At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage despatch operations in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a respected food manufacturing business with a strong heritage in fresh produce.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free parking, and discounted products.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring timely and safe product delivery.
- Qualifications: Experience in despatch or logistics within food manufacturing is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ 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. T 028 9031 3720. 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 in Dungannon employer: Vickerstock
Contact Detail:
Vickerstock Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Despatch Manager in Dungannon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who know about despatch roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral that could land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of KPIs and service level data. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive performance in your previous roles. We want to see that you're not just a people manager but also a data-driven decision-maker!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on experience! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to make real-time decisions and how you’ve tackled challenges in despatch operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to check out our website for current vacancies! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to stand out. Plus, we’re always here to help you navigate your job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Despatch Manager in Dungannon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Despatch Manager role. Highlight your hands-on experience in despatch and logistics, especially within food manufacturing or FMCG. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading teams, don’t forget to showcase your people management experience. Share examples of how you've coached and developed teams in a fast-paced environment. We love seeing strong leadership in action!
Be Specific About Achievements: When detailing your past roles, be specific about your achievements. Use KPIs and service level data to demonstrate how you’ve driven performance. Numbers speak volumes, and we appreciate a results-driven approach!
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, you’ll find all our current vacancies there, so it’s worth a look!
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, health and safety regulations, and the specific challenges faced in a fast-paced FMCG environment. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are also prepared to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Despatch Manager, you'll need to lead from the front. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Think about times when you’ve had to make quick decisions or resolve conflicts, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. For instance, they might ask how you would handle a delivery issue or a quality control failure. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently, demonstrating your ability to think on your feet.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture before your interview. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding food safety and quality management. Showing that you’re a good cultural fit can set you apart from other candidates.