At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to manage food distribution and support volunteers in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join FareShare South West, a charity tackling food waste and hunger.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a pension contribution, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team dedicated to social good and community empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics or food distribution and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday, with rota’d evening shifts and occasional weekends)
Terms: Permanent, 25 days holiday pa (pro rata, exc. Bank Holidays), 5% pension contribution
Location: Sisna Park, Plymouth PL6
About FareShare South West
FareShare South West (FSSW) joins the dots between food waste and hunger, empowering communities to turn an environmental problem into lasting social good. We rescue tonnes of quality surplus food from the industry and share it with charities and schools to bring health, dignity, and routes out of poverty for people across the South West. Our supportive volunteering and employability programmes offer local people the opportunity to thrive. By joining us, you will be part of an inclusive, friendly team in a small but fast-growing charity that helps fight the injustice of who gets to afford a healthy diet.
Purpose of the Role
To support the efficient and safe running of FareShare South West’s Hub operations, ensuring high standards of stock handling, health & safety (H&S), and food compliance. The Senior Hub Supervisor plays a key role in overseeing goods in, supporting volunteers, the FareChance employability participants and volunteers in their operational tasks, and ensuring overall smooth day-to-day operations. The role also includes deputising for the Hub Manager when required.
Key Responsibilities
- Hub Management
- Work with the Hub Manager to ensure smooth running of food intake, storage, and distribution.
- Ensure daily team briefings, safety updates, and essential information are communicated clearly to the hub operations team, as directed by the Hub Manager.
- Liaise with food industry representatives, FareShare UK (FSUK), distribution companies and hauliers.
- Support the Hub Manager in coordinating and maintaining the fleet of vans and equipment, including weekly vehicle checks and basic maintenance duties (e.g. tyre pressures, topping up vehicle fluids).
- Support audit readiness by ensuring daily records, procedures, and documentation are completed accurately and consistently.
- Collaborate with the hub operations team to reduce waste and maximise distribution of surplus food to Community Food Members (CFMs).
- Report operational improvements to the Hub Manager and support the implementation of agreed changes.
- Deputise for the Hub Manager during absence by coordinating daily activities and overseeing the hub operations team.
- Leading on-site health & safety and supporting team wellbeing.
- Liaising with the Head of Food and Logistics to support food intake and logistics.
- Working with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure shift cover and resolve shortfalls.
- Escalating and reporting issues to the Head of Operations.
- Volunteer Management
- Under the direction of the Hub Manager, delegate operational tasks to volunteers and supervise their work.
- Ensure volunteers are supported and trained in their specific roles and can develop.
- Support volunteer health, safety and welfare during shifts.
- Coordinate delivery of corporate volunteering days with support from the wider FSSW team.
- Register and onboard new drivers, including delivering volunteer and staff driving assessments and inductions, as directed by the Hub Manager.
- FareChance Employability Programme
- Support the Hub Manager in the operational delivery of the FareChance programme by overseeing and supervising participants during operations tasks, ensuring they are actively engaged and contributing to the hub operations team.
- Work with the Hub Manager to ensure FareChance participants are effectively trained, supported, and equipped to carry out their allocated duties, with opportunities to build confidence and develop relevant skills, with support from the volunteer and employability teams and Hub Manager.
- Foster a positive and inclusive environment that supports the health, safety and wellbeing of FareChance participants and enables them to thrive.
- Provide hands-on mentorship and act as a positive role model during day-to-day operations, supporting participants to build experience and confidence.
- Undertake relevant training to strengthen your ability to support FareChance participants and the wider volunteer team, including safeguarding, inclusive practice, mental health awareness and coaching approaches.
- Collaborate with the hub operations, volunteer and employability teams to ensure effective communication around support needs and progress.
- Goods In and Storage
- Lead on the Goods In process: Train and support hub operations staff in correct goods in procedures.
- Coordinate and delegate daily goods in activities.
- Maintain accurate paperwork and use of relevant IT/systems.
- Develop and implement process improvements and share best practice across sites.
- Coordinate delivery yard activities, including CFM collections.
- Manage stock storage: Lead on stock rotation and promote best practice.
- Support the Hub Manager with maintaining accurate digital stock records, participating in regular stock checks and assisting with investigation of discrepancies in collaboration with the food and compliance teams.
- Compliance and Health & Safety
- Work in accordance with FareShare’s HACCP Food Safety Manual.
- Support compliance with all relevant food hygiene, H&S, and other operational standards.
- Ensure the Hub adheres to the FSSW Warehouse Manual and FareShare procedures.
- Monitor the condition of Hub premises and equipment and report any maintenance, repair, or safety concerns to the Hub Manager promptly.
- Undertake relevant training in food hygiene and H&S.
- General
- Respond to enquiries and communications via phone, email, in person, or internal systems.
- Engage positively with visitors to the Hub.
- Support FSSW events as required.
- Carry out any other duties in support of the role’s purpose.
- Maintain high standards of customer care and conduct.
- Support the security of the Hub and all assets, including food.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience working in a warehouse, logistics, or food distribution environment.
- Good working knowledge of H&S and/or food safety standards in operational settings and confident in working with clear procedures.
- Experience supporting or supervising others in a structured or task-based environment, leading by example and modelling safe, inclusive working practices.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Confident using digital tools such as stock control systems, Microsoft Teams, email, or shared files.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to manage time, delegate tasks, and respond calmly to unexpected changes or pressures.
- Positive and practical approach to problem-solving, with a willingness to take responsibility and show initiative.
- Full UK driving license.
- Forklift truck operator’s qualification (or willing to train as an essential part of the role).
Desirable
- Understanding of the voluntary, food, or charity sectors.
- Experience working alongside or supporting volunteers.
- Food Hygiene or Health & Safety qualifications (Level 2 or above).
- Experience supporting change or improvement projects.
Additional Information
Role may involve some manual handling; training will be provided. Enhanced DBS check required.
Locations
Senior Hub Supervisor in Devon, Plymouth employer: FareShare South West
FareShare South West is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can make a tangible difference in the community. With a focus on employee growth through training and mentorship, particularly for volunteers and participants in the FareChance programme, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills while contributing to the vital mission of reducing food waste and combating hunger in Devon and Cornwall. Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with 25 days of annual leave, a 5% pension contribution, and the chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to social good.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Hub Supervisor in Devon, Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food distribution and charity sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching FareShare South West and its mission. Understand their values and how they operate. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to team management and health & safety. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and how you can contribute to the Hub's success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at FareShare South West!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Hub Supervisor in Devon, Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Hub Supervisor role. Highlight your relevant experience in warehouse or food distribution environments, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Show Your Passion:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about our mission at FareShare South West. In your application, share why you care about tackling food waste and supporting communities. Let us know what drives you to make a difference!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at FareShare South West
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand FareShare South West's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in tackling food waste and hunger. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in warehouse or logistics environments. Highlight specific examples where you've supervised others or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage a team. Think of situations where you had to handle unexpected changes or pressures, and be prepared to explain how you navigated those challenges.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
