POSITION OVERVIEW: Please note this position is located in Oconomowoc, WI. The Ripener will be responsible for operations at a facility where fruit is received, inventoried, processed and ripened. Responsible for ensuring inbound fruit meets the customer’s quality specifications. Plans ripening based on projected retail demand. Responsible for the quality of the ripening in accordance with customer expectations for color and temperature and has some sales and customer support functions. This position requires a flexible work schedule (weekend and holiday shifts) due to the continuous nature of the ripening process and the costs associated with loss of fruit or inability to service our customers due to breakdowns. This role includes discretion and independent judgement in matters of significance.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Complete inbound inspections of banana loads as to meet Customer quality expectations.
- Complete product rejections or complaints in a structured manner as required by Banana Quality.
- Manage the communication and execution of proper Ripening Room Loading.
- Complete inventory reporting within Chiquita and Customer systems.
- Perform fruit evaluations and use judgment towards accurate ripening room adjustments.
- Communicate daily banana color and available quantities to the customer.
- Vigilance for Banana Program adherence to SOP’s even on processes outside of Chiquita’s direct control.
- Direct non-Chiquita associates to achieve desired SOPs related to trailer unloading, banana room loading, outbound staging, shipping sequence, store order assembly, and outbound trailer loading.
- Perform weekly phone surveys of customer Produce Managers and develop / communicate solution paths for any challenges identified.
- Perform duties as assigned or required by the DC Manager.
- Support customer’s recycling initiatives (corner-boards).
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- High School Diploma required.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Proficient with Microsoft Excel.
- Good judgment and communication skills.
- Must be willing to work weekends and holidays extra hours any given day to maintain schedule.
- Must be a team player, punctual and have strong integrity.
- Ability to determine and distinguish color variation.
- Experience either at store or DC level with handling Fresh Produce is preferred.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:
- Work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment as well as 55 degrees’ warehouse environment
- Must be able to repeatedly lift 45 Lbs. up to 80 inch off the ground.
- Incumbent may stand for long periods of time
- The banana rooms are long and narrow with only an opening in the front - Incumbent must be able to perform some duties in confined spaces
- Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday
- Stooping, bending, twisting, lifting, pulling, pushing, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties
- The ability to view/distinguish color and assess accurately.
