Permanent

Senior Ripener - Fresh Produce

DivalentineCalver Recruitment

Tonbridge

£35000/annum

Posted: 07 October 2026 (Yesterday)

Closing date: 06 November 2026

Ref: 225697070

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Our-client-are-looking-for-the-perfect-candidate-to-support-their-established-and-ambitious-UK-Fresh-Produce-business,-based-at-a-newly-invested-Ripening-Centre-of-Excellence-near-Tonbridge.-With-grower-partners-in-key-locations-around-the-world,-we-ensure-a-seamless-52-week-supply-of-the-best-quality-avocados-to-customers-in-retail,-wholesale-and-foodservice-both-in-the-UK-and-further-afield.

This-is-an-opportunity-for-you-to-join-the-team-as-a-Senior-Ripener,-you-would-be-responsible-for-supporting-daily-ripening-operations,-using-technical-knowledge,-planning-judgement-and-accurate-data-to-deliver-fruit-to-customer-quality,-quantity-and-service-requirements.-The-role-manages-stock-flow,-makes-informed-decisions,-supports-Ripeners-and-maintains-safe,-compliant-and-efficient-operations.

Key-responsibilities

Team-support-&-communication

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-to-the-Head-of-Product-&-Ripening.

Ripening,-quality-&-stock-control

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.

Equipment,-process-&-compliance

Monitor-and-calibrate-equipment;-escalate-room-or-plant-issues-and-recommend-action.
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.

Our-perfect-candidate

You-will-have-practical-experience-in-fresh-produce,-ripening-or-food-production-and-strong-knowledge-of-fruit-behaviour-across-origins,-varieties,-seasons-and-stock-profiles.-You-can-assess-condition-accurately,-make-sound-decisions-and-adapt-plans-to-deliver-specification,-maximise-shelf-life-and-control-waste.

Organised-and-confident-with-data,-you-manage-rooms-and-plan-stock-through-the-ripening-cycle.-You-communicate-clearly,-mentor-Ripeners,-lead-by-example,-improve-performance-and-uphold-food-safety,-hygiene,-traceability-and-health-and-safety-standards.

Employment-Terms-and-Benefits