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A leading Fresh Produce company in Paddock Wood , Kent are looking for a QA Inspector to join their ever growing team!

Job purpose:

• Assess and report on the raw product arriving at goods inward, in production, in shelf life and at the point of dispatch.
• Communicate quality issues to line management and ensure produce sent to customer complies with the required specification.
• The job holder is required to make an accurate assessment of product making decisions on whether it is necessary to re-sort the product, reject or ripen if necessary.
• Refer any major quality issues that require a more experienced view due to the cost of re-sorting or rejected product.

Key accountabilities and decision ownership:

•  Assess, review and report on the defects of produce to ensure that they comply with customer specifications at all stages of operations.
• Reporting and communicating any unsatisfactory conditions or quality for potential claims, further inspections and decisions to be made.
• Carry out destructive testing of product where required to support the QA processes, ensuring that product meets customer specification.
•  Collect and carry out shelf life testing and report findings via the SAP system.
• Carry out the necessary equipment and re-calibration checks to ensure that equipment is within specification for use.
• Using the Quick spec system, collect and check details of label information to ensure compliance throughout the operational processes.
• Support all customer visits to ensure all internal and external customer relationships are supported in a proactive manner.
• Ensure all management information and control documentation are maintained, accurate and in accordance with traceability, official standard/requirements and legislation, guarding against rejections and non-compliance.
• Ensure, through the effective management of physical environment, work practice and team behaviour, the effective implementation of the Company’s Health and Safety Policies.
• Comply with all relevant Company policies and procedures, including but not limited to Health, Safety & Wellbeing Policy, Equal Opportunities, Diversity & Dignity at Work Policy and Hygiene Policy.
• Working with all areas of the business to identify areas for improvement within our operational systems & process.

Key performance indicators:

• H&S Near Miss reporting
• Shelf-Life Data Integrity
• Customer Satisfaction resulting from delivery of customer requirements and product quality performance

Skills, know-how and experience:

Must have:

• Demonstrable skill, knowledge and previous experience of QA processes are an advantage but not necessary.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to operate effectively both internally and externally.
• Exhibits positive behaviours and professionalism at all times, even in difficult situations or when executing unpopular/tough decisions.
• Able to hold others accountable whilst maintaining positive relationships.
• Good IT skills – utilising Microsoft Office packages effectively.
• Established approach in balancing business and customer needs.

Desirable:

• Experience of working in the fresh produce industry.
• Experience of SAP.
• Understanding of BRC, ETI requirements.

Shifts:

Shift pattern is one weekend in, next weekend off in rotation, with a permanent fixed day off during the week.

Send your CV to georgina@fmkconsulting.co / frank@fmkconsulting.co to apply

A major UK grower and Cooperative group Leader for Salads and Vegetables, and Fruit importer, is looking for a person to join their sales team.

One of Fresh Produces’ most agile trading groups is looking to further expand their Trading team

They are looking for someone who knows their Salad and / or Veg !

This role is mainly for sales and procurement for the Non-Retail market in the UK. If your customer base is more extended or indeed more niche, not a problem. The plan is to enable your current and future Supply and Customer base plenty of room to breathe, cash flow is not an issue your credit control will always be part of the picture.

You will be the heart and soul of this category, there are no limits on which way you want to take it and full support is part of the package.

Expectations about you :

• A minimum of two years relevant experience.
• A combination of sales and buying background in Salad and or Vegetable categories.
• The ability to develop additional Customers and Suppliers
• Working knowledge of the Non-Retail sector (Wholesalers, Category Managers, Food Service, Food processors, Box Companies etc etc)
• Written and spoken fluency in English (other EU languages advantageous)

Please call Frank Kinsella on07734 861080 to discuss this role

We are looking for a Grape Guru! An experienced International Sales and Procurement Manager to join a team of well-respected and skilled fresh produce traders in a company recognised as a Global force in the Trade. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing sales and procurement strategies in new and existing international markets for the grape category. Current customers include EU, UK, MENA both retail and non-retail outlets.

