Location: Marden, Tonbridge.
Salary: untrained £12.89 per hour/trained £14.32 per hour (the applicable overtime rate is + 1.25% for each role after 48hours)
About the Company
Based in Tonbridge, Kent, our client is a well-established and respected business within the fresh produce sector. Supplying high-quality products to customers across the UK, they have built a reputation for excellence, reliability, and exceptional customer service.
Operating within a fast-paced and collaborative environment, the company offers excellent opportunities for individuals looking to develop their skills and build a long-term career within a growing and dynamic organisation.
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a detail-oriented Quality Controller to join a busy fresh produce operation in Tonbridge.
This role is critical in ensuring that all products leaving site meet strict customer specifications, food safety standards, and legal requirements. You will play a key role in maintaining product quality, traceability, and compliance throughout the packing and dispatch process.
This position would suit someone with previous experience in quality control, fresh produce, food manufacturing, or a similar production environment who thrives in a fast-paced setting and takes pride in maintaining the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Control & Product Compliance
- Ensure all products meet customer specifications and quality standards before leaving the packhouse.
- Carry out final pallet inspections, checking product quality, packaging, labelling, and presentation.
- Verify the accuracy of pack labels, tray-end labels, and pallet identification.
- Apply QC approval labels or HOLD status labels where required.
- Monitor packing operations to ensure products are packed to the correct customer specifications.
- Provide guidance and support to production staff on packing standards and quality requirements.
- Maintain full product traceability and ensure all quality records are completed accurately.
- Conduct calibration checks, hygiene inspections, and glass/foreign body checks as required.
- Identify, investigate, and report any non-conformances immediately.
- Ensure correct packaging materials, labels, and equipment are used at all times.
Intake & Dispatch Quality Checks
- Inspect incoming and outgoing stock against customer specifications and order documentation.
- Approve and release stock for dispatch once quality standards have been met.
- Implement HOLD procedures for any products that fail quality requirements.
- Communicate inspection findings and quality concerns to warehouse teams and suppliers.
- Complete QC reports and maintain accurate system records.
- Ensure all inspections are completed efficiently and within required timescales.
Health, Safety & Food Safety
- Maintain exceptional standards of hygiene and housekeeping throughout production areas.
- Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, and all food safety procedures.
- Verify correct PPE is worn and food safety requirements are consistently followed.
- Report hazards, risks, and unsafe practices immediately.
- Support internal and external audit requirements.
- Assist with incident reporting and corrective actions where required.
- Promote and maintain a strong “clean as you go” culture across the site.
Administration & Documentation
- Complete all quality control paperwork accurately, legibly, and on time.
- Ensure documentation is correctly completed, signed, dated, and filed.
- Review and approve packing instructions before production begins.
- Maintain accurate records to support product traceability and audit compliance.
- Collect and manage quality, shelf-life, and retention samples where required.
- Update quality systems and records in line with company procedures.
Team Support & Continuous Improvement
- Support production teams in achieving quality standards and customer requirements.
- Assist colleagues and departments where required.
- Lead by example through a professional, positive, and proactive approach.
- Identify opportunities to improve quality systems, processes, and operational efficiency.
- Escalate recurring issues or underperformance to management when appropriate.
What We’re Looking For
The successful candidate will have:
- Previous experience within quality control, food manufacturing, fresh produce, or a similar production environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to provide clear guidance and feedback.
- Knowledge of food safety standards, including HACCP and GMP principles (preferred).
- The ability to work effectively within a fast-paced production environment.
- Strong organisational, administrative, and record-keeping skills.
- A positive, hands-on attitude with a collaborative approach to teamwork.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Success in this role will be measured through:
- Product quality and compliance standards
- Customer satisfaction and feedback
- Internal and external audit performance
- Accuracy of quality records and reporting
- Inspection efficiency and turnaround times
- Traceability and food safety compliance
What’s in it for You?
- Permanent, full-time opportunity
- Competitive hourly pay with progression following training
- Opportunity to join a growing and successful fresh produce business
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Career progression within a quality-focused operation
Mission Resourcing is acting as a recruitment partner on behalf of our client. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to provide individual feedback. If you have not heard from us within 15 working days, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
To apply to this vacancy: Apply via the website or send an email with your CV to vicky@missionresourcing.co.uk