Come and join the leading avoexperts 🥑

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

We’re looking for an Innovation Assistant to join our team in, Spalding Lincolnshire- on a one-year fixed-term contract, with the potential for extension.

As an Innovation Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in driving cutting-edge product development and delivering market-leading solutions for the Westfalia Group. This dynamic role involves managing exciting projects through the stage-and-gate process, ensuring products transition smoothly from concept to market while exceeding customer expectations and maintaining full compliance. You will work closely with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to explore innovative ideas, conduct hands-on trials, and assess new solutions that will optimise processes, reduce costs, and elevate product quality.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with the Innovation team to identify and drive value-adding opportunities, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Support the Head of Innovation in organising and contributing to innovation meetings and assist in managing innovation agendas.
• Conduct research on market trends and new ideas to align with briefs and develop opportunities.
• Manage project timelines, record trial results, and evaluate ROI to ensure successful delivery and continuous improvement.
• Partner with suppliers and internal teams to implement innovations, driving cost reduction and quality improvements.
• Build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, ensuring effective communication and alignment on innovation objectives.
• Adhere to health and safety policies, using PPE as required and contributing to a safe work environment.

Requirements

• Exposure to innovation or product development processes through coursework, internships, or related experiences.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to analyse data and draw meaningful conclusions to guide decision-making.
• A proactive, problem-solving approach and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Desirable

• Currently enrolled in a relevant degree program (e.g., Food Science, Business, Marketing, Innovation, or related field).
• Interest in or knowledge of the fresh produce or FMCG industries.
• Experience using tools like Microsoft Teams, project management software, or data analysis tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

Benefits

• 20 days holiday, inclusive of bank and public holidays
• Free on-site parking
• Free Tea & Coffee
• Company pension plan
• Medicash cash plan
• Christmas hampers