To be successful in this role, you must have previous experience in international sales and be familiar with different cultures and business practices. You must be an excellent communicator and have the ability to build relationships with customers from all over the world. You must also be highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Our client is represented with satellite branches and grower partnerships throughout the World. The Trading hub is based in Spain, the fabulous and vibrant city of Valencia.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales and procurement plans for the grape category, to achieve assigned targets for new business, revenue growth, and market share expansion in international markets
• Research and develop strategies and plans which identify marketing opportunities, direct marketing, and new B2B development initiatives
• Manage a team of sales professionals, developing their skills to maximize performance and ensure achievement of individual, team, and company objectives
• Monitor customer, competitor, and market activity and trends, providing input to the development of short- and long-term plans to proactively address changes
• Work closely with other members of the trading team to develop and implement programs, policies, and processes related to international sales
• Develop and maintain relationships with key customers, partners, and influencers in international markets
• Negotiate and manage contracts with customers, distributors, and other third parties
• Plan and oversee logistics for international shipments, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Prepare reports on progress against plans, budgets, and targets for senior management
• Identify and resolve issues which may impede achievement of objectives
• Perform other duties as required or assigned
• Travel internationally as needed

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 5+ years sales & procurement experience in the Grape category
• Proven track record of achieving trading targets
• Strong understanding of international markets and trade regulations
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Fluent in English and one other European language

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience living or working abroad
• In-depth knowledge of one or more foreign markets
• Strong network of contacts in target market(s)
• Ability to travel extensively
• Strong analytical skills
• Leadership, motivate and drive the business
• Problem solving. Identify supply chain issues to maintain customer satisfaction
• Negotiation. To enable and sustain a profitable result for the grape category

Send your CV over to georgina@fmkconsulting.co and frank@fmkconsulting.co to apply

Call Frank on 07734 861080 to have a chat about the role and company in more detail

We have a new opportunity with a UK Importer based in Kent who has a wide portfolio of Fresh Produce : Fruit, Salads, Vegetables and Exotics. These are sold locally in Kent to Hotels, Restaurants, Caterers and a fledgling Home delivery service. The other half of the business deals mainly with core lines in Bananas and Limes on a vertically integrated supply basis. This will deal with their customers in UK and EU Wholesale.

They are committed to growth and among other positions, they are looking for a Sales Manager to join their team in North Kent. This is a SME where responsibilities are often shared to get the job done. If you do not come from a fresh produce background, the sales role is an exciting ground to learn about the fast-paced world of Fresh Produce. If you have a background in Fresh Produce sales, then you will easily fit in to a familiar range of products and customers.

• Take responsibility for local sales and UK/EU Wholesale.
• Jointly develop a sales plan covering current customers and developing new ones.

• Support Team in Sales and sales associated activity.
• Play a central role in price negotiations with customers and suppliers.
• Accurate and timely in administrative tasks.
• Track customer performance and implement new sales initiatives.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Confident communicator and rapport-builder.
• Agile and dynamic with the ability to work under pressure and successfully prioritise.
• Positive attitude, self-motivated mindset and able to work independently.
• A minimum of two years sales experience (B2B) - Fresh produce desirable but not essential.
• Desirable - a knowledge of the Non-Retail sector.
• Written and spoken fluency in English  (other European languages advantageous)

Send a CV over to georgina@fmkconsulting.co or frank@fmkconsulting.co (just.co) to apply, or call Frank Kinsella on 07734 861080 to have a chat about the role in more detail!

We are looking for a senior Commercial Manager or Sales Director with a strong background in the Fresh Produce / Fruit Industry

Our client is a well respected Fresh Produce Importer and to continue in their growth and success they are looking for an enthusiastic Sales Manager Europe based in either The Netherlands or Germany.

You would be working with an International, Vertically integrated Grower/ Marketeer with a branded product portfolio the envy of the Fresh Produce Trade.

The Role

• This is a Senior appointment. Customer facing. Maintaining / Growing current customers and Develop new .
• EU Retailers is the Broad brush target with a particular emphasis on Germany.
• Developing the European market and taking ownership of the products within your categories in terms of ranging, availability, quality, cost prices and margin, promotions. Managing the customer base on a day to day and long term basis, as the relationship with the customer is key to bringing value into the chain and securing future business. Continuously working with suppliers/growers and supply chain organisations. Taking responsibility for following and optimising the chain in order to avoid unnecessary costs and reduce risks. Building the company’s successful brand. Achieving agreed sales targets. Reporting of sales data analysis. Development of new products and new innovative packaging and launching them with new and existing customers.

Profile

• A highly skilled sales person with a business development mind.
• You would have a track record dealing with EU retailers and in particular retailers in Germany.
• Languages German & English and any other European languages desirable.
• Commercially astute with the ability to manage 3^rd party service providers.
• Fresh Produce Industry knowledge
• Proficient and proven commercial skills. Good social and interpersonal skills. The ability to work independently and in a team. Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Ability to analyse your sales achievements.

Call Frank Kinsella on 07734 861080 to discuss this new opportunity or send a CV to georgina@fmkconsulting.co