About Us
Since 1936, Carter & Spencer has been a trusted name in Queensland's fresh produce industry. With nearly 90 years of experience, we have built a strong reputation for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service across the fresh produce supply chain.
We are seeking an experienced Ripening & Handling Manager to join our Parkinson operations and play a key role in overseeing fruit ripening outcomes, stock management, order fulfilment and quality performance.
About the Role
Reporting to the General Manager, the Ripening & Handling Manager is responsible for leading all ripening activities for bananas, avocados and mangoes while managing operational stock control, order makeup and product release decisions.
This role acts as the business's lead ripener and is accountable for ensuring fruit is ripened to customer specifications, stock is effectively managed and customer orders are fulfilled accurately and efficiently.
The successful candidate will combine technical fruit ripening knowledge with strong operational planning and leadership capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and manage daily ripening programs for bananas, avocados and mangoes.
- Assess fruit maturity, colour, pressure, firmness, temperature and overall condition.
- Monitor and optimise ripening outcomes to achieve customer specifications and shelf-life expectations.
- Take responsibility for all customer order makeup activities.
- Support customer-specific requirements and product allocations.
- Manage the operational stock position across the warehouse.
- Oversee stock rotation, allocation and replenishment activities.
- Monitor agent stock holdings and fruit requiring priority movement.
- Assist in maintaining accurate inventory and stock reconciliations.
- Monitor fruit quality throughout the ripening and handling process.
- Monitor quality trends, waste levels, customer claims and shelf-life performance.
- Support investigations into quality issues, rejections and corrective actions.
- Coordinate closely with the Midnight Receivals & Dispatch Coordinator regarding incoming stock and early load-outs.
- Work collaboratively across warehouse, quality and dispatch functions to ensure smooth operations.
- Provide backup support for stock control and dispatch activities when required.
- Assist with forklift and product movements where operationally necessary.
About You
Essential
- Demonstrated experience in fruit ripening, produce handling or fresh produce operations.
- Strong knowledge of banana, avocado and mango ripening processes.
- Ability to accurately assess fruit maturity, colour, firmness, pressure and condition.
- Experience managing stock allocation, inventory rotation and customer order fulfilment.
- Strong organisational and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Sound computer skills and attention to detail.
Desirable
- Experience in fresh produce, horticulture, food manufacturing or agricultural industries.
- HACCP, Food Safety Supervisor or equivalent food safety training.
- Forklift Licence (LF).
- Experience within ripening operations and chilled supply chains.
- Knowledge of inventory management systems and warehouse operations.
- Leadership or supervisory qualifications.
Why Join Carter & Spencer?
- Join a well-established Queensland family business with a proud history dating back to 1936.
- Play a critical role in ensuring product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Opportunity to influence operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Stable, full-time position within a respected fresh produce company.
Apply today and become part of the Carter & Spencer team!
Pay: $105,000.00 – $108,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
