New Job Opening: QC in Orchard Place, Comp Road, Nr Wrotham Heath, Kent, TN15 8LW

Location: Kent
Salary: £28,500 per annum
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm
Weekend Working: 1 in 3 weekends, with a day off in lieu
Holiday: 25 days + 8 bank holidays

The Opportunity

An established and growing fresh produce business is looking for a QC / Quality Controller to join its Technical team in Kent. This is a hands-on role responsible for monitoring the quality, condition and specification compliance of fresh produce as it moves through the supply chain.

The successful candidate will work across a variety of fruit categories, including grapes, top fruit, cherries and stone fruit, while supporting other products when required. You will work closely with suppliers, packhouses, cold stores and internal Technical and Product teams to ensure products consistently meet customer requirements and agreed quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out detailed inload, outload and stock inspections against customer specifications and agreed quality standards.


• Assess product condition, quality and presentation, accurately recording findings and identifying any issues requiring action.


• Produce QC reports and communicate quality findings, stock movements and product status changes to relevant internal and external contacts.


• Escalate any potential food safety or quality concerns promptly to the appropriate management team.


• Maintain accurate stock and inspection information within internal systems, including arrival dates, inspection results and status changes.


• Work with the Technical and Product teams to support effective stock rotation and Order of Use decisions.


• Maintain records relating to shelf life, condition checks and product assessments.


• Support the investigation and follow-up of depot or customer rejections.


• Liaise with packhouses, suppliers and external cold storage facilities to ensure quality requirements are consistently maintained.


• Visit other storage locations when required to complete inspections, prepare samples or support product dispatches.


• Verify product labelling against customer requirements and relevant specifications, completing the necessary checks and sign-offs.


• Prepare product samples to the required standard for customers, suppliers and internal assessment.


• Monitor cold storage temperatures and report any concerns.


• Carry out routine calibration checks on QC equipment as part of the team rotation.


• Maintain a clean, organised and professional QC inspection area.


• Ensure good housekeeping during inspections, including the removal of pallet straps, corner boards and other packaging materials.


• Highlight any requirements for QC equipment, materials or sundries to the Line Manager.


• Participate in the 1-in-3 weekend rota, with time off in lieu provided.

About You

This role would suit someone with previous experience in quality control, quality assurance, fresh produce, food manufacturing, packhouse operations, food wholesale or a similar environment. You should be comfortable working with product specifications and making practical decisions regarding quality and condition.

You will be highly observant, organised and confident communicating quality issues to both internal teams and external suppliers. A practical, hands-on approach is important, as the role involves regular product inspection and working within chilled storage and operational environments.

Knowledge of fresh produce, particularly grapes, apples, pears, cherries, plums or other stone fruit, would be advantageous. However, candidates with strong food industry QC experience and a genuine interest in fresh produce will also be considered.

The role requires someone who is flexible, reliable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, including travelling to other nearby sites when required and participating in the weekend rota.