Warehouse Operations Manager - Food in Chelmsford
Warehouse Operations Manager - Food

Warehouse Operations Manager - Food in Chelmsford

Chelmsford Full-Time 60000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage a dynamic warehouse team, driving performance and continuous improvement.
  • Company: Join a high-growth fresh produce business with a focus on quality and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and a clear pathway for leadership progression.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a state-of-the-art facility while shaping the future of operations.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in warehouse management, strong leadership, and a results-driven mindset.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that invests in your growth and development.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: Essex

Salary: £60,000 base salary + benefits

Reporting to: Operations Director

This is an opportunity to join a high-growth, market-leading fresh produce business operating a complex, high-volume operation, supplying major UK retailers through strong, long-standing relationships and a clear focus on product quality.

With significant investment across operations, infrastructure, and people, the business is entering an exciting phase of scale and transformation, operating from a state-of-the-art facility with advanced warehouse layout, operational flow, and software integration.

This is a key leadership hire, sitting on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), with full ownership of warehouse operations across both on-site and 3PL storage facilities. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for an experienced Warehouse Operations Manager who can hit the ground running, leading a fast-paced, multi-temperature operation, managing 4 direct reports (Shift Managers), and driving performance, structure, and continuous improvement.

The role goes beyond day-to-day management, playing a critical part in shaping how the operation evolves as the business continues to grow, with a clear pathway to further leadership progression.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Lead, develop, and manage a team of 4 Shift Managers and wider warehouse operation
  • Take full ownership of warehouse performance, KPIs, and service levels
  • Oversee both on-site operations and external 3PL storage relationships
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across processes, systems, and productivity
  • Ensure high standards across health & safety, compliance, and operational discipline
  • Operate within a fast-paced environment with 10 high-volume loading bays, ensuring health & safety is prioritised at all times
  • Optimise picking accuracy, dispatch performance, and stock control
  • Manage labour planning, rotas, and overall workforce efficiency
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with production, planning, and commercial teams
  • Play an active role within the SLT, contributing to wider business strategy
  • Build a strong performance-led culture, developing future leaders within the team

What’s In It for You

  • The opportunity to join a high-growth, market-leading fresh produce business operating a complex, high-volume operation
  • The chance to work within a state-of-the-art facility with advanced warehouse layout, operational flow, and software integration
  • A senior leadership position sitting on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
  • Full ownership of warehouse operations across both on-site and 3PL storage facilities
  • A clear pathway to further leadership progression as the business continues to scale

Your Background

  • Proven experience in a Warehouse Operations Manager / Senior Warehouse Manager role
  • Background within fresh produce, chilled food, or FMCG environments
  • Strong leadership experience managing large teams through middle management layers
  • Experience overseeing or working closely with 3PL operations
  • Track record of driving efficiencies, improving KPIs, and implementing change
  • Strong understanding of health & safety and operational compliance
  • Experience within high-volume, fast-paced distribution or food manufacturing environments
  • Exposure to multi-site or outsourced warehousing models
  • Natural leader who leads from the front
  • Highly organised, structured, and results-driven
  • Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational level
  • Strong communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
  • Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and accountability

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact, lead from the front, and be part of a high-growth journey, this could be the perfect next step.

Warehouse Operations Manager - Food in Chelmsford employer: Found Food & Drink

Join a dynamic and innovative fresh produce business in Essex, where your leadership will directly influence the success of a high-volume operation. With a commitment to employee development, a state-of-the-art facility, and a culture that prioritises performance and continuous improvement, this role offers not just a job, but a pathway to significant career growth within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
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Contact Detail:

Found Food & Drink Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Warehouse Operations Manager - Food in Chelmsford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in warehouse management. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to share examples of how you've driven performance and improved KPIs in previous roles. This is key for a position that involves managing teams and operations.

✨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, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Warehouse Operations Manager - Food in Chelmsford

Leadership Skills
Warehouse Operations Management
Performance Management
KPI Monitoring
Continuous Improvement
Health & Safety Compliance
Operational Discipline
Labour Planning
Stock Control
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Strategic Thinking
Communication Skills
Proactive Mindset
Organisational Skills
Results-Driven Approach

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Warehouse Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing teams, driving efficiencies, and working in fast-paced environments. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've improved KPIs in previous positions. Let us know what excites you about joining our team!

Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities—show us your achievements! Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate how you've made an impact in past roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that highlight your capabilities.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our high-growth, market-leading business!

How to prepare for a job interview at Found Food & Drink

✨Know Your Numbers

Make sure you’re familiar with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to warehouse operations. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these metrics in your previous roles, especially in high-volume environments like fresh produce or FMCG.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in managing teams through middle management layers. Think about how you’ve developed future leaders and fostered a performance-led culture in your past positions.

✨Understand the Business

Research the company’s operations, especially their approach to health & safety and compliance. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure these standards are met while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in a fast-paced environment. Prepare scenarios where you successfully managed labour planning, optimised dispatch performance, or collaborated cross-functionally to solve problems.

Warehouse Operations Manager - Food in Chelmsford
Found Food & Drink
Location: Chelmsford

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