About Keelings
Keelings is a 100% Irish-owned family business passionate about fresh produce. Operating across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we grow, source, and supply top-quality fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships - powered by our dedicated people.
Purpose of the Role
Join Keelings! You will be part of a passionate team of people and a growing business. Come on the journey with us where you will grow and develop and truly feel a sense of belonging. At Keelings, we don't just grow quality fresh produce, we also nurture people and their professional development. The Keelings family always employ the best people for the job, the key to our success is the quality of the people we employ.
To category manage all aspects of product quality, safety and legality from the supplier base to the customer.
To liaise and consult with other departments in on all aspects of food quality, legality and safety within the
category through training and generation of information and to maintain all technical management systems,
I.e. SEDEX, ETI, Retailer Websites, etc.
To ensure the business is compliant on ethical and environmental issues.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities
Supplier & Grower Management
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Develop and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers and growers
- Conduct supplier risk assessments, supplier audits, and performance reviews, managing supplier KPIs to drive continuous improvement and year-on-year enhancements in quality performance.
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Support the development of growers in achieving and maintaining required due diligence standards, certifications, and accreditations.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
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Ensure robust systems are in place to manage product quality, safety, and legality through appropriate second-party and third-party auditing programmes.
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Maintain supplier and grower due diligence records to meet customer, business, regulatory, and legal requirements.
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Ensure timely communication and reporting of non-conformances, corrective actions, and supplier improvement initiatives
Crop & Supply Chain Information
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Provide regular and accurate updates to relevant internal departments on crop conditions, seasonal developments, and weather outlooks that may impact supply or product quality.
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Monitor and communicate emerging risks and opportunities within the grower and supplier base.
Customer & Technical Support
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Support the Customer Technical Manager by providing accurate reporting and insights relating to product quality, grower performance, varietal information, and supply chain developments.
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Contribute to customer-facing quality and technical reports, ensuring information is current, accurate, and action-oriented.
Key Focus Areas
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Supplier and grower relationship management
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Quality assurance and continuous improvement
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Food safety, legality, and compliance
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Due diligence and audit management
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Crop monitoring and communication
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Customer technical support and reporting
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
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Customer QSL
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Supplier QSL
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Reduction in Net Waste
Key Skills & Knowledge
Essential:
- Proven track record developing, implementing and managing Quality Systems within the Food/Fresh Produce industry
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Good understanding of the requirements of major retailers.
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Knowledge of 3rd party auditing to a minimum of BRC standards.
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To have directly worked or to have a clear understanding of retail accreditation standards.
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Ability to work in a busy environment meeting time/budget deadline.
Core Competencies:
- Team player
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A positive attitude
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Eager to learn and develop both personally and professionally
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Flexible and adaptable
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Proactive and efficient
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Good IT Skills - PowerPoint, word, excel.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
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Confidentiality/discretion to the highest standard
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Planning and organisational skills
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The ability to work on their own initiative
Benefits:
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Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop and subsidized canteen
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Free On-site parking with access to electric chargers
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Wellness Initiatives such as wellness week
Keelings Values
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People Matter
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Teamwork
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Integrity
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Passion for Achievement
Inclusion & Diversity Statement
In Keelings we value all perspectives and knowledge that our colleagues bring to our business. We are committed to forming a diverse and inclusive team where all can share their unique experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all cultures and backgrounds and are dedicated to forming an environment of inclusiveness and diversity where all can thoroughly feel a sense of belonging.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know at [email protected]
Recruitment Process
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1. CV Submission & email acknowledgment of receipt
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2. Phone Screening
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3. 1st Interview
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4. 2nd Interview
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5. Outcome & Feedback
Keelings Careers - https://www.keelings.com/careers-keelings/
Keelings Strategy & Values - https://www.keelings.com/our-people/
