Technologist

**Technologist**

Reporting to our Technical Manager, we are looking for a technologist to become part of our team of Avocado experts. Focussing on compliance from our world-class supply partners, you will have responsibility for the management of grower due diligence, forming the critical link between our growers and customers and therefore you will be an organised and effective communicator. The opportunity to learn about the technical aspects of our product from post-harvest controls through the entire supply chain, to the sophisticated ripening process in our new state-of-the-art facilities, will appeal to you and present a great foundation for future progression. This could be a good career move for someone with either relevant experience in a similar role looking to get into the very fast-paced & exciting growth category that is Avocados, or someone with some fresh produce industry experience looking for their first step into a technical role, we can tailor the training and package to suit. What you must bring is not only great attention to detail when managing data, but also energy, enthusiasm and a thirst to learn new things.

The Avocado Company, based at our newly invested Ripening Centre of Excellence in Paddock Wood and with grower partners around the world, is an established and growth-hungry business, supplying the best quality avocados to retail, wholesale and food service customers in the UK and overseas.

Reporting to the Technical Manager, the purpose of this role is to develop and maintain the technical reports, supplier compliance systems and due diligence requirements. It is a hands-on role that involves product assessment, sampling for retail & compliance activities and requires support with customer & grower visits. You’ll be maintaining customer and internal data requirements, including analysis and reporting. This includes contributing to decisions relating to data in the end-to-end supply chain.

You’ll also be supporting category leadership through value-adding innovation and R&D (eg. variety development, packaging solutions, sustainability, data, points of difference) whilst at all times communicating effectively until the point of implementation.

**Our perfect Technologist would have**:

- Trained in using Excel (preferably to an advanced level) and comfortable with Pivot tables, Power Pivots and basic formulas. Intermediate to advanced level in PowerPoint & Word.
- Organized with an excellent attention to detail.
- Able to understand and interpret customer requirements.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills at all levels internally and externally.
- Commercial awareness.
- A proactive can-do attitude.
- Ability to analyze complex data.
- QA or previous Technical experience would be desirable.

**What else we can offer you**:

- A competitive salary.
- 25 days holiday per annum plus 8 days bank holidays.
- Pension scheme.
- Flu Vouchers.
- Eye Care vouchers.
- Employee Assistance Program - a 24/7 helpline to support you through any of life’s issues or problems, including health, financial, family, addictions, etc.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Company Share Incentive Plan - employees may join the scheme at the next scheme renewal date once they have completed 6 months of service.
- Cycle to Work Scheme, once you have successfully completed your probationary period, you can use the salary sacrifice scheme.
- Imagination Library - Free books every month for children of our employees up to age 5.

**The hours you would work**:

- Monday to Friday.
- 8 am - 5 pm (40hrs per week) office based in Paddock Wood, Kent.

You need to have the right to work in the UK. We do not provide sponsorship.