Head of Quality - UK Business Unit

Westfalia Fruit

  • Spalding, Lincolnshire
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 21 days ago
  • Apply easily
Come and join the leading #avoexperts 🥑Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.We’re looking for a Head of Quality – UK Business Unit to join our team in, Spalding.Role SummaryThe Head of Quality UK is responsible for leading and executing the regional quality strategy in alignment with the global quality vision. This role ensures best-in-class food safety, quality assurance, and continuous improvement standards are met across all UK-based sourcing, operations, ripening, packing, and distribution activities.The role will work cross-functionally with UK operations, supply chain, sourcing, commercial, and quality teams, while maintaining strong alignment with the global quality function. The Head of Quality will champion customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence, ensuring that both Westfalia-grown and third party-sourced products consistently meet the high standards required by UK retail and wholesale customersTravel RequirementsThe role will involve regular travel within the UK to visit customers, and other Westfalia locations (Kent - Head office), as well as international travel to support global quality alignment, supplier engagement, or audits as required.Flexibility is essential, as travel may be reactive to quality incidents or aligned to seasonal supply chain needs. Some evening or overnight stays may be necessary depending on travel requirements.Working ConditionsThis role is based at the UK operations site in Spalding, with a requirement to be on-site a minimum of 3 days per week to support operational oversight and team engagement.Responsibilities include:
  • Champion UK Quality Strategy by implementing global standards and driving a culture of compliance, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Oversee End-to-End Quality across the full value chain—from intake through ripening, packing, and logistics—to ensure “right first time” results.
  • Build Robust Systems & KPIs tailored to the UK market, ensuring measurable improvements and world-class performance.
  • Guarantee Compliance with all customer requirements, food safety laws, and industry regulations—always audit-ready.
  • Own Product Integrity by managing incidents, recalls, and deviations with swift, effective corrective actions.
  • Collaborate Across Functions with global, regional, and UK teams to align standards, share insights, and implement best practices.
  • Drive Continuous Improvement using data, trend analysis, and customer feedback to boost quality and shelf life.
  • Innovate with Digital Tools by leading initiatives in predictive quality control and smart technology integration.
  • Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team by building capability, fostering accountability, and delivering impactful training.
  • Shape the Future of Quality in a dynamic, fast-paced business where your leadership directly influences success.
Health & Safety – Special Responsibilities
  • To take reasonable care of your own health and safety.
  • To take reasonable care not to put other employees and members of the public at risk by what you do or don't do in the course of your work.
  • To co-operate with your employer, in relation to training given, following procedures and wearing of any PPE required for carrying out your role.
  • Not to interfere with or misuse anything that's been provided for your own or others health, safety or welfare.
  • To report any injuries, strains or illnesses you suffer as a result of performing your role.
  • To inform your employer immediately if something happens that might affect your ability to work i.e. pregnancy or suffering an injury.
  • To ensure a good standard of housekeeping in your work area adhering to the clean as you go policy.
Food Safety, Integrity & Hygiene – Special Responsibilities
  • It is your responsibility to ensure food safety and hygiene standards are always maintained and adhered to in your working area.
  • You shall ensure any food safety and integrity concerns are reported immediately to management.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure product meets customer expectations that aligns to customer brand values.
  • You shall handle all products with care ensuring highest quality is supplied to our customers.
  • To make reasonable effort to contribute positively to the business food safety, quality and integrity culture.
  • You shall adhere to hygiene rules including clean as you go and wear applicable PPE where required.
RequirementsExperience we look for:Essential
  • Educational Background: Degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Supply Chain, or related field; additional qualifications in Food Safety or Quality Management are a plus.
  • Proven Experience in a senior quality role within fresh produce, FMCG, or food manufacturing, with hands-on knowledge of ripening, packing, and logistics.
  • Compliance Expertise: Deep understanding of UK food legislation, retailer standards, and certifications like HACCP, BRC, GlobalG.A.P, and CAPA.
  • Technical Know-How: Skilled in auditing, risk assessment, root cause analysis, and post-harvest fruit biology.
  • Digital & Analytical: Confident using Quality Management Systems and leveraging data to drive continuous improvement.
  • Leadership & Influence: Strong people manager with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Strategic Yet Detail-Oriented: Capable of balancing big-picture thinking with a meticulous eye for detail.
  • Resilient & Adaptive: Comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a mindset focused on growth and improvement.
Desirable
  • Postgraduate qualifications in Food Safety, Quality Management, or Business Leadership
  • Experience working within the avocado, tropical, or subtropical fruit sectors
  • Previous involvement in customer-facing technical or quality roles, including direct engagement in retailer audits and product claims
  • Familiarity with sustainability standards and their integration into quality frameworks
  • Experience leading cross-functional quality improvement projects across multiple sites or functions
  • Exposure to digital quality systems, traceability tools, and data analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, ERP-integrated QMS)
  • Demonstrated ability to navigate and influence within a matrix or global organisation
  • Track record of building and mentoring high-performing quality teams
  • Continuous improvement certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen)
BenefitsWhat can Westfalia Fruit offer you?
  • 25 days holiday
  • Free on-site parking
  • Additional Annual Leave day on your Birthday
  • Company pension plan
  • Medicash plan
  • Life Insurance
Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.

Westfalia Fruit