We are looking for the perfect candidate to support our established and ambitious UK business, The Avocado Company, based at our newly invested Ripening Centre of Excellence in Paddock Wood . 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.

We have an opportunity for you to join our team in Paddock Wood 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.

The hours you would work:

5 on 2 off. Shift does include some weekend working.
5.30/6am start - 2/2.30pm finish

What we can offer you:

A competitive salary.
6.6 weeks annual leave incl. bank hols.
Pension scheme.
Optional company share scheme.
Learning and development opportunities.
Free onsite parking.
Employee Assistance Programme.
Cycle to Work scheme.
Medicash.
Death in service benefit.

The Fresh Produce Centre Ltd

Senior Ripener

About the Job