Quality Controller - Reed : Job Details

Soft Fruit Quality Controller (Packhouse)Location: Stafford, ST18Reports to: Packhouse Operational ManagerWorking Hours: Full-time (48+ hours per week)Salary: £30,000 to £35,000 per annum

Join a forward-thinking team in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside, where innovation meets tradition. We’re passionate about growing and delivering premium-quality berries using sustainable farming practices and advanced technology. Our fruit is enjoyed across the UK and internationally — and we’re looking for a detail-driven Quality Controller to help maintain our high standards.

As a Soft Fruit Quality Controller, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring that every punnet packed meets customer expectations, food safety regulations, and internal quality benchmarks. You’ll be the gatekeeper of quality, preventing non-conforming products from leaving the site and supporting continuous improvement across the packhouse.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Inspect incoming and packed soft fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries) for key quality attributes.
• Monitor size, firmness, colour, bloom, bruising, and contamination.
• Ensure compliance with BRCGS, Red Tractor, HACCP, and customer-specific standards.

Operational Oversight

• Conduct pre-start checks and monitor quality throughout packing runs.
• Verify labels, punnets, and outer cases match customer specifications and barcodes.
• Quarantine and document any non-conforming products or packaging.

Technology & Systems

• Use digital tools and scanners to record quality data in real time.
• Upload photographic evidence and complete electronic reports via QMS.

Communication & Problem Solving

• Collaborate with Line Leaders, Engineers, and Technologists to resolve quality issues.
• Support corrective actions and escalate recurring problems to the Technical Manager.

Documentation & Auditing

• Maintain accurate QC records for internal and external audits.
• Assist with traceability exercises and product recall simulations.

Continuous Improvement & Training

• Identify process improvements to reduce waste and complaints.
• Mentor junior QC staff and contribute to training initiatives.
• Stay informed of seasonal crop changes and evolving customer requirements.

• Experience in soft fruit quality control within a packhouse supplying UK retailers.
• Familiarity with QMS platforms is a plus.
• Food Safety Level 2 or 3 certification.
• Strong understanding of retailer protocols and rejection criteria.