Senior Ripener

Senior Ripener / Ripening Specialist Fresh Produce

Near Tonbridge Kent

35000 per annum

Full-time Permanent

About the Role

A leading fresh produce supplier based near Tonbridge is seeking an experienced Senior Ripener to join their state-of-the-art facility.

Working with high-volume global produce lines year-round you will lead daily ripening operations manage stock flow and use technical expertise to ensure fruit meets exact retail wholesale and foodservice quality specifications. This is a key position where your technical decision-making directly impacts quality yield and waste reduction.

Key Responsibilities

• Ripening & Stock Management: Plan manage and optimise ripening rooms to meet customer volume spec and timing requirements.
• Quality Control: Assess fruit condition and maturity using pressure dry matter grading sugar levels and visual checks. Adjust cycles according to variety origin season and stock age.
• Team Guidance: Act as a senior technical contact on site guiding and mentoring junior Ripeners and escalating issues to senior management when necessary.
• Cross-Departmental Communication: Collaborate daily with Production Technical Commercial and Procurement teams regarding stock availability quality risks and operational priorities.
• Process & Compliance: Monitor and calibrate equipment maintain audit-ready BRC hygiene and traceability records and support continuous improvement/yield trials.

Your Skills & Experience

• Industry Experience: Proven practical experience within fresh produce commercial fruit ripening or food manufacturing.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of fruit behaviour across different origins seasons and varieties.
• Data & Decision-Making: Confident using data to plan stock flow manage room utilisation and minimise waste while maximising shelf life.
• Leadership & Standards: Clear communicator capable of mentoring staff and upholding strict food safety BRC and H&S standards.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of 35000
• Opportunity to work in a newly invested modern facility
• Long-term career development within a stable growing industry sector