Soft Fruit Quality Controller (Packhouse)
Location: Stafford, ST18
Reports to: Packhouse Operational Manager
Working Hours: Full-time (48+ hours per week).
Salary: £24,420 - £39,956 per yearJoin our dedicated team in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside, where we combine traditional farming values with sustainable methods and state-of-the-art technology to deliver premium-quality berries enjoyed both in the UK and internationally.
Job Purpose:
The Soft Fruit Quality Controller ensures that all produce packed in the packhouse meets customer specifications, food safety standards, and internal quality requirements. This role is crucial in identifying defects, preventing non-conforming products from being dispatched, and maintaining accurate records for traceability and audits.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Control and Compliance
Perform comprehensive quality checks on incoming and packed soft fruit (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries).
Monitor and verify critical quality attributes including size, firmness, colour, bloom, bruising, and presence of contaminants.
Ensure products meet customer-specific protocols and comply with BRCGS, Red Tractor, and HACCP principles.
Operational Monitoring
Conduct pre-start line checks and monitor product quality during packing runs.
Ensure all labels, punnets, and outer cases match the correct customer specifications and barcodes.
Identify, document, and quarantine non-conforming products or packaging.
Technology and Systems
Operate digital quality monitoring tools and scanners, and input data into Quality Management Systems (QMS).
Upload photographic evidence of non-conformance issues and complete electronic quality reports in real time.
Communication and Problem Solving
Work closely with Line Leaders, Engineers, and Technologists to address any immediate quality issues.
Support the implementation of corrective actions and product rework plans.
Escalate repeated quality issues to the Technical Manager promptly.
Documentation and Auditing
Maintain accurate and timely QC records for internal review and customer audits.
Support third-party audits with confidence and technical understanding.
Conduct traceability exercises and product recalls simulations when required.
Continuous Improvement and Training
Identify opportunities to improve quality processes and reduce wastage or customer complaints.
Mentor junior QC staff and contribute to training sessions on quality expectations and inspection techniques.
Stay informed of seasonal crop variations and changing customer specifications.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications:
Previous experience in soft fruit quality control within a packhouse supplying UK retailers.
Familiarity with QMS platforms preferred.
Training in Food Safety Level 2 or 3 required.
Working knowledge of customer-specific protocols and rejection criteria