Source Technologist Huntingdon, England
Job description
About The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Source Technologist who will travel to our global sites and be responsible for managing the quality and site standards front facing the growers and co-ordinating customer requirements with the wider team at AM Fresh UK whilst working on delivering retail plans through the company.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Responsible for undertaking customer Audits, setting and maintaining quality standards at source
- Work closely with the supply base, travel as and when required to growing areas
- Oversee the packing of fruit in relevant area destined for AM Fresh UK throughout the season.
- Set and drive quality standards during growing and packing for UK customers
- Understand and communicate any seasonal challenges that that may impact service/ availability or quality to the UK teams
- Understand the suppliers’ position with regards to relevant customer accreditations e.g. Sedex, (or SIZA if in RSA),
Auditing
- Conduct audits as per AM Fresh UK audit schedule and as directed by line manager
- Ensure audit findings are captured accurately and reports are informative
- Ensure corrective actions following any audit or non-conformity are followed through and closed out within agreed time frames
- Ensure reports are uploaded to relevant customer platform if necessary
- Maintain up to date reports on quality in UK. Follow up on any problems arising from suppliers within your allocated area.
- Use initiative to explore opportunities that could improve quality and opportunity for AM Fresh UK and its customers
- Co-ordinate any trials e.g. pre-packing at source, post-harvest trials etc.
- Understand the relevant source microclimates i.e. the early and late growing areas, advising of any potential or developing areas from which
- Assist in the preparation for customer visits as required.
- Participate positively and interact in customer source visits, demonstrating expertise and leading understanding in your field
- Assist AM Fresh UK technical teams in following up any gaps in Due Diligence / Ethical position
- Maintain an active awareness in any source projects being undertaken by suppliers and growers. Ensure information of such projects are communicated back to UK teams and progress is being tracked
- Maintain a watching brief to all supplier practices and activities with a view of protecting brand integrity for AM Fresh UK and its customers
Reporting
- Provide feedback to the UK Team over potential quality issues prior to fruit departure
- Provide UK Team with information about any potential new varieties and arrange samples.
- Provide regular crop, packing, maturity and weather (as well as physical movements) updates via daily/weekly reports
- Relationships and business representation
- Create rapport and develop good professional, working relationships with exporters and growers
- Be a good ambassador for AM Fresh UK and spread positivity about the company and its customers
About You
We are looking for someone who is a clear communicator and enjoys socialising and talking to people from a variety of backgrounds. Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for someone who is committed to the job in hand and able to manage their time effectively in different time zones whilst ensuring reports are completed in a timely manner.
To be successful, you will have:
Qualifications
- Diploma/ Degree in Agriculture or related food Science
- 1 years’ experience in a similar field
- Basic knowledge of HACCP and principles of quality management systems.
Skills and Experience
- Spanish speaker (Preferred)
- Ability to understand the full range of products standards and customer requirements.
- Good understanding and interpersonal skills at managing relationships at all levels internally and externally e.g. customer, suppliers.
- Excellent problem-solving skills to overcome industry challenges and implement continuous improvement drives.
Attributes
- Computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
- Good accuracy and attention to detail.
- Planning and organisational skills.
- Good problem solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
About Us
Here at AM Fresh UK, it is our mission to deliver the freshest and healthiest products to our customers and consumers. Based in the village of Alconbury, 5 miles outside of Huntingdon, AM Fresh UK continues to grow year on year and can offer a wealth of career and development opportunities at one of the area’s largest employers.
With over 90 years committed to delivering quality fresh food at scale, AM FRESH UK, owned by the AM FRESH Group is currently building their own state of the art facility. The site will be operational in 2023 and will showcase a variety of high-tech automation to serve the packing of fresh fruit and vegetables to major retailers. The business has invested heavily into this facility which further demonstrates the growth plans for the Group. AM FRESH employs around 700 people and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
