Quality Assurance Manager; Soft Fruit

An established and growing player in the agricultural export sector is looking for a Quality Assurance Manager to lead its quality function across a diverse, multi‑regional supply chain.

The business works closely with leading producers and international markets, delivering premium fresh produce while maintaining high standards of quality, consistency, and compliance. This is a high‑impact role for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, seasonal environment and wants to influence product quality from source to market.

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring that all product meets defined quality standards across sourcing, packing, and export processes. This includes overseeing quality systems, managing QC resources, driving compliance, and working closely with producers and internal teams to continuously improve product performance.

• Own and maintain QC systems and reporting processes
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity across the supply chain
• Analyse defect trends and provide actionable insights

• Lead internal QC teams and coordinate third‑party inspectors
• Plan and manage seasonal resource requirements
• Develop and deliver training to operational teams and partners

• Translate customer requirements into operational specifications
• Maintain and update SOPs
• Ensure labelling and regulatory compliance

• Evaluate quality claims and determine root causes
• Provide structured, evidence‑based feedback to producers
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives at source

• Lead and develop team members
• Collaborate with technical, commercial, and logistics teams
• Facilitate regular quality review meetings

• Contribute to budget planning
• Monitor quality‑related costs and ensure compliance

• Relevant Diploma or Degree (Agriculture, Food Science, or related)
• 5–7 years’ experience in fruit quality control
• 3–4 years’ people management experience
• Strong understanding of export fresh produce environments
• Experience with soft fruit and QC systems (advantageous)

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability
• High attention to detail and quality focus
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills
• Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency
• Strong planning and organisational ability
• Ability to adapt quickly to new systems and environments
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast‑paced, seasonal context

• Extensive travel across production regions (especially during peak season)
• Periods away from home (multiple nights at a time)
• Combination of office, packhouse, and field‑based work
• Extended working hours during seasonal peaks

This role offers the opportunity to operate at the centre of a dynamic supply chain, influencing product quality from farm to market. You will work with a committed team in an environment that values accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.

• An up‑to‑date CV
• A short cover message explaining why you are a strong fit for this role