Location: Essex
Salary: £60,000 base salary + benefits
Reporting to: Operations Director
This is an opportunity to join a high-growth, market-leading fresh produce business operating a complex, high-volume operation, supplying major UK retailers through strong, long-standing relationships and a clear focus on product quality.
With significant investment across operations, infrastructure, and people, the business is entering an exciting phase of scale and transformation, operating from a state-of-the-art facility with advanced warehouse layout, operational flow, and software integration.
This is a key leadership hire, sitting on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), with full ownership of warehouse operations across both on-site and 3PL storage facilities.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role for an experienced Warehouse Operations Manager who can hit the ground running, leading a fast-paced, multi-temperature operation, managing 4 direct reports (Shift Managers), and driving performance, structure, and continuous improvement.
The role goes beyond day-to-day management, playing a critical part in shaping how the operation evolves as the business continues to grow, with a clear pathway to further leadership progression.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead, develop, and manage a team of 4 Shift Managers and wider warehouse operation
- Take full ownership of warehouse performance, KPIs, and service levels
- Oversee both on-site operations and external 3PL storage relationships
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across processes, systems, and productivity
- Ensure high standards across health & safety, compliance, and operational discipline
- Operate within a fast-paced environment with 10 high-volume loading bays, ensuring health & safety is prioritised at all times
- Optimise picking accuracy, dispatch performance, and stock control
- Manage labour planning, rotas, and overall workforce efficiency
- Collaborate cross-functionally with production, planning, and commercial teams
- Play an active role within the SLT, contributing to wider business strategy
- Build a strong performance-led culture, developing future leaders within the team
What’s In It for You
- The opportunity to join a high-growth, market-leading fresh produce business operating a complex, high-volume operation
- The chance to work within a state-of-the-art facility with advanced warehouse layout, operational flow, and software integration
- A senior leadership position sitting on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
- Full ownership of warehouse operations across both on-site and 3PL storage facilities
- A clear pathway to further leadership progression as the business continues to scale
Your Background
- Proven experience in a Warehouse Operations Manager / Senior Warehouse Manager role
- Background within fresh produce, chilled food, or FMCG environments
- Strong leadership experience managing large teams through middle management layers
- Experience overseeing or working closely with 3PL operations
- Track record of driving efficiencies, improving KPIs, and implementing change
- Strong understanding of health & safety and operational compliance
- Experience within high-volume, fast-paced distribution or food manufacturing environments
- Exposure to multi-site or outsourced warehousing models
- Natural leader who leads from the front
- Highly organised, structured, and results-driven
- Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational level
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
- Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and accountability
Join a Business That Invests in You
If you’re looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact, lead from the front, and be part of a high-growth journey, this could be the perfect next step.
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