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- Tasks: Lead and manage despatch operations in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Respected food manufacturer supplying major UK retailers with fresh produce.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free parking, and discounted products.
- Why this job: Be a key player in operational success and drive a strong safety culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in despatch or logistics within food manufacturing and strong people management skills.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are working in partnership with a well-established and highly respected food manufacturing business supplying major UK retailers and food service customers. With a long heritage in fresh produce and plant-based products, this business is investing heavily in its future and is now looking to appoint an experienced Despatch Manager to play a key role in its operational success. This is a hands-on, visible leadership role suited to someone who enjoys being on the floor, leading from the front, and taking ownership of despatch and distribution performance in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
What we have to offer:
- Salary: £35-40k DOE
- Tuesday to Saturday working week
- Free parking
- Discounted products
Your day to day:
As Despatch Manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day management of despatch and chilled storage operations, ensuring product is handled safely, efficiently, and delivered on time, every time. You will work closely with supervisors and operational teams, managing transport, stock control, service levels, and compliance, while driving a strong culture around food safety, quality, and health safety. This role will suit someone who is decisive, organised, and comfortable making real-time operational decisions.
- Maintain a strong on-floor presence across despatch and storage areas, supporting Supervisors and teams to deliver daily plans
- Lead, coach, and develop despatch teams to meet daily and seasonal demand
- Manage daily transport planning and execution, liaising directly with hauliers and resolving delivery issues
- Ensure all orders are picked, checked, and dispatched accurately and on time using the site ERP system
- Monitor service level performance (OTIF, delivery accuracy), taking immediate corrective action where required
- Ensure full compliance with Food Safety Quality Management Systems, customer standards, and certifications
- Oversee chilled storage operations, stock rotation, stock accuracy, and physical stock checks
- Lead investigations into service failures, quality or food safety issues, and customer complaints, completing root cause analysis and follow-up actions
- Ensure despatch and storage areas remain clean, organised, and audit-ready at all times
- Drive a strong Health Safety culture through engagement, safe systems of work, and visibility
- Contribute to daily and weekly KPI reviews and operational performance meetings
- Act as the main point of contact for despatch operations, escalating risks and issues where appropriate
Your essential ingredients:
- Proven experience in a hands-on despatch, logistics, or warehouse management role within food manufacturing, fresh produce, or FMCG
- Strong people management experience in a fast-moving operational environment
- Experience managing transport operations and customer delivery requirements
- Confident using KPIs and service level data to drive performance
- Good working knowledge of Health Safety requirements
Your next move:
To find out more about this opportunity contact Paul Muir in complete confidence. If this opportunity doesn't quite hit the mark, let's get a chat and see how I can help grow your career.
Despatch Manager employer: Vickerstock
Contact Detail:
Vickerstock Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Despatch Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work in despatch or logistics. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! If you know of any local events or job fairs related to FMCG or food manufacturing, make sure to attend. It's a great way to meet potential employers face-to-face and leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job listings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one in Dungannon. Express your interest in their operations and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your skills sharp! Consider taking a short course on food safety or logistics management. It shows you're committed to your professional development and can give you an edge over other candidates.
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 food manufacturing and logistics, and don’t forget to mention any hands-on leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
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 how you've successfully managed despatch operations or led teams in a fast-paced environment. We love a good story!
Showcase Your People Skills: As a Despatch Manager, you'll be leading teams, so make sure to highlight your people management experience. Talk about how you've coached and developed teams in the past, and how you foster a positive work culture. We’re all about teamwork here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, you’ll find all our current vacancies there, so it’s worth a visit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the ins and outs of despatch operations in food manufacturing. Brush up on your knowledge of KPIs, transport management, and health and safety regulations. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely understands the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this is a hands-on leadership role, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams. Share specific examples of how you've led teams in fast-paced environments, resolved conflicts, or improved performance. Highlighting your people management skills will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Real-Time Scenarios
Expect situational questions that test your decision-making skills. Think about past experiences where you had to make quick decisions under pressure. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your ability to handle challenges effectively.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of food safety and compliance in this role, be ready to discuss how you've ensured adherence to safety standards in previous positions. Bring up any relevant certifications or training you've completed, as this will show your commitment to maintaining high standards.
