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- Tasks: Lead despatch operations, ensuring safe and timely delivery of fresh produce.
- Company: Hughes Group, a trusted name in fresh mushrooms and plant-based products.
- Benefits: Pension fund and parking available for employees.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of food with innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in despatch or logistics within food manufacturing is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
With over 65 years of excellence, Hughes Group is a trusted name in the supply of fresh mushrooms and plant-based products across the UK. As a major supplier to national retailers, food service providers, and a range of other sectors, we have built a reputation for quality, reliability, and outstanding service. We are proud of our heritage but are even more excited about our future. Driven by innovation and a commitment to sustainable growth, Hughes Group is expanding rapidly and investing in new technologies, products, and people. As we continue to lead in the sectors we serve, we are looking for passionate individuals who want to grow with us. If you are seeking a progressive career in a dynamic, forward-thinking company, Hughes Group offers the opportunity to be part of something special. Join us and help shape the future of food.
As Despatch Manager, you will take a hands-on lead in the day-to-day running of despatch and distribution operations, ensuring products are stored, handled, and delivered safely, efficiently, and on time. You will work closely with your teams, managing transport, stock, and service levels in a fast-paced fresh produce and value-added manufacturing environment. This role requires a strong operational presence, the ability to make decisions in real time, and a practical approach to problem solving, while maintaining high standards of food safety, quality, and health & safety.
Key Responsibilities- Be visibly present within despatch and storage areas, supporting Supervisors and teams to deliver daily operational plans.
- Lead, train, and develop despatch teams, ensuring the right people and skills are in place to meet daily and seasonal demand.
- Manage daily transport planning and execution, dealing directly with hauliers and delivery issues as they arise.
- Ensure all orders are picked, checked, and dispatched accurately and on time to meet customer service level agreements using the onsite ERP system.
- Monitor service level performance (e.g. OTIF, delivery accuracy), responding quickly to issues and driving immediate corrective action.
- Maintain full compliance with Food Safety & Quality Management Systems, customer standards, and certification requirements, including traceability, segregation, and allergen controls.
- Oversee despatch chilled storage operations, stock rotation, stock accuracy, and physical stock checks.
- Lead investigations into quality, food safety, service failures, and customer complaints, completing root cause analysis and follow-up actions.
- Ensure despatch and storage areas are clean, organised, and audit-ready at all times.
- Drive a strong Health & Safety culture, safe systems of work, and daily engagement.
- Contribute to daily and weekly KPI reviews, operational meetings, and site performance discussions.
- Act as the main point of contact for despatch operations, escalating risks and issues where required.
- Proven experience in a hands-on despatch, logistics, or warehouse management role within food manufacturing, fresh produce, or FMCG.
- Strong people management skills with experience leading teams in a fast-moving operational environment.
- Experience managing transport operations and customer delivery requirements.
- Confident in monitoring KPIs and service levels and taking immediate action when performance slips.
- Good working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Hands-on, proactive, and comfortable leading from the front.
- Calm, decisive, and solutions focused.
- Organised with strong attention to detail.
Despatch Manager employer: Hughes Mushrooms
Contact Detail:
Hughes Mushrooms Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Despatch Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Hughes Group. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! If you get an interview, be sure to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills. Bring examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! After applying through our website, follow up with a quick email or message to express your enthusiasm for the Despatch Manager role. It shows you're genuinely interested and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! In interviews, be ready for scenario-based questions that test your operational decision-making. Think about past experiences where you had to act quickly and effectively under pressure.
We think you need these skills to ace Despatch Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Despatch Manager role. Highlight your experience in logistics and people management, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that showcase your skills in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the food industry and how your hands-on approach aligns with our values at Hughes Group. Be sure to mention why you want to be part of our exciting future.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with practical solutions, especially in a dynamic setting like ours.
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 and shows us you’re serious about joining the Hughes Group family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hughes Mushrooms
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the ins and outs of despatch operations, especially in the food manufacturing sector. Familiarise yourself with key terms like OTIF (On Time In Full) and how they relate to customer service levels. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also knowledgeable about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Despatch Manager, you'll be leading teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed people in fast-paced environments. Think of specific situations where you trained or developed your team, and be prepared to discuss the outcomes. This will highlight your hands-on approach and ability to lead from the front.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills, especially related to transport issues or delivery challenges. Prepare a couple of real-life examples where you had to think on your feet and implement immediate corrective actions. This will demonstrate your calmness and decisiveness under pressure.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with Food Safety & Quality Management Systems. Highlight any relevant certifications or training you've completed, and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your previous roles. This will show that you take these responsibilities seriously.
