Despatch Team Lead - Chilled Goods in Downpatrick

Be part of something big. Finnebrogue is a leading UK-based food producer within the global Sofina Foods Group. We look at what is wrong with food to figure out how to make it the best it can be. Operating from four facilities in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, Finnebrogue supplies major supermarkets with own-label bacon, sausages, burgers, and vegetarian products, as well as its pioneering Naked range made without nitrites.

We have been recognised as the UK’s Employer of the Year by Grocer Gold and the Best Place to Work in Northern Ireland by the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards. Our robust People Strategy offers career pathways and development opportunities for all employees, emphasising talent growth and wellbeing with generous benefits for all. We are proud to be the first food producer in the UK and Ireland to achieve the Diversity Mark accreditation and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Globally, Sofina Foods and its wholly owned subsidiaries operate more than 40 sites and have over 14,000 employees in Canada, UK, Island of Ireland, Germany and France.

Purpose of the Role: To supervise and lead the Despatch team to ensure accurate, efficient and safe picking and loading of chilled goods. The Despatch Supervisor will ensure that all outbound orders are prepared to the highest standard, inventory is accurately managed, and health & safety procedures are adhered to at all times. The role requires effective team leadership, a strong focus on accuracy, and the ability to operate within a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational
  • Supervise day-to-day operations within the Despatch department, ensuring all customer orders are picked, packed, and despatched accurately and on time.
  • Oversee the loading of outbound vehicles, ensuring compliance with load plans and customer requirements.
  • Monitor and maintain inventory accuracy, ensuring all stock movements are correctly recorded.
  • Ensure all relevant despatch documentation is completed accurately and on time.
  • Work closely with the Senior Supervisor and other departments (e.g. Production, Intake, Transport, and Quality) to ensure smooth workflow and resolve issues.
• Team Leadership
  • Manage and motivate the Despatch team to achieve departmental KPIs and performance targets.
  • Provide on-the-job coaching and support to team members.
  • Assist in planning team rotas and assigning daily tasks.
  • Conduct team briefings to communicate targets, updates, and key messages.
  • Monitor staff performance and attendance, reporting any concerns to the Senior Supervisor.
• Health & Safety / Compliance
  • Champion a culture of health & safety within the department, ensuring all team members comply with company policies and relevant legislation.
  • Conduct regular checks to ensure safe use of all equipment and materials, including MHE (Material Handling Equipment).
  • Ensure safe loading of vehicles, compliant with weight distribution and load securing requirements.
  • Support team members in safe operation of MHE; MHE experience is desirable but full training will be provided.
  • Ensure pre-use checks are completed for all MHE and escalate any issues appropriately.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service levels.
  • Identify and report any process or system improvements to the Senior Supervisor.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Previous supervisory experience within a fast-paced despatch / warehouse environment, preferably within chilled or temperature-controlled goods.
• Strong understanding of stock control and inventory accuracy.
• Knowledge of health & safety practices within a warehouse setting.
• Good IT skills (knowledge of warehouse management systems desirable).
• MHE experience is desirable; training will be provided if required.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational ability.
• Flexible approach to working hours to meet business needs.

Personal Qualities:

• Proactive and hands-on approach.
• Committed to achieving team and company goals.
• Leads by example and promotes a positive team culture.
• Reliable and trustworthy with a strong work ethic.

Hours of Work: 5 days per week (including weekend work on rota basis) 8am-5pm.

Benefits: At Finnebrogue, we offer more than just a job - we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support and reward our employees. Working in one of our state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll enjoy free onsite parking and access to electric charging points and access a restaurant-standard canteen with all meals subsidised, including free breakfast options. You'll enjoy access to our award-winning Food Shack, where you can receive up to 5 free food products per week. You'll also have confidential support through Insula Wellbeing, our on-site counsellors. We offer a full calendar of wellbeing, social, and sports events, helping you stay balanced and connected. As you settle into the business, your benefits will continue to grow, with the Perks Discount card, gym membership, cashback healthcare plan, cycle-to-work scheme, electric car scheme, and even your birthday as a paid holiday.