As Postharvest Specialist Junior EMEA, you will support the Postharvest and Quality Assurance teams in analyzing and improving postharvest operations across the EMEA value chain. Your role focuses on ensuring consistent execution of postharvest processes from field to customer, safeguarding fruit quality, and contributing to research and innovation projects that enhance shelf life and cold chain performance.
This is a hands-on, data-driven role combining operational support with continuous improvement initiatives. Travel up to 20% to visit growers and coolers. Responsibilities
In this role, you will play an active part in both daily postharvest operations and longer-term improvement projects. You will collaborate closely with QA, production, and supply chain teams across the EMEA region to ensure excellence in cold chain management and fruit quality performance. Below you will find an overview of your main responsibilities.
Postharvest Operations & Execution
Support day-to-day postharvest activities across the region.
Monitor the consistent application of postharvest processes from field, through cooling and supply chain, to customers.
Assist regional QC managers with postharvest practices, fruit quality issues, and shelf-life assessment.
Execute in situ cold chain monitoring trials across EMEA locations.
Research & Innovation
Participate in postharvest research trials evaluating new technologies and tools.
Collect and analyze data on new genetics and packaging materials to assess postharvest performance.
Support deployment of new varieties by evaluating postharvest behavior and quality outcomes.
Ensure accuracy and integrity of research data and trial results.
Continuous Improvement & Communication
Prepare and update SOPs related to postharvest and fruit quality activities.
Provide regular progress updates to stakeholders.
Ensure effective cross-functional communication between QA, production, and supply chain teams.
Contribute to improving best practices in cold chain and quality management.
We are looking for a motivated and analytical professional with a passion for produce quality and process optimization. You combine hands-on execution with strong data interpretation skills and enjoy working in a collaborative, international environment. Below you will find the qualifications and experience we are seeking.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Biochemistry, or related field.
- MSc or specialization in Postharvest or Cold Chain Management is a plus.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in the produce sector, preferably in an international environment.
- Solid foundation in postharvest operations, data collection, and industrial process analysis.
Technical & Professional Skills
- Knowledge of postharvest, horticulture, and produce quality (berries preferred).
- Understanding of pre-harvest, harvest, and postharvest process controls.
- Basic understanding of cold chain management, modified atmosphere, and packaging impact on quality.
- Strong data analysis skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
- Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Adaptable team player in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Languages
- Bilingual: English plus Portuguese and/or Spanish (required).
- French is a plus.
If you are passionate about fruit quality, innovation, and continuous improvement within a global agricultural environment, we would love to hear from you.
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What We Do
Driscoll’s is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll’s is passionate about growing great tasting berries. Driscoll’s exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – that means no GMOs. A dedicated team of agronomists, breeders, sensory analysts, plant pathologists and entomologists help grow baby seedlings that are then grown on family farms. Our independent berry growers then work with Mother Nature, using experience and know-how to get the very best out of each strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry plant. Driscoll’s is serious about yummy berries! Driscoll’s is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries ™.
