Transport & Operational Graduate

apetito are looking for a Transport & Operational Graduate to join the Distribution, Warehouse and Customer Service business unit based in Portbury, Bristol. We are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to join our Warehouse and Transport team in an exciting rotational programme designed for growth and development into a management role. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone eager to learn and progress in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment.

As part of this role, you will rotate between various departments and key functions, gaining exposure to all aspects of warehouse operations, transport logistics and customer service. We will create you a plan which will rotate you between customer service team, stock team, planning, driver + Fleet Management and Warehousing. You will also focus on some specific projects as you complete these rotations. You will report into the Warehouse manager and work alongside senior management for the division.

The operation is based at a National Distribution Centre, which incorporates a Frozen Storage and Order Fulfilment centre that operates 24 hours a day from Sunday afternoon to Friday night. The core hours of operation for this role will be between 0600 and 2200 (Monday to Friday) in 8 hour shifts, with occasional requirement to work at night.

Programme Highlights

• Experience in a FMCG temperature controlled distribution operation
• Exposure to the senior management team
• Opportunity to interact with and experience all parts of a business
• Involvement with specific projects that you will be able to co‑coordinate and play an active part in
• Opportunity to develop general business skills and relationships

Key Responsibilities

• Warehouse Operations Support – day‑to‑day warehouse activities, including inventory management, order picking, packing and stock control.
• Transport & Logistics – coordinate the transportation of goods, ensure timely deliveries, track shipments and assist in the optimisation of logistics processes.
• Team Collaboration – work closely with various teams to ensure smooth operations and excellent customer service.
• Process Improvement – contribute to process improvements and efficiency in both warehouse and transport functions.
• Health & Safety – ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations within the warehouse and transport environments.
• Leadership Development – gain hands‑on experience in managing teams, handling performance management and developing leadership skills in preparation for a future managerial role.
• Flexibility & Rotations – participate in a rotational programme that provides exposure to different roles, departments and shift patterns to build a well‑rounded skill set.

Projects (Examples)

• Planning Scenarios for Network optimisation opportunities
• End‑to‑end cold chain review and optimisation
• Vehicle Fleet upgrades and replacements
• Cost Savings and Efficiency opportunities throughout the distribution supply chain
• New and Emerging Technology reviews
• Distribution interface with other internal departments and customers
• Digitalisation of manual processes

Essential Qualifications

• Degree or studying toward a degree (21 or above/predicted)
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills – in particular Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Confidence presenting in a formal setting
• Flexibility to work across a number of different shifts in a variety of departments
• Interest in working in warehousing or transport, with an appetite to increase breadth of knowledge
• Agile communication skills to interact with a variety of people
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical approach and experience using data to make conclusions/decisions
• Leadership potential – ability to motivate, manage and guide teams, particularly in high‑pressure situations
• Full UK driving licence and access to own transport for commuting purposes

Desirable

• Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary for dealing with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
• Ability to work well with others, especially in team settings, and to engage with stakeholders across different departments or organisations.
• Negotiation skills – ability to negotiate with suppliers, vendors and partners to ensure cost‑effective solutions.
• Supply chain awareness – understanding the various components of the supply chain and how they interconnect.
• Transport planning – familiarity with transportation systems, routes and optimisation techniques to ensure timely and cost‑effective delivery.
• Inventory management – knowledge of inventory control, order fulfilment and tracking systems.
• Environmental responsibility – awareness of the growing importance of sustainable practices in transportation, including reducing emissions and using eco‑friendly modes of transport.
• Sustainable logistics – knowledge of green logistics and alternative fuel sources, such as electric vehicles, to improve the environmental impact of transport operations.

Personal Qualities

• Self‑driven individual, who can manage their time effectively
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a team as well as independently
• Highly numerical and logical way of thinking
• Ability to present information to diverse audience
• Confident communicator
• Hands‑on approach in order to develop deeper understanding of certain areas of the business

Benefits

• Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
• 25 days holiday per year, + bank holidays
• 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

There is expectation to work a varied shift pattern across early, late and night shifts.