Senior Ripener, Fresh Produce Operations Lead

Zoe; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays

Pension scheme

Share scheme

Learning and development

Free onsite parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Parental pay

Life Assurance

Season Ticket Loans

Eye tests

Cycle to Work

Medicash Plan

Job summary

Zoe is seeking a Senior Ripener to support daily ripening operations at our Ripening Centre near Tonbridge. You will use technical knowledge, planning judgment and data to deliver fruit to customer quality, quantity and service requirements, while managing stock flow and ensuring safe, compliant operations.

You will lead ripening activities, mentor team members, and collaborate with QA, procurement and production to optimize yield, minimize waste and uphold food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Fresh produce ripening or food production experience.
• Ability to assess fruit maturity and manage stock by origin/season.
• Strong data management and room planning skills.
• Commitment to food safety, hygiene, traceability and health & safety.

Responsibilities

• Prioritise daily ripening activity, stock checks, room movements and operational tasks.
• Update stakeholders on performance, availability, quality risks and actions.
• Guide Ripeners, act as a senior contact and escalate issues to the Head of Product & Ripening.
• Plan and manage rooms to meet customer specifications, service requirements and stock targets.
• Assess condition and maturity, adjust cycles for origin, variety, season, stock age and customer need.
• Balance availability, shelf life, yield and waste while controlling stock rotation and product flow.
• Support QA with in-loading checks, supplier compliance, quality risks and waste reporting.

Skills

Ripening operations

Team mentoring

Data analysis

Food safety

Job description

Zoe is seeking a Senior Ripener to support daily ripening operations at our Ripening Centre near Tonbridge. You will use technical knowledge, planning judgment and data to deliver fruit to customer quality, quantity and service requirements, while managing stock flow and ensuring safe, compliant operations.

You will lead ripening activities, mentor team members, and collaborate with QA, procurement and production to optimize yield, minimize waste and uphold food safety standards.