Soft Fruit Technical Manager (Farm & Packhouse)
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
Are you an experienced technical professional with a strong background in soft fruit quality and compliance?
Do you thrive in a fast-paced farm and packhouse environment, managing audits, food safety systems, and retailer standards?
Are you motivated by the challenge of leading technical functions, driving improvements, and ensuring compliance across the supply chain?
Location of the Job:
Staffordshire (Farm & Packhouse-based)
Salary and Benefits Package:
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- Permanent, full-time role
- Company pension scheme
- Training and development opportunities
- Chance to lead compliance with major UK supermarkets and certification bodies
Additional Information:
- Full-time role with extended hours during peak season (May-October)
- Farm and packhouse environment including cold storage areas (1-8°C)
- Involves responsibility across technical, quality, and audit functions
About the Company:
Our client is a well-established soft fruit grower and packer, supplying premium berries to major UK and international retailers. With over 20 years' experience, they combine traditional farming values with sustainable practices and modern technology to deliver consistent quality. Their team is committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and customer satisfaction.
Soft Fruit Technical Manager - The Job Role Details:
As Technical Manager, you will lead all technical and quality assurance functions across the growing and packing operations. You will ensure compliance with supermarket standards, industry certifications, and food safety legislation, while managing audits, technical documentation, and HACCP systems. Acting as the main technical contact for retailers, auditors, and suppliers, you will oversee the QC team, support sustainability initiatives, and drive continuous improvement projects.
Soft Fruit Technical Manager - Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all technical and quality systems across the packhouse and farm operations
- Ensure compliance with BRCGS, GlobalG.A.P., Red Tractor, HACCP, and supermarket standards
- Manage third-party audits, internal audits, and technical documentation
- Act as the primary technical contact for retailers, auditors, and suppliers
- Oversee QC teams, product testing, and crop compliance (including pesticide residues)
- Support sustainability initiatives and continuous improvement projects
- Maintain strong relationships with customers, ensuring technical queries are resolved efficiently
Soft Fruit Technical Manager - Ideal Person Skills & Qualifications:
You will have/be:
- Proven technical/quality management experience within the soft fruit or fresh produce industry (essential)
- Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP systems, audits, and supermarket protocols
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
- Degree in Food Science, Agriculture, or Horticulture (desirable)
- BASIS / FACTS qualification (advantage)
- Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic, seasonal environment
How to Apply:
Please click on the "apply now" button.
The Industry (Key Words):
Technical Manager, Soft Fruit, Packhouse, Fresh Produce, Food Safety, HACCP, BRCGS, GlobalG.A.P., Red Tractor, Supermarket Standards, Quality Assurance, Agriculture, Sustainability.
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.
