The Job Role Details:
As a Quality Controller, you will play a vital role in ensuring that all fruit packed meets customer specifications, food safety standards, and internal quality requirements. You will be responsible for spotting defects, preventing non-conforming products from being dispatched, and maintaining robust traceability records.
Soft Fruit Quality Controller - Key Responsibilities:
1. Perform detailed quality checks on incoming and packed soft fruit (predominantly strawberries and raspberries)
2. Monitor key attributes such as size, firmness, colour, bloom, and absence of defects or contaminants
3. Verify compliance with supermarket protocols (e.g. Tesco, M&S, Waitrose, Lidl) and food safety standards (BRCGS, HACCP, Red Tractor)
4. Conduct pre-start line checks and monitor ongoing product quality during packing runs
5. Ensure labels, punnets, and outer cases match customer specifications
6. Quarantine and document non-conforming product or packaging issues
7. Use digital monitoring systems and upload photographic evidence in real-time
8. Liaise with Line Leaders, Engineers, and Technologists to resolve quality issues and escalate where necessary
9. Maintain accurate QC records to support internal reviews and external audits
10. Participate in third-party audits, traceability exercises, and recall simulations
11. Identify opportunities for process improvement and mentor junior QC staff
Soft Fruit Quality Controller - Ideal Person Skills & Qualifications:
You will have/be:
12. Strong attention to detail and sensory evaluation skills
13. Understanding of soft fruit physiology and post-harvest handling
14. Knowledge of quality systems and digital data entry tools
15. Confidence in interpreting supermarket specification documents
16. Able to work under pressure in a high-throughput cold-chain environment
17. Good written and verbal communication skills
18. Food Safety Level 2 or 3 qualification (required)
19. Previous experience in fresh produce packhouse QC (preferred)
20. Familiarity with QMS platforms desirable
How to Apply:
Please click on the "apply now" button.
The Industry (Key Words):
Quality Control, Soft Fruit, Packhouse, Fresh Produce, Food Safety, HACCP, BRC, Supermarket Standards, Quality Assurance, Food Manufacturing, Technical, Agriculture.
We thank all applicants who apply for this role. However, please be advised that only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. Be assured that your application will be managed in complete confidence, and your personal details will not be passed to any third party without your prior permission.
About Us:
Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide outstanding recruitment, head-hunting, and job advertising services. We are the trusted recruitment partner of choice to industry-leading organisations across the UK and internationally. We recruit specifically for roles across agriculture, farming, horticulture, food and fresh produce, veterinary, animal health, agrochemicals, machinery, technical and engineering, and specialist education.