Operations Manager

We are looking for an Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of our warehouse and logistics operations. This is a Senior Management role within the business, taking responsibility and reporting lines for the Transport Manager, Grantham Depot Manager and Supply Chain Manager. In addition, and as part of the reporting line for the Balham Warehouse Manager, you will oversee Brindisa Production and our Cheese Rooms. As part of the Supply chain management, there will be an element of inbound logistics that will include communication with our subsidiary business in Barcelona, Spain.

Responsibilities and Duties

The role will be based in Balham, but responsibility is split between warehouse operations in our Balham and Grantham sites, Stock Control and Inbound Supply Chain, Outbound Transport, Brindisa Production & Cheese Rooms.

Responsibilities

Customer Service

Drive the highest levels of internal and external customer service throughout areas of responsibility, ensuring that Brindisa customer service, profit and strategic objectives are met and exceeded. Coach and manage direct reports to ensure they achieve the same level of service to our internal and external customers

Strategic Vision

• Creating, communicating and delivering the Brindisa Operational Annual Plan to your teams. Measure our success against our agreed KPIs.
• Work closely with the Managing Director and Finance & IT Director to identify areas of improvement within the operations division, to review processes, communication and set standards and objectives; and create, implement and deliver plans to ensure future operational efficiency and service to our internal & external customers. By analysing company data from the Winman and Phocas reporting systems.
• Have a global approach and work on process improvement with the aim of delivering streamlined activities across all core operational teams, this includes collaboration with our subsidiary business in Spain and our Balham and Grantham sites.

Delivering Operational Excellence

• Responsible for the overall management, control, organisation and direction of all operational departments. Monitor and review our operational performance across all core areas and address any issues with your team of managers.
• Drive continuous improvement across all areas through the operational team managers, ensuring they develop, implement and review Standard Operating Procedures in all their areas of responsibility.
• Work with managers to set objectives and meet targets, deadlines and KPIs to maximise operational performance and efficiency to ensure our internal and external customers receive outstanding service.
• Assess the overall performance of supply chain, Brindisa Production & Cheese Rooms and warehouse and logistics services including collaborative forecasting, customer demand fulfilment and exception management.
• Responsible for top line Operations KPIs and business metrics to review and understand variances, and to optimise and take corrective action where required.
• Oversee the efficient processing and delivery of product through the effective management of supply, warehouse and driver teams.

Delivering Compliance

• Work with the Technical & Compliance Manager and key reports on all legal compliance regarding Quality and Environmental Standards, Food Handling, Risk Management, Health & Safety across all Brindisa operational sites and offices.
• Working with the Transport Manager to ensure all legal compliance is adhered to for the driver team, as well as route planning and delivery round efficiency
• Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment at all times, ensuring that the management of H&S is a high priority and conducted in accordance with company H&S policy and legislation.
• Responsible for ensuring that all product leaving our Balham and Grantham warehouses, plus our Brindisa Production site is compliant with Quality Standards and ensure the highest standards in housekeeping.
• Oversee compliance to legal and regulatory requirements Working Time Directive, Road Traffic Acts and Vehicle safety & licenses, ensuring appropriate action is taken where required.
• Provide leadership for ongoing continuous improvement projects, and drive standardisation, training and governance to ensure process deployment and control.

Driving Profit

• Assist the Managing Director and Finance Director with the setting of the annual Operations Budget, annual spend indications and any capital expenditure justification.
• Have day to day, month on month responsibility for all direct costs and budgetary responsibility as part of the daily/monthly management of the Ops P&L.
• Have overall responsibility for the control of stock, and the ability of the Operations Team to meet and exceed stock holding KPIs and wastage targets.

Leadership

• Have a hands-on visible management style (the ability to roll up your sleeves and getting involved whenever necessary) with a continuous improvement approach and work with the team to instil trust and confidence through influence and credibility.
• Cultivate strong working relationships through influencing and networking skills to create effective working partnerships with both internal Brindisa teams and external partners
• Undertake regular performance reviews and annual appraisals to identify the training needs of your managers and their teams. Ensure that appropriate training is provided.
• Collaborate with HR in recruiting and hiring, and work with managers to identify needs, set resourcing goals, plan for seasonal needs and balance the skills and experience needed in areas of responsibility

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Degree calibre or demonstrable experience in a similar role.
• Previous experience in a food related industry
• 5 years experience in broad operations management experience working in a FMCG, Wholesale foods warehouse and distribution environment.
• Previous experience of working with a Warehouse ERP System
• Previous experience of working with supply, stock and logistics systems, operations and processes.
• 2 years previous experience of H&S management.
• Demonstrates the ability to lead, inspire, engage and enthuse a large team, ensuring support is given to enable them to manage effectively.
• Microsoft Word, and Excel (Intermediate level)
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and written, with the ability to deliver direction and motivation in an effective manner.
• 5 years previous experience of managing P&L and budgets.
• Professional and positive approach, self-motivated, a team player, dynamic, creative and with the ability to work on own initiative.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to identify issues and develop effective practical solutions
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all tasks and processes.
• Effective time management skills to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines

Desirable

• Previous experience in a chilled/frozen food industry
• Regulatory compliance experience including food safety and health & safety
• Knowledge of Spanish food
• Be a Spanish speaker
• Experience in food production and processes and the cheese industry

Location: Based in our Balham warehouse

Employment Type: Full-time

Department: Brindisa Warehouse/Operations

Reports To: Managing Director

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, including some weekend days.