About Us:
Charltons, a leading UK-based grower and packer, specialises in high-quality top, stone, and soft fruits. Established in 1946 by George Charlton, we are a family-owned business with over half a century of experience in the fruit industry. Our operations span 400 hectares across 13 picturesque sites in the Kent and Norfolk countryside.
Our Workforce:
We employ a core team of 350 employees and welcome seasonal workers from around the globe during peak seasons. Our commitment to excellence extends from our dedicated workforce to our collaborative partnerships.
Partnerships and Market Reach:
Charltons collaborates with producer organisations and marketing desks to supply quality produce to many leading UK retailers. We work closely with marketing organisations and retail clients to provide carefully selected fruit varieties, ensuring the highest standards from grower to customer.
Our Produce and Passion:
We are passionate about growing various varieties of apples, strawberries, and cherries. Our dedication to quality and meticulous attention to detail are evident throughout the production process.
Your Role:
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Technical Manager
The Senior Technical Manager will serve as the technical expert and key liaison between the farm and major retail customers, managing relationships with top supermarket accounts.
This customer-facing role is integral to the commercial team's success.
Why Join Us?
At Charltons, you'll be part of a family-run business with a long-standing reputation for excellence. You'll work in a beautiful countryside setting, with opportunities to make a significant impact on our operations and growth.
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about IT and want to contribute to a thriving fruit production company, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume CV ? and cover letter to HumanResources@rumwoodgreenfarm.co.uk
Charltons is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Job Summary:
The Senior Technical Manager will play a critical role within the commercial team at a leading fruit farm, acting as the technical expert and primary liaison between the farm and its key retail customers. This is a customer-facing role with full responsibility for managing relationships with major supermarket accounts.
The Senior Technical Manager will ensure that all fruit produced meets the stringent quality and safety standards required by customers, while collaborating closely with internal teams to maintain operational excellence. This role requires a deep understanding of technical processes, post-harvest handling, and regulatory compliance, coupled with strong communication skills to manage customer expectations and maintain long-term partnerships.
In addition, the Senior Technical Manager will lead a team consisting of three direct reports, who in turn manage Quality Control (QC) teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Customer Account Management:
* Serve as the primary technical point of contact for key supermarket customers, ensuring their quality specifications and compliance requirements are fully understood and met.
* Lead regular technical reviews with customers, providing detailed updates on product quality, innovations, and any corrective actions.
* Resolve customer queries and concerns related to product quality or food safety in a timely and professional manner.
* Collaborate with customers to develop joint initiatives aimed at improving product quality, shelf life, and sustainability.
Technical Operations Oversight:
* Work closely with the farm’s production and packhouse teams to ensure that all fruit handling, grading, and packing processes meet the highest quality standards.
* Oversee the implementation of post-harvest technologies and techniques to maximise product quality and shelf life.
* Ensure all fruit is handled, processed, and packaged according to both customer and regulatory standards (HACCP, GMP, etc.).
* Implement quality control measures throughout the supply chain, from farm to dispatch, to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality fruit.
Quality Assurance & Compliance:
* Develop and maintain strong food safety and quality management systems, ensuring compliance with all relevant industry standards and customer requirements.
* Lead audits, both internal and external, ensuring that the farm is always audit-ready for customer and regulatory inspections.
* Implement traceability systems across the farm’s production and packing operations to ensure transparency and accountability in product handling.
* Monitor industry trends and changes in regulations to ensure ongoing compliance and proactively update processes where necessary.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
* Identify opportunities for process improvements that will enhance product quality, increase operational efficiency, and reduce waste.
* Stay informed on the latest technological advancements in post-harvest handling and quality control, introducing new solutions that benefit both the farm and its customers.
* Collaborate with R&D teams to test and introduce new varieties or packing methods that meet evolving customer demands.
Cross-Department Collaboration:
* Work closely with the commercial team to ensure customer requirements are fully integrated into operational planning and production schedules.
* Collaborate with procurement, production, and logistics teams to ensure a seamless supply chain that delivers on customer expectations.
* Provide technical expertise and support to marketing and sales teams, helping them communicate the farm’s technical capabilities and product quality to customers.
Leadership & Team Management:
* Lead and mentor a team of technical professionals, including quality control staff and packhouse supervisors, ensuring high performance and continuous development.
* Develop and implement training programs to ensure that all staff are knowledgeable about customer requirements, food safety, and best practices in quality management.
* Foster a strong culture of quality and food safety throughout the entire operation, from farm workers to packhouse staff.
Reporting & Data Analysis:
* Collect, analyse, and report on key data related to fruit quality, production efficiency, and customer feedback, using these insights to drive improvements.
* Provide regular reports to senior management and customers, highlighting performance metrics, areas for improvement, and successful initiatives.
* Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and strategic planning within the technical and commercial teams.
Key Skills & Competencies:
* Strong knowledge of technical operations in fruit farming, including post-harvest handling, quality control, and food safety standards.
* Proven experience in a customer-facing role, ideally working with major supermarket accounts or retailers.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships.
* Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with experience in training and developing technical teams.
* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, working cross-functionally to meet both customer and operational goals.
* A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Qualifications:
* Degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field is desirable, but not essential
* Extensive experience in a technical or quality management role within the fresh produce industry, with a focus on customer-facing responsibilities is desirable, but not essential
* Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and other relevant food safety and quality standards.
* Experience working directly with major retailers or supermarket accounts is highly desirable.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £60,000.00-£75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Experience:
* Client Facing: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 21/11/2024
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