At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage automated warehouse operations and ensure smooth system performance.
- Company: Join apetito, the UK's leading food supplier for health and social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, free meals, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team making a real difference in people's lives through food.
- Qualifications: Experience with automated systems and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
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 escalate 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
- 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. 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.
Control Room Manager employer: apetito
At apetito, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned business that not only leads in the food supply sector but also fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Control Room Manager at our Portbury Distribution Centre, you will enjoy competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, a discretionary bonus scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to our mission of providing outstanding meals for those in need. Join us in making a meaningful impact while working in a dynamic environment that values your expertise and dedication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Control Room Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at apetito or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to control room management and automated systems. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your skills effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Think of specific examples where you've resolved issues under pressure, especially in fast-paced environments. This will demonstrate your fit for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at apetito.
We think you need these skills to ace Control Room Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with automated warehouse systems and SAP EWM. We want to see how your skills align with the Control Room Manager role, so don’t hold back!
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in fast-paced environments. We love candidates who can think on their feet and resolve issues quickly, so share those stories!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points for key achievements and make sure your communication is clear. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at apetito!
How to prepare for a job interview at apetito
✨Know Your Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automated warehouse systems and SAP EWM. Be ready to discuss how you've worked with these technologies in the past, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. Think of specific examples where you've successfully diagnosed issues or improved processes, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves liaising between various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked about how you would handle communication during a system failure, so have a strategy in mind.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Familiarise yourself with Continuous Improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these principles in previous roles to enhance operational efficiency or resolve issues.
