Ripening Specialist – Fresh Produce Quality & Yield

The-Fresh-Produce-Centre-Ltd; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks leave

Pension scheme

Share scheme

Learning opportunities

Free onsite parking

Employee Assistance Program

Cycle to work scheme

Medicash

Death in service benefit

Job summary

The Fresh Produce Centre Ltd in Paddock Wood is seeking a Ripener to join our Ripening Centre of Excellence. You will support Senior Ripeners to meet customer specs, improve yield and shelf life, and work closely with Production, Technical and Commercial teams.

Hours are 40 per week, starting early morning with a half-hour break and every other weekend. We offer leave, pension, a share scheme, learning opportunities, parking, EAP, cycle-to-work and more.

Qualifications

• Experience in fresh produce/ripening or food production.
• Knowledge of ripening across fruit categories, origins and varieties.
• Ability to assess quality and maximise shelf life using data.

Responsibilities

• Plan and load rooms to customer requirements with stock targets.
• Assess pallet ripeness, perform dry matter tests and report issues.
• Run ripening trials and apply origin/variety knowledge for better outcomes.
• Manage stock through ripening cycles and minimise waste.
• Record waste levels and share findings with teams.
• Update stakeholders on performance and risks.
• Check equipment and calibrate, improve ripening protocols.
• Support improvements to increase yield and efficiency.
• Maintain 5S and follow hygiene and safety policies.

Skills

Fresh produce knowledge

Ripening expertise

Data interpretation

Clear communication

Job description

The Fresh Produce Centre Ltd in Paddock Wood is seeking a Ripener to join our Ripening Centre of Excellence. You will support Senior Ripeners to meet customer specs, improve yield and shelf life, and work closely with Production, Technical and Commercial teams.

Hours are 40 per week, starting early morning with a half-hour break and every other weekend. We offer leave, pension, a share scheme, learning opportunities, parking, EAP, cycle-to-work and more.