Depot Operation Manager

Depot Operation Manager – apetito UK Join to apply for the Depot Operation Manager role at apetito UK. You will work alongside the RSOM to deliver outstanding service to our customers at Wiltshire Farm Foods, Witham depot. You will be responsible for the day‑to‑day running of the depot, ensuring we hit all financial and operational targets and providing proactive leadership to build plans for any KPI’s that are off track. The office manager reports directly to you, and you will support the office team to deliver an exceptional customer experience. You will also manage the delivery team to ensure all health and safety policies and delivery procedures are adhered to. Salary & Benefits Salary circa £29,000 – £31,000 per annum + Bonus + Benefits Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer 33 days holiday per year, including bank holidays Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year Discretionary annual bonus scheme Pension scheme – employer matched contributions up to 4% Life assurance scheme worth at least 1× annual salary Free turkey or voucher at Christmas apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts Responsibilities Ensure health & safety, hygiene and food safety procedures & practices are adhered to at all times. Maintain adequate, cost‑effective resource levels and stock levels to meet customer demands. Work with staff to deliver profitability and service standards. Ensure all behaviours align with apetito’s Code of Conduct. Maintain excellent operational standards throughout the Depot. Adhere to all apetito procedures and deadlines. Ensure all company vehicles are maintained appropriately. Be a key link between the onsite teams. Deputise for the RSOM in their absence. Maintain route optimisation processes, including routing. Deliver retail standards within the depot. Support the RSOM to deliver company and client business objectives. Agree contract KPIs, monitor performance, and drive performance and profitability. Achieve budgeted sales and profitability, influencing key P&L drivers and accurately forecasting future financial performance. Demonstrate leadership and coaching to increase engagement and motivation. Recruit, induct, develop, appraise and review contracted employees as appropriate. Develop training structures and manage training needs of staff. Champion and oversee excellent service standards, ensuring processes are communicated and followed. Promote customer service excellence and ensure expectations are met or exceeded. Maintain excellent communications with client employees and deliver all client and company administration and reporting requirements. Abide by client, company and legislative policies and procedures. Maintain quality and standards of overall presentation, ensuring adherence to company and agreed contract standards. Champion Employee Forums and promote attendance/engagement by Employee Representatives. Create inter‑company relationships within departments (HR, Finance, etc.) and share best practice across the UK and Ireland. Essential Qualifications & Experience High standard of customer care. Telephone skills – able to handle calls effectively and professionally. Administration experience. Proven experience in stock control. Proven ability in managing and developing a team. Confident in people management activities: recruitment, sickness absence, performance management and disciplinary procedures. Able to understand and translate P&L accounts. Experience prioritising workload. Computer skills – confident users of all Microsoft Office Suite (Intermediate level or above). Full driving licence. Desirable Qualifications & Experience Transport & Logistics background. eMeal (Navision) knowledge. Contract Catering experience. Fleet management experience. Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate. Personal Qualities Effective engagement skills, both 1‑to‑1 and within a team. Calm under pressure – resilient. Flexible and able to work to tight deadlines. Able to work self‑sufficiently. Excellent communicator. Motivated to achieve with a “can‑do” attitude. Pro‑active self‑starter who can prioritise effectively, balancing a commercial focus with an understanding of our business. Strong team working skills at all levels, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in delivery. Results focused, persistent in pursuit of achievement. Employment Details Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level. Employment type: Full‑time. Job function: Management and Manufacturing. Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing. Location: Wiltshire Farm Foods, Witham depot, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. Eligibility This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route as it does not meet the minimum requirements set out in the UK Immigration Rules. Company Commitment Wij proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040. Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer. Learn more about apetito’s commitment to a more sustainable future and our inclusive workplace values. #J-18808-Ljbffr