Produce Quality Manager

Kimball & Thompson Produce; Lowell (AR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Welfare Benefits

Paid Time Off

401(k) with Company Match

Weekly Paid

Career Advancement Opportunities

Job summary

KT Produce in Arkansas seeks a quality-focused leader with 3+ years in fresh fruits and vegetables to monitor quality across receiving, warehousing, and distribution. You will ensure compliance with standards, investigate issues, and drive CAPA while partnering with operations to improve efficiency.

Ideal candidates have strong English communication, leadership experience, and proficiency with common PC tools. This role offers growth opportunities in a fast-paced food-service environment.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience working with fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Speak and write English satisfactorily.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Proficient PC skills and common email systems.

Responsibilities

• Monitor product quality throughout receiving, warehousing, and distribution processes.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct routine inspections and quality assessments of products.
• Review and analyze quality data, trends, and non-conformance reports to identify improvements.
• Investigate quality issues, determine root causes, and implement CAPA.
• Collaborate with Operations and Buyers to improve quality and efficiency.
• Provide regular reports and recommendations to senior leadership on quality performance.
• Promote a culture of quality, food safety, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication

Team development

Education

High school diploma or GED

3+ years leadership or supervisory experience

Job description

Founded in 2005, KT Produce is Arkansas' premier provider of fresh fruits and vegetables. KT Produce provides premium-quality fruits and vegetables to a vast assortment of foodservice establishments including restaurants, schools, hotels, military bases, healthcare facilities, and other institutions throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, and southwest Missouri.

Essential Functions

• Only applicants with Produce experience will be considered
• Monitor product quality throughout the receiving, warehousing, and distribution processes.
• Ensure compliance with company quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct routine inspections and quality assessments of products
• Review and analyze quality data, trends, customer complaints, and non-conformance reports to identify improvement opportunities
• Investigate quality issues, determine root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Collaborate with Operations and Buyers to improve product quality and operational efficiency
• Provide regular reports and recommendations to senior leadership regarding quality performance and improvement initiatives
• Promote a culture of quality, food safety, and continuous improvement throughout the organization

Competencies

• Only applicants with Produce experience will be considered
• Intellectual horsepower (highly analytical & strategic)
• Strong relationship management and interpersonal skills (high EQ)
• Innovative and creative thinking (need fresh thinking)
• Listening skills (listen first, then respond)
• Complex problem-solving skills (create options, then coverage)
• Organized and attention-to-detail approach (strong tactical execution)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess situations, prioritize tasks, and make sound business decisions
• Leadership and Team development
• Continuous Improvement
• Communication and Collaboration

Education & Experience

• At least 3 years of experience working with fresh fruits and vegetables
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Speak and write English satisfactorily
• At least 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• Proficient PC skills and common E Mail systems

Physical Demands

• Stand or sit for long periods of time
• Must be able to stand, bend, reach, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Work in cold and wet cooler environment for extended periods of time
• Repetitive bending and use of arms, legs, etc.

Benefits

• Health & Welfare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Voluntary Life)
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Weekly Paid
• Career Advancement Opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.