Technical and Sustainability Director

Dole plc; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fresh produce company in the UK seeks a Technical & Sustainability Director to drive compliance and sustainability initiatives. The successful candidate will lead strategic direction for technical operations, ensure adherence to food safety regulations, and foster relationships with retailers. Ideal for seasoned professionals with agronomy knowledge and retail experience. Competitive package available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Technical & Sustainability Director in food production.
• Strong understanding of UK food safety and compliance regulations.
• Experience in fostering partnerships with retailers and industry bodies.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical, ethical, and sustainability compliance for Dole UK.
• Champion sustainability initiatives aligned with global ESG goals.
• Build strategic partnerships with stakeholders in the industry.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Technical compliance

Sustainability initiatives

Food safety governance

Job description

Exclusive Opportunity: UK Technical & Sustainability Director – Dole PLC

Location: UK with regular travel to Kent and other locations

Competitive package depending on experience

We are proud to be exclusively partnered with Dole PLC, one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of fresh fruit and vegetables, in their search for a Technical & Sustainability Director to spearhead a transformational agenda primarily across their UK Retail division, and Wholesale, Foodservice, and JV businesses.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a highly strategic, commercially aware, and values-driven leader to shape the future of technical compliance, food safety, sustainability and ethical sourcing at one of the most respected names in global fresh produce.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic direction for technical, ethical, and sustainability compliance across Dole UK’s retail operations, ensuring full alignment with the Dole Global Food Standard and UK retail customers.
• Champion sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives by embedding Dole Plc’s global ESG ambitions into measurable UK targets, with direct involvement in projects shaping the future of food.
• Define and monitor performance through robust KPI frameworks across food safety, health & safety, sustainability, and ethical trade platforms including the likes of SEDEX.
• Act as the authority on technical legislation, audit compliance (Red Tractor, GG, LEAF), and food safety governance to drive due diligence and continuous improvement across the supply base.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with UK retailers, growers, and industry bodies, acting as the senior interface to influence policy, respond to challenges, and elevate the Dole brand.
• Develop and implement a long-term technical & compliance roadmap, supporting cross-functional innovation, product development, and alignment with customer CSR agendas.
• Line manage and mentor divisional leads across Technical, Ethical and R&D functions, fostering a culture of performance, innovation, and accountability across the group.
• Support pioneering R&D work, including Dole UK’s Future of Food programme and new product categories such as the European berry business.
• Represent Dole PLC at industry level, providing thought leadership on sustainability, ethical trade and technical excellence to maintain Dole’s position as a global category leader.
• Drive technical knowledge-sharing across EMEA regions, supporting harmonisation of sustainability targets and compliance standards in a collaborative, future-focused environment.

Who You Are:

You are a seasoned Technical and Sustainability Director, highly regarded across the industry for your strategic mindset, retail-facing experience, and ability to integrate commercial and ethical priorities. You bring practical agronomy know-how, deep knowledge of UK retailer expectations, and a passion for driving lasting impact in food systems.

If you believe you have the skills and personality to fit these requirements please either apply via this advert or call Henderson Brown on 01733 235 111 for more information.