At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage automated warehouse operations, ensuring smooth and efficient performance.
- Company: Join apetito, the UK's leading food supplier dedicated to health and social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, free meals, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Driving licence essential; great career growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovative technology in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with automated systems and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Overview
The Control Room Manager plays a critical role in ensuring smooth, safe and efficient operation of the automated warehouse environment at Portbury. The role spans two phases:
Project Phase (Pre-Go-Live)
Supporting design, testing and commissioning activities as the business transitions to new automated systems.
Operational Phase (Post-Go-Live)
Managing real-time system performance, resolving issues, analysing data and maintaining effective communication across operational and technical teams.
This position is central to maintaining system uptime, ensuring accurate material flow, and providing first-line support to Operations, Engineering and IT.
This role is based at our UK Distribution Centre in Portbury BS20 7XT. Due to the location, a driving licence and access to your own transport are essential.
Who we are apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings.
Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness.
Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.
Responsibilities
- Project Phase (Pre-Go-Live)
- Participate in project planning sessions and provide operational input for system design and configuration.
- Work with SAP EWM specialists and automation vendors to validate system integration.
- Support FAT, SAT and UAT testing cycles.
- Help develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the control room.
- Provide feedback on system performance during commissioning and prepare for operational handover.
- Operational Phase (Post-Go-Live)
- Control Room Management
- Monitor material flow and system performance using WMS/EWM dashboards and automation interfaces.
- Act as first-line support for operational teams, resolving system or process-related issues quickly.
- Maintain accurate incident logs and elevate unresolved items to Engineering or IT.
- System Performance & Issue Resolution
- Ensure automated systems operate within the expected performance parameters.
- Collaborate with Engineering and IT to diagnose and fix technical faults.
- Implement safe temporary workarounds during downtime.
- Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Produce accurate reports for DMS and SIC processes.
- Analyse downtime, incidents and system trends to identify root causes and opportunities for improvement.
- Work with the Continuous Improvement Manager on enhancement initiatives.
- Stakeholder Communication
- Act as the link between Operations, Engineering, IT and Project teams.
- Provide timely and clear updates on system status and incident resolution.
About you
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong understanding of automated warehouse systems and material flow processes.
- Experience working with SAP EWM and system integration environments.
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting and problem‑solving capability.
- Confidence working under pressure in a fast-paced, high‑volume environment.
- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (Excel, BI dashboards).
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Essential
- Due to the location, a driving licence and access to your own transport are essential.
- Preferred
- Experience in cold store or temperature‑controlled operations.
- Knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
- Key Competencies
- Analytical thinking and sound decision-making under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross‑functionally.
- Adaptability and resilience in periods of change or system challenges.
- Company Benefits
- Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
- 33 days holiday per year, including bank holidays (which are considered a normal working day)
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme
- Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 4%
- Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
- Free meals, snacks and beverages on site
- Free parking
- Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
- apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts
Our Values
As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of.
We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well‑being for all our customers.
We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people.
We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.
Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer. Learn more about apetito’s commitment to a more sustainable future.
We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we're on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Control Room Manager employer: apetito Limited
At Wiltshire Farm Foods, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values empathy, kindness, and a commitment to making a difference in our customers' lives. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth and development, offering competitive benefits such as a living wage, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for team collaboration. Located in a community-focused environment, our Customer Service Advisors play a vital role in connecting with our elderly customers, ensuring they receive not just meals, but also companionship and care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Control Room Manager
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like apetito Limited and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at apetito Limited!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like apetito Limited keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Control Room Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to apetito Limited:This is your chance to really connect with the team at apetito Limited. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at apetito Limited
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with apetito Limited.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show apetito Limited that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at apetito Limited. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
