Operations Manager

Langdon is one of the largest suppliers of quality ingredients and product development expertise to food manufacturers throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, and the U.K. & Ireland. Celebrating 170 years in 2022, our commitment to exploring and sourcing the best ingredients enables over 1,000 food manufacturing partners to create new products that bring a world of taste to consumers globally.

We are seeking an Operations Manager to assist in our business expansion plans to drive efficiency across our supply chain operations. This role is integral in ensuring the seamless execution across warehouse management, logistics, inventory control and planning, and customer service functions, with a strong focus on cost optimisation and service excellence. Managing two direct reports, the successful candidate will oversee key service providers, including inbound freight forwarders, multiple warehouse and fulfilment centres across the UK and EU, and customer service functions. The role requires a high degree of cross-department collaboration, working closely with Quality Assurance, Procurement, Sales, and Finance teams to ensure smooth business operations.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in supply chain management, experience managing warehouse and distribution centres, and proficiency in ERP systems. Strong leadership and analytical skills are essential to succeed in this role.

• Primary contact for warehouse operation(s), monitoring SLAs and KPIs and drive continuous improvements in efficiency and cost reductions.
• Oversee demand planning, inventory management, order fulfilment, and logistics functions ensuring a high level of customer service.
• Implement best practices for inventory control, ensuring data accuracy and clear reporting across analytics platforms.
• Analyse UK/EU logistic networks to ensure all service provider contracts meet industry levels balancing cost efficiency and service levels.
• Lead and develop a customer service team to provide exceptional support to clients.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
• Ensure orders are processed accurately and delivered on time and are accurately accounted for against sales contracts.
• Effectively manage freight forwarder service provider(s), customs brokers, and suppliers to streamline import operations.
• Analyse supply chain performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives in line with business KPIs.
• Ensure compliance with import regulations, food safety standards, and documentation requirements.
• Manage and optimise ERP system functions related to supply chain, inventory, and order management.
• Collaborate with IT and finance teams to enhance system capabilities and improve reporting accuracy.

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in operations management, preferably in food ingredient trading, distribution, or a related industry.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain, logistics, and inventory management principles.
• Experience working with ERP systems; proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

This role presents an exciting opportunity for the right person to contribute significantly to Langdon's expansion and operational excellence. With a blend of leadership, analytical skills, and a passion for supply chain dynamics, you will play a vital role in shaping our operations. Working in a collaborative environment with like-minded professionals, you will be at the forefront of exploring and implementing innovative supply chain solutions in an industry dedicated to quality and customer satisfaction.