Role OverviewThe Quality Specialist is responsible for ensuring that T&G program fruit consistently meets defined quality, brand, and market access standards across growing, packing, storage, and export activities. This role provides hands-on oversight of packing and storage operations, develops and monitors quality performance frameworks, and works closely with growers, packers, and internal teams to optimize quality outcomes and supply alignment. Through continuous improvement initiatives, R&D support, and data-driven reporting, the Quality Specialist helps improve fruit quality, operational performance, and program value while strengthening collaborative relationships across the EPI business.
Job Description- Lead end-to-end quality control from fruit receipt through storage, packing, and dispatch, ensuring product consistently meets T&G specifications, customer requirements, and market access standards.
- Implement and actively manage a quality performance framework across packing and storage partners, including clear KPIs, real-time monitoring, and timely corrective actions to address deviations.
- Assess incoming fruit condition at intake and guide lot segregation, storage strategies, and packing priorities to preserve quality and optimize outturn.
- Partner with packers and planning teams to align packing execution with quality standards, ensuring consistency in grade, pack style, and defect tolerances across all programs.
- Lead post-harvest initiatives focused on improving fruit quality, packouts, and storage and in-market arrival outcomes for apple commercial apple varieties.
- Coordinate and support orchard and packing trials in partnership with growers, researchers, and third-party providers.
- Collaborate with VentureFruit to execute trial from field to post-harvest to optimize quality and storability across new varieties and commodities.
- Where appropriate or as directed, actively seek feedback regarding service delivery from stakeholders/users/customers and input into continuous improvement initiatives and activities.
- Work with Growing and Quality Manager, Packhouse Specialist and Packing partners to identify suitable grower lots for export and domestic packing, factoring in fruit quality, compliance and market assess data
- Work with production partners to manage aged inventory and ensure optimal quality and timing of fruit delivery to customers; identify risks and priorities for shipping.
- Conduct ongoing quality monitoring, including door sample assessments, IB data analysis and monthly quality trends to identify emerging risks and opportunities.
- Maintain accurate and timely records related to quality outcomes, storage conditions, and claims.
- Prepare reports and presentations to regularly communicate performance, risks, and improvement opportunities to stakeholders.
- Utilize available technology and data systems to improve visibility and decision-making.
- Actively support the development of a strong and cohesive working relationship built on accountability with all internal and external Supply Chain stakeholders.
- Participate in cross-functional process meetings including (but not limited to) S&OP teams, commercial teams, post-harvest teams, and respective external operational and planning meetings.
- Promote and support a strong health, safety, and wellbeing culture across orchard and packing operations.
- Ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.
Essential:
- Undergraduate degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- 3+ years' experience in the tree fruit industry, with exposure to packing, storage, or post-harvest operations.
- Practical experience working with packing facilities and quality systems.
- Strong understanding of tree fruit quality, packing, and post-harvest principles.
- High attention to detail with strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Analytical and problem-solving capability.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across internal and external stakeholders.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant quality or data systems.
- Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
- Experience with data analysis or statistical tools.
What We OfferSalary range: USD 85,000-95,000 on annual
Benefits:Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
FSA eligibility
401K eligibility with 3% company contributions
Four (4) weeks of paid vacation time per year
Five (5) days of paid sick leave each year
Proof of eligibility to work in US is required for all applicants and any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory security check.
