Head of Quality (Fresh Produce)

Pure Staff - Head Office - Permanent; Stanford-le-Hope; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is looking for a Quality Control Manager in Stanford-le-Hope, UK. The role requires overseeing compliance, managing the QC team, and ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations in fresh produce. Applicants should have 3-5 years in a related field, with strong quality management and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with fresh produce categories is essential. This position offers the opportunity to lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 - 5 years working within a fresh produce pack-house or grower.
• Experience in senior QC/technical roles in fresh produce.
• Experience managing citrus/grape categories.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Approved Supplier List and accuracy.
• Oversee compliance and manage retraction of updates.
• Manage intake inspections for grape, citrus, apple, and kiwi consignments.
• Lead the QC team, managing staff training and performance.
• Ensure compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Skills

HACCP trained

Quality management

Effective communicator

Administrative skills

Organisational skills

IT literate

Problem-solving

Strong leadership

Team management

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Prophet

Rubicon

Job description

Duties:

• Maintain the Approved Supplier List and Approved Grower List, ensuring accuracy and circulation.
• Oversee compliance and manage retraction/updates as required. Ensure daily order sheets are completed and accurate.
• Maintain customer specifications and ensure team compliance. Oversee weekly information packs for internal/external stakeholders.
• Manage intake inspections for grape, citrus, apple, and kiwi consignments.
• Ensure red label (concessionary) product is correctly controlled.
• Ensure returned/rejected product is re-inspected, root cause investigated, and corrective action taken.
• Oversee contingency purchases and product liability matters.
• Manage shelf-life testing and reporting.
• Oversee APG positive release procedures (grower/shipper checks).
• Conduct regular stock reviews and cold store checks.
• Ensure check-weighing and weights/measures compliance.
• Monitor clandestine contamination, food safety, and DEFRA audit procedures (e.g. PHEATS).
• Ensure correct policies and procedures for equipment calibration and use.
• Lead the QC team: recruitment, training, PPE provision, internal performance reviews.
• Manage staff motivation, discipline, absence, and sickness.
• Maintain training records and ensure all QC staff are trained in required procedures.
• Provide input into operational meetings and ensure effective communication across the team.
• Ensure compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Attributes:

• HACCP trained.
• You must have a min. of 3 - 5 years working within a fresh produce pack-house or grower
• Senior QC/technical role in fresh produce.
• Experience managing citrus/grape categories.
• Strong quality management skills.
• Effective communicator at all levels.
• Administrative and organisational skills.
• IT literate: Microsoft Word, Excel, and bespoke systems (Prophet or Rubicon).
• Ability to adapt and prioritise in a changing environment.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Methodical thinker with problem-solving ability.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Resilient, adaptable, and detail focused.