Quality Controller

Fresh People Ltd; Dartford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected fresh produce business in Dartford is seeking a motivated Quality Controller to maintain quality standards in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include conducting quality inspections, monitoring ripening performance, and supporting stock rotation. Candidates should have a minimum of 1 year experience in the industry and possess strong communication and teamwork skills. The role offers a competitive salary with shift premiums and opportunities for progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary with night shift premium

Long-term stable employment

Opportunities for progression and training

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience in fresh produce or packhouse.
• Strong understanding of ripening and quality processes.
• Excellent communication and proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quality inspections across intake, ripening, production, and dispatch.
• Monitor ripening performance and ensure quality specifications.
• Support stock rotation and manage waste effectively.
• Maintain accurate quality records and calibrate equipment.

Skills

Quality control knowledge

Communication skills

Teamwork

IT skills

Tools

Microsoft D365

Job description

Quality Controller

Fresh Produce (Days & Nights available)

Location: Dartford, Kent

Salary: £28,000–£29,000 (Days) / shift premium for Nights (£33,600)

Hours – Days: 42.5 hours per week (rolling rota, including every other weekend)

Hours – Nights: 40 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 9pm–6am, 1‑hour unpaid break)

Contract: Full‑time, Permanent

About the Role

We’re looking for motivated and detail‑driven Quality Controllers to join a busy fresh produce operation based in Dartford. Working within a fast‑paced packhouse and ripening facility, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the highest quality standards from intake through to dispatch.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with a passion for fruit quality, ripening, and ensuring product excellence for UK retailers.

Key Responsibilities

Carry out quality inspections across intake, ripening, production, and dispatch.

Monitor and report on ripening performance, ensuring product meets quality specifications.

Conduct shelf‑life and ripening trials, recording results and escalating issues as needed.

Support stock rotation and reassessments to maximise product life and minimise waste.

Perform equipment calibration and maintain accurate quality records.

Communicate effectively with production, technical, and ripening teams to maintain consistent standards.

Assist with customer samples and technical trials when required.

What We’re Looking For

Previous experience in a fresh produce, packhouse, or ripening environment (minimum 1 year).

Strong understanding of product quality control and ripening processes.

Good IT skills.

Ideally some knowledge of Microsoft D365 or similar systems.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills with a proactive approach.

Ability to make decisions confidently and work to tight schedules.

Flexibility to work weekends or additional hours during busy seasonal periods.

What’s on Offer

Competitive salary with 20% night shift premium.

Long‑term, stable employment in a respected fresh produce business.

Great team culture and support from experienced quality and ripening professionals.

Opportunities for progression and ongoing training.

Apply today if you’re an experienced Quality Controller, Ripening Technician, or QA Assistant within the fresh produce industry and want to join a company that values quality, teamwork, and flexibility. We'd love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV to be considered for immediate interviews in Dartford, Kent.