Job Description
Product Evaluation Assistant
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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. xkybehq
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
