Fruit Ripener - Fresh Produce: Quality, Yield & Growth

D R Newitt & Associates; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to Work

On-site Parking

Medicash Plan

EAP

Death in Service

Professional Development

Job summary

D R Newitt & Associates is seeking a hands-on Fruit Ripener to join a leading fresh produce operation near Tonbridge, Kent. You will plan and load ripening rooms, monitor quality, test dry matter, and collaborate with Production, Technical, Procurement and Commercial teams to meet strict customer specs.

We offer £32,593.60 per year, 6.6 weeks holiday, a company pension, Medicash and mental health support, cycle-to-work, on-site parking and opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in ripening or fresh produce/food production.
• Strong grasp of fruit ripening across categories and origins.
• Comfort with data, dry matter testing and ripening trials.
• Clear communication and proactive teamwork for food safety.
• Relevant qualifications in horticulture or food science are a bonus, hands-on experience is key.

Responsibilities

• Plan and load ripening rooms to match customer briefs and maintain stock of 1.5–2 days.
• Assess fruit ripeness, run dry matter tests and trial ripening runs.
• Monitor stock rotation to minimise waste and maximise shelf life.
• Liaise with Production, Technical, Procurement and Commercial teams on performance.
• Maintain room controls, calibrate equipment and keep 5S working environment with BRC docs.

Skills

Ripening process

Fresh produce knowledge

Data handling

Quality testing

Communication

Education

Horticulture or Food Science qualification

Tools

BRC documentation

Job description

D R Newitt & Associates is seeking a hands-on Fruit Ripener to join a leading fresh produce operation near Tonbridge, Kent. You will plan and load ripening rooms, monitor quality, test dry matter, and collaborate with Production, Technical, Procurement and Commercial teams to meet strict customer specs.

We offer £32,593.60 per year, 6.6 weeks holiday, a company pension, Medicash and mental health support, cycle-to-work, on-site parking and opportunities for ongoing professional development.