Full job descriptionDespatch & Warehouse Manager
Location: Stoke
Salary: up to £60,000 DOE
About the Role
A well-established and growing FMCG manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Despatch & Warehouse Manager to take ownership of its warehouse, despatch, goods-in and stock control operations.
This is a newly created position designed to support business growth, operational excellence and future succession planning. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a large operational function, driving efficiencies, improving stock accuracy and implementing robust warehouse and despatch processes across the site.
Key Responsibilities
*Lead all warehouse, despatch and goods-in operations across the site
*Manage the movement and storage of finished products, chilled goods and dry goods inventory
*Develop and motivate a multi-skilled operational team across varying shift patterns
*Drive warehouse efficiency, labour utilisation and operational performance
*Improve stock control processes and reduce waste throughout the operation
*Manage daily stock checks, cycle counting programmes and inventory accuracy
*Investigate stock discrepancies and implement corrective actions
*Oversee pallet, tray and returnable asset management programmes
*Ensure all materials handling equipment (MHE) is maintained and recorded appropriately
*Develop and enhance warehouse systems, processes and operating procedures
*Monitor and report on key operational KPIs
*Work closely with Production, Planning, Engineering, HR and Senior Leadership teams
*Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety and company standards
*Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the warehouse and logistics function
What We’re Looking For
*Proven warehouse leadership experience gained within FMCG, food manufacturing, logistics or distribution environments
*Strong background managing: Warehouse Operations, Despatch Operations, Goods Inwards, Inventory Control & Stock Management
*Experience leading large operational teams
*Excellent understanding of warehouse KPIs and performance management
*Strong systems capability and confidence working with ERP, MRP or warehouse management systems
*Demonstrable experience improving operational processes and efficiencies
*Hands-on leadership style with the ability to engage teams and drive performance
Desirable Experience
*Food manufacturing experience
*Knowledge of Navision, MRP or similar ERP systems
*IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent Health & Safety qualification
*Experience managing returnable assets, pallets or packaging pools
*Exposure to transport and logistics operations
Key Skills
*Warehouse Operations Management
*Despatch Management
*Inventory Control
*Stock Accuracy
*Continuous Improvement
*Process Development
*Leadership
*Change Management
*Performance Management
*Health & Safety Compliance
*Stakeholder Management
*Data & KPI Analysis
What’s on Offer?
*Newly created leadership role with genuine influence
*Opportunity to shape and develop warehouse and despatch operations
*Growing business environment with ongoing investment
*Long-term progression opportunities
*Competitive salary and benefits package
*Stable day-based working pattern with flexibility required during peak operational periods
Interested?
If you have a strong background in warehouse, despatch or distribution management and are looking for an opportunity to make a real impact within a growing manufacturing operation, we’d love to hear from you.