The Company
Caterite Food & Wineservice Limited is a leading food and drink wholesaler based in the Lake District delivering to customers in the North of England and Scotland. After 50 years of Foodservice, the company is entering a new chapter in its history, whilst staying true to the values and service which has guided its success so far.
We are in an exciting period of transformational change with significant developments within our business since the company was acquired by METRO in 2024. METRO is an international specialist in food wholesale, a partner of many small and mid-sized independent companies who have made it their goal to lift the food and hospitality sector to a new level and to take advantage of the unique opportunity that the comprehensive digitization of the industry presents.
Caterite Food & Wineservice Limited has worked hard to establish an enviable reputation for supplying customers with top-quality goods exactly to order, all delivered at competitive prices as part of a fast, friendly and efficient service in which extra is standard.
The Role
Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Operations – Nights to lead and develop our overnight operation.
Reporting directly to the Operations Director, you will be the senior operational leader on site throughout the night, with overall responsibility for Night Assembly, the Customer Order Team and Logistics/Trunking Department. You will also be the point of escalation for all issues including IT and system queries.
This is a key leadership role and requires someone with a strong all-round operational understanding to make confident decisions and bring teams together in a fast-paced environment.
We are looking for a results-driven leader who thrives on responsibility, inspires those around them and is passionate about safety, efficiency, service and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Take overall responsibility for the safe, efficient and effective running of the night operation, ensuring customer orders are delivered on time and in full.
- Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, food safety, Working Time requirements and Company standards, promoting a safe and compliant working environment.
- Lead and develop the Night Teams, driving high standards of performance, accountability and teamwork.
- Maintain oversight of operational performance throughout the night, ensuring resources and priorities are effectively managed in response to volumes and business requirements.
- Work closely with Logistics to ensure assembly operations are aligned with trunking, hub and delivery requirements.
- Act as the senior operational decision-maker on site overnight, resolving issues and coordinating responses to operational, customer order, IT and systems challenges.
- Monitor performance and KPIs, driving continuous improvement across productivity, efficiency and customer service providing effective reporting and handovers to the Day Operation and the Operations Director.
Requirements
- Proven senior management experience within operations, foodservice, FMCG, distribution, warehousing or a similar fast-paced environment.
- A strong operational leader with experience leading managers, supervisors and high-performing teams.
- Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to take ownership as the senior person on site.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety, operational compliance, productivity and performance management.
- Commercially aware and results-driven, with a strong focus on safety, efficiency and customer service.
- Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments.
- Confident using operational and IT systems and comfortable responding to changing priorities and demands.
Benefits
- Discounted company shopping account
- £500 refer-a-friend scheme
- 28 days holiday plus day for birthday
- Company pension (People’s Pension)
- Long service award
- Schedule: Sunday to Friday
- Expected hours: 40 hours per week
Work Location: In person
