Depot Operation Manager (WFF) in Crook

You will be working alongside the RSOM to deliver an outstanding service to our customers at Wiltshire Farm Foods, Durham (Crook) depot. You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the depot, ensuring we hit all of our financial and operational targets and being proactive through exceptional leadership to build plans for any KPIs that are off track. You will work closely with the Office Supervisor to provide support to ensure the office team are delivering an exceptional customer experience. Additionally, you will manage the delivery team to ensure that all health and safety policies and delivery procedures are adhered to.

Responsibilities

• Ensure Health & Safety, Hygiene and Food Safety procedures & practices are adhered to and followed at all times.
• Ensure adequate, cost-effective resource levels are in place.
• Maintain stock levels to meet our customer demands.
• Work with and support staff on a day-to-day basis to deliver profitability and service standards.
• Ensure all behaviours are in line with apetito’s Code of Conduct.
• Maintain excellent operational standards throughout the Contract.
• Adherence to all apetito procedures and deadlines.
• Ensure all company vehicles are maintained as appropriate.
• Be a key link between the teams onsite.
• Deputise for the RSOM in their absence.
• Maintaining route optimisation processes included routing.
• Responsible for delivery of retail standards within the depot.

Financials

• Support the RSOM to deliver company and client business objectives.
• Agree contract KPIs, monitor performance against KPIs and drive/manage performance and profitability to ensure achievement.
• Achieve budgeted sales and profitability, influence key P&L drivers and accurately forecast future financial performance.

People

• Demonstrable leadership and coaching/support provided to employees on a day-to-day basis to increase engagement and motivation.
• Recruit, induct, develop, appraise and review contracted employees as appropriate to ensure successful sign-off probationary.
• Develop training structures to ensure growth within the depot.
• Identify and manage training and development needs of staff.

Customer

• Champion and oversee excellent service standards.
• Ensure all processes are communicated and followed by all personnel.
• Promote and instil belief in customer service ensuring customer expectations are met and where opportunities arise, exceeded.
• Ensure all new literature is delivered by the team to customers.

Communications

• Maintain excellent communications with client employees ensuring quality information is exchanged when appropriate, e.g., feedback from Leadership Conference.
• Deliver all client and company administration and reporting requirements.
• Abide by client, company and legislative policies and procedures ensuring consistent compliance.
• Maintain quality and standards of overall presentation, ensuring adherence to company and agreed contract standards.
• Champion Employee Forums - promote attendance/engagement by Employee Representatives.
• Create excellent inter-company relationships within departments (e.g., HR, Finance etc.) and divisions.
• Build and maintain a relationship with the larger team across the UK and Ireland, sharing best practice.

Essential

• Demonstrate a high standard of customer care.
• Telephone skills able to handle calls effectively and professionally.
• Administration experience.
• Proven experience in stock control.
• Proven ability in managing and developing a team.
• Confident in people management activities e.g., recruitment, sickness absence, performance management and disciplinary procedures.
• Able to understand and translate P&L accounts.
• Experienced in prioritising workload.
• Computer skills confident users of all Microsoft Office Suite (Intermediate level or above).
• Full UK manual driving licence.

Desirable

• Transport & Logistics background.
• eMeal (Navision) knowledge.
• Contract Catering experience.
• Fleet management experience.
• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.

Personal Qualities

• Effective engagement skills, both on a 1-2-1 basis and within a team.
• Calm under pressure - resilient.
• Flexible.
• Able to work to tight deadlines.
• Able to work self-sufficiently.
• Excellent communicator.
• Demonstrates a passion for customer care.
• Motivated to achieve, has a “can do” attitude.
• Pro-active self-starter who can prioritise effectively, balancing a commercial focus with an understanding of our business.
• Strong team working skills at all levels, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in delivery.
• Results focused, persistent in pursuit of achievement.

Desirable (Travel Notes)

From time to time, you will be required to visit our Trowbridge Factory and other depots & locations for meetings, training etc., and other depots which may require overnight stays.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the skilled worker route as it does not meet the minimum requirements set out under the UK Immigration Rules.

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 turkey or voucher at Christmas.
• apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts.

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.