Formed over 40 years ago, dps has grown to become a market leader in the sourcing, production and distribution of fresh produce to some of the UK's leading retailers. We pride ourselves on the way we do business and understand that we are successful because of our people.
As such we are looking for a superstar Product Evaluation Assistant to join our Technical Team based in Bearsted, working 5 days per week.
Your key responsibilities will be:
- Work with Lab partner to organize regular samples for panelling.
- Work with growers, breeders and internal dps stakeholders to collate samples of new and existing varieties to be sent to lab partner for testing.
- Organize samples to be transported to the lab on agreed dates for panels to take place.
- Measure brix and brix acid ratios for varieties and log in product evaluation database.
- Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for the testing of each product type to include handling, timings, packaging and how results will be shared.
- Attend panels on occasion to ensure being completed in line with SOP and run objectively.
- Upload results to Product Evaluation database, ensuring data is accurate, consistent, and easily reported upon
- Create and run weekly reports sharing with key stakeholders results from the panels
- Analyses data and creates season overview on varietal performance and suggestions for changes in varietal tiering lists.
- Support the wider dps team with weekly benchmarking.
- Support the wider dps team with weekly market reviews and create berry market overview.
- Complete end of season reviews for each product type highlighting best performers and
- Take responsibility for managing the preparation of product for benchmarking and ad hoc sample requests
- Conduct trial work as required.
- Run regular evaluation sessions with Market Research company to ensure dps receiving suitable service and highlight areas for improvement.
- Work to support the implementation and continual development of Business Objects
Development:
- Visit suppliers and breeder to review varieties and feedback on performance Support Product evaluation project collaborating with suppliers and research company to panel existing and new varieties and capture data
Personal Specification
The ideal person for this role would have an interest in product, varietal development. Have a keen interest in data analysis and data trending. Taking the results from consumer panels to identify trends and preferences which will have driven varietal development and placement of varieties in the future.
Key Stakeholders will be research lab, dps consultants, growers and dps customers. The ideal candidate will be proactive, well organized, strong communicator, good with statistics and ideally competent with Power BI.