Fruit Ripening Specialist – Early Shift, Fresh Produce

DRNewitt; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to Work scheme

On-site parking

Medicash plan

Death in Service benefit

Professional development

Job summary

DRNewitt is seeking a hands-on Fruit Ripener near Tonbridge, Kent, to join a leading fresh produce operation. The role reports to the Head of Product & Ripening and works with Senior Ripeners to meet strict customer specs and uphold quality.

Responsibilities include planning ripening rooms, testing ripeness, managing stock, and cross-functional collaboration with Production, Technical, Procurement and Commercial teams. 5S and safety are emphasised in daily practice.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a ripener in fresh produce environments.
• Strong grasp of fruit ripening across categories, origins and varieties.
• Experience handling dry matter testing and ripening trials.
• Clear communication with a proactive, collaborative approach to teamwork and food safety.

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 conduct ripening trials.
• Control stock rotation to minimise waste and maximise shelf life.
• Liaise with Production, Technical, Procurement and Commercial teams on performance and supplier issues.
• Monitor room controls, calibrate equipment and maintain 5S working environment.

Skills

Ripener experience

Fruit ripening knowledge

Data handling

Communication

Horticulture or food science bonus

Education

Horticulture qualification

Food science qualification

Job description

DRNewitt is seeking a hands-on Fruit Ripener near Tonbridge, Kent, to join a leading fresh produce operation. The role reports to the Head of Product & Ripening and works with Senior Ripeners to meet strict customer specs and uphold quality.

Responsibilities include planning ripening rooms, testing ripeness, managing stock, and cross-functional collaboration with Production, Technical, Procurement and Commercial teams. 5S and safety are emphasised in daily practice.