Technical & Quality Manager - Grapes

SUMMARY:

Our client, a growing fresh produce business, is looking for an experienced Technical & Quality Manager with strong table grape experience to take ownership of quality, food safety, technical compliance and packaging standards across its grape operations.

This is a key leadership position for a technical professional who understands th...

POSITION INFO:
Our client, a growing fresh produce business, is looking for an experienced Technical & Quality Manager with strong table grape experience to take ownership of quality, food safety, technical compliance and packaging standards across its grape operations. This is a key leadership position for a technical professional who understands the specific quality, grading, packaging, export and retail requirements associated with table grapes and can build and lead a technical function across both export and local markets. Key Responsibilities Lead and build the technical and QC function, including recruiting, training, managing and setting KPIs for the team Own quality and technical compliance across the table grape supply chain, from pre-harvest checks through packhouse operations, cold chain and final dispatch Manage export certification and audit readiness, including GLOBALG.A.P., BRCGS and PrimusGFS requirements Ensure compliance with local food safety regulations and technical requirements of domestic retail and supermarket groups Manage buyer and retailer specifications covering grape quality, grading, sizing, packaging, labelling and pallet standards Develop and maintain SOPs, inspection checklists and quality control systems, including final pre-shipment and pre-dispatch sign-off Manage non-conformances, corrective actions, root-cause investigations, traceability and mock recall processes Monitor and report key quality and compliance KPIs, including rejection rates, audit findings, temperature excursions and non-conformance closure Build relationships with growers, packhouse teams, auditors, certification bodies, authorities, export buyers and local retailers Drive continuous improvement across grape growing, packing and distribution processes using QC findings and performance data The role will involve regular travel between the packhouse, grower sites, export facilities and local retail partners. Requirements 5+ years' experience in fresh produce technical, quality or compliance management, with table grapes being a core area of experience Proven hands-on experience with table grapes, including grape quality, grading, packing and\/or export requirements Degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Horticulture or a related field, or equivalent industry experience Working knowledge of GLOBALG.A.P., BRCGS and\/or PrimusGFS and GFSI certification processes Experience working with export markets and international buyer or retailer technical specifications Experience with local\/domestic retail supply chains and retailer technical requirements Understanding of phytosanitary export requirements, MRL compliance and cold-chain management Previous experience building or leading a QC or technical team Strong data, documentation and KPI reporting skills Willingness to travel regularly between packhouse, grower sites and retail partners Experience with EU, UK or US fresh produce market requirements, HACCP certification or established relationships with certification bodies, auditors or retail QA teams would be advantageous.