Technical Assistant
Location: West Malling, Kent
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (1 weekend in 3)
Holiday: 25 days + bank holidays (TOIL for weekend/bank holiday work)
Are you detail‑driven, organised, and passionate about maintaining high ethical and technical standards across the fresh produce industry?
We are looking for a proactive Technical Assistant to join a growing team and play a key supporting role across supplier management, compliance, quality, and customer service.
This is a fantastic opportunity to build a career in a dynamic technical team, working closely with suppliers, packhouses, major UK retailers and the Technical Director.
What You'll Be Doing
You'll become a key part of the technical operations, ensuring the supply base remains compliant, high‑quality, and well‑supported.
✔ Ethical Compliance & Due Diligence
Oversee supplier due diligence documentation
Manage ethical and labour standards compliance, including SEDEX
Produce monthly reports and close out non‑conformances
Support suppliers during audits and customer visits
Keep ahead of evolving legislation and retailer expectations✔ Retailer Platforms & Technical Systems
Maintain supplier/product information across retailer systems
Manage FEX derogations
Upload and communicate specifications and procedures
Keep technical documentation current and aligned with customer requirements✔ Complaints, Rejections & Non-Conformance
Respond to customer rejections professionally and promptly
Investigate complaints, conduct root cause analysis and gather evidence
Prepare formal complaint responses
Track trends and support continuous improvement✔ Fruit Allocation & Commercial Support
Assist with daily/seasonal fruit allocation
Liaise with Commercial and Operations to balance supply and demand
Monitor KPIs and customer‑specific quality standards✔ Supplier, Audit & Training Support
Support BRC and QMS activity
Help monitor KPIs such as QSL and complaint metrics
Assist with training for the Technical and QA teams✔ General Technical Support
Provide day‑to‑day assistance to the Technical Director
Act as cover during absences
Support ongoing improvements in ethical, technical and supplier management systemsWhat You'll Bring
Strong organisation and communication skills
Confidence managing multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment
A passion for ethical and technical standards
A proactive approach and willingness to take initiative
Experience in fresh produce, technical compliance, or quality assurance is beneficial but not essentialWhy Join?
Be part of a friendly, collaborative and growing team
Gain exposure to major UK retailers and global suppliers
Develop your career in technical, quality, and ethical compliance
Enjoy a varied role where no two days are the same
Work in an organisation committed to continuous improvementIf you're ready to take your next step in the fresh produce industry and want to make a real impact across ethics, quality and supply chain excellence, we'd love to hear from you!
Apply now and join a company where your contribution truly matters