Senior Ripening Lead - Data-Driven Fresh Produce Ops

The Fresh Produce Centre, Ltd.; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks annual leave incl. bank hols

Pension scheme

Optional company share scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Medicash

Death in service benefit

Job summary

The Avocado Company in Paddock Wood seeks a Senior Ripener to manage daily ripening operations, using data and practical knowledge to deliver quality fruit on time. You will supervise ripeners, plan room use and optimise stock flow while ensuring food safety and compliance.

Joining a growing business with global grower partnerships, you will contribute to achieving 52-week supply targets and deliver consistent customer service across retail, wholesale and foodservice.

Qualifications

• Experience in fresh produce, ripening or food production.
• Strong knowledge of fruit behaviour across origins, varieties, seasons and stock profiles.
• Able to assess condition accurately and make sound decisions to maximise shelf life and minimise waste.

Responsibilities

• Prioritise daily ripening activity, stock checks, room movements and operational tasks.
• Update Production, Technical, Commercial and Procurement on performance, availability, quality risks and actions.
• Guide Ripeners, act as a senior contact and escalate issues when required.
• Plan and manage rooms to meet customer specifications, service requirements and stock targets.
• Assess condition and maturity using pressure, dry matter, grading, sugar level and visual checks; adjust cycles for origin, variety, season, stock age and customer need.
• Balance availability, shelf life, yield and waste while controlling stock rotation, room use and product flow.
• Support QA with in-loading checks, supplier compliance, quality risks and waste reporting.
• Monitor and calibrate equipment; escalate issues to maintenance when needed.
• Use data and trials to improve yield, room utilisation, consistency and loss reduction.
• Keep audit-ready ripening, quality and traceability records in line with BRC, hygiene, 5S and company procedures.

Skills

Fresh produce experience

Ripening

Food production

Fruit knowledge

Job description

The Avocado Company in Paddock Wood seeks a Senior Ripener to manage daily ripening operations, using data and practical knowledge to deliver quality fruit on time. You will supervise ripeners, plan room use and optimise stock flow while ensuring food safety and compliance.

Joining a growing business with global grower partnerships, you will contribute to achieving 52-week supply targets and deliver consistent customer service across retail, wholesale and foodservice.