Product Evaluation Assistant

Product Evaluation Assistant  We are recruiting for a Product Evaluation Assistant to join a highly successful fresh produce business based in Bearsted, Maidstone would consider a graduate in Micro Biology, Food Science, Food technology or Biological Sciences , Agriculture or Horticulture discipline
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with an interest in fresh produce, product quality, data and emerging technology to support the development of increasingly data-driven supply chains.
Working closely with the Technical Management team, growers, breeders, suppliers and external consumer panel partners, you will coordinate product evaluation activity, capture and analyse product performance data and support projects designed to improve the quality and consistency of fresh produce.

The Role    Coordinate the day-to-day product evaluation process

Work with growers, breeders and internal teams to collate samples of new and existing varieties for consumer testing

Organise the transportation of samples to Consumer Panel partners

Measure and record product characteristics including size, weight, firmness, colour, Brix and Brix/acid ratios

Play a key role in a new blueberry data collection project

Measure and record shelf-life performance

Upload and maintain accurate information within the Product Evaluation database

Attend consumer panels where required to ensure testing is completed objectively and in line with agreed procedures

Conduct packaging and shelf-life trials

Support the implementation and ongoing development of Business Objects

Visit suppliers and breeders to review new varieties and provide feedback on product performance

Support the expansion of Product Evaluation activity into additional fresh produce categories

Collaborate with suppliers and research partners on product evaluation projects

Support internal taste panels and technical data collection

Help develop and maintain databases covering varieties, breeders and licences

Manage elements of the supplier portal, including quality intake reports, users and supplier access

Liaise with IT support to troubleshoot system and access issues

About You  We are looking for someone who is naturally analytical, highly organised and genuinely interested in product quality and data.
You will ideally have:
Experience or a strong interest in fresh produce, food, horticulture, technical or product quality would consider a graduate

Strong numerical and data-handling skills

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy

Confidence working with databases, systems and Excel/data reporting tools

An interest in AI and emerging technologies and how these can improve product consistency

Strong organisational skills with the ability to coordinate samples, testing and multiple projects

Good communication skills and confidence dealing with growers, breeders, suppliers and internal stakeholders

A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to work directly with fresh produce

The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider Technical team

What's on Offer    Permanent, full-time position

Opportunity to work closely with growers, breeders and leading fresh produce specialists

Exposure to product development, consumer research, technical systems and data-led supply chains

Opportunity to become involved in innovative projects using data, AI and emerging technology within fresh produce

This would particularly suit someone looking to develop their career within fresh produce technical, product evaluation or product development and who enjoys combining hands-on product work with data and technology. In the first instance send across your CV