse and also where farm staff report for work each morning.
• We cannot assist directly with Visa applications other than to give some general advice. At the current time, there is norealisticpossibility of obtaining a visa to work on a farm or a packhouse in the UK, except through the SAWS scheme.

Further benefits such as the Company3s own cycle to work scheme, group accident/illness policy and healthcare, are available after specific periods of service. There is also an opportunity to earn an attendance bonus after the first full continuous year is worked as well as rewards offered for recommending new employees (subject to conditions).

We are looking for a reliable and motivated End of Line Operators. One shift – from 7 am to finish. Previous experience is not essential. On site training will be provided where all relevant information will be explained.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Putting raw material on the line
• Collecting packed product / punnets and putting into the boxes
• Stacking boxes on the pallet at the end of the line
• Work with Tablet end-of-line applications, recoding quantity packed for a job.

There is an opportunity to progress within company for those with good performance.

Please remove theapplication form which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.

A Line Leader has a key role in the production process. They are responsible for efficient completion of customers’ orders whilst also ensuring that Winterwood internal Policies, Procedures are followed.

Line leaders are also responsible for supervision of the packers, infeed /outfeed staff and the Pallet Truck Driver that is assigned to work on the line.

Line leaders are required to make sure that right packaging is used for specific customer’s orders (as per customer’s specifications) and the correct fruit is given to packers (as per stock allocations)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Line Leaders are required to carry out all tasks that are involved with the running of the line, such as:

• setting up the line prior to work,
• changing tools, changing film, setting up the line’s printer, setting up the checkweigher, metal detector, production scales,
• setting up heat-sealer for each job (GT2s and PI)
• setting up label applicators,
• completion of required checks,
• make sure cleaning procedures are followed etc. on the tablet.

Previous experience on similar position is required.

Starting rate is £14-£15 per hour with possibility of increase after training and 3 months’ probation period.

On site training will be provided where all relevant information will be explained.

We are offering competitive salary, 5 day working week (weekend availability required), on site amenities and other extras that will be explained to all candidates invited to an interview.

Please complete theapplication form which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.

We are currently looking for a QC Online to join our Quality Assurance (QA) Department. This role is responsible for ensuring that quality standards are maintained throughout the packing process.

QC Online has a key role in the production process.

Key Responsibilities

· Check labels, box ends, promo labels, and pre-printed film for accuracy and quality

· Monitor and maintain product quality on the production line

· Collect shelf-life samples as required

· Record and track quality information using a tablet device

· Follow company quality procedures and report any issues when identified

Requirements

· Strong attention to detail

· Basic English communication skills (spoken and written)

· Basic knowledge of using a tablet or similar device

· Ability to work in a production/manufacturing environment

· Comfortable working in varying temperature conditions, including low temperatures between 3°C and 13°C

· Ability to stand for extended periods of time during shifts

Preferred (Not Essential)

· Previous experience in a similar Quality Control or production role

What We Offer

· Competitive salary

· Full on-site training provided

· Additional benefits, which will be discussed during the interview process

If you are reliable, detail-oriented, and interested in developing your career in quality control, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply:

Do you meet the above requirements and are ready to take on a new challenge, please complete theapplication form , which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.

Quality Controller – Soft Fruit Specialist (Berries)

Do you have a passion for fresh produce and a sharp eye for quality?
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced to join our friendly Intake Team and help us deliver the very best soft fruit to the markets

As a growing fresh produce business, we take pride in supplying high-quality of soft fruits that meet the highest standards of freshness and taste.

What You’ll Be Doing

Carry out detailed quality and maturity inspections on all incoming soft fruit deliveries.

Spotting Quality Issues

You’ll look out for defects.

Recording & Reporting

You’ll accurately log inspection results into our QA system to ensure full product traceability and clear reporting.

Working with the Team

You’ll communicate quality findings clearly warehouse staff, and management, helping us maintain strong quality standards across the business.

What We’re Looking For

• 1–2 years’ experience working as a Quality Controller with berries or soft fruit
• Good knowledge of soft fruits quality standards and common defects
• Familiarity with retail specifications, BRC, HACCP, AQL sampling, and food quality & safety requirements
• Strong attention to detail and good organisational skills
• Good communication skills in English (written and spoken)
• Flexibility to work weekends and seasonal peak periods when required
• Comfortable working in a chilled environment with temperatures around 2°C

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunities to grow and develop within the business
• Training on quality systems
• A supportive and friendly working environment
• The chance to be part of a passionate and hardworking team

If you enjoy working with fresh produce and take pride in maintaining high standards, we’d love to hear from you!

How to Apply:

If you meet the above requirements and are ready to take on a new challenge, please complete theapplication form , which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.

We are looking for full-time Fruit Packers to join our team.

The main purpose of the Fruit Packer position is to carefully pack fruit while keeping handling to a minimum. Packers are responsible for removing any damaged, mouldy, or otherwise unacceptable fruit during packing and ensuring that all fruit packed into punnets meets the required quality standards, as explained by the Line Leader or Line Leader’s Assistant before each job.

All employees are expected to follow the company’s internal procedures introduced during the induction and packer training. Full on-site training will be provided, so previous experience is not essential.

Working hours:

· One shift only: 7:00 am until finish.

· Please note that this role does not have fixed working hours. Finish times may vary depending on daily production requirements and fruit volumes.

Working environment:

· The role involves packing fresh fruit in a packhouse, including blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and other seasonal berries.

· The packhouse is kept at a cool temperature, which is standard for fruit packing operations.

What we offer:

· Competitive salary.

· Full-time employment.

· Full on-site training.

· Two days off each week.

· Paid annual leave.

· Performance bonus available for employees who achieve and maintain a high packing speed while meeting quality standards.

· On-site canteen.

· Opportunities for career progression within the company for employees who demonstrate good performance.

If you are interested in joining our team, please complete theapplication form . Suitable applicants will be contacted regarding the next stage of the recruitment process.