Potato Storage Operations Manager
Long Sutton, Lincolnshire
Competitive Remuneration Package
Winters Lane Storage operates an 11,500-tonne temperature-controlled potato storage facility serving seven farming businesses across South Lincolnshire. The site comprises 11 refrigerated stores and plays a vital role in maintaining crop quality and ensuring potatoes reach customers in optimum condition throughout the storage season.
We are seeking a practical, organised and proactive Potato Storage Operations Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the facility.
This is a hands-on role combining storage management, stock control, crop monitoring, equipment oversight and operational planning. The successful candidate will be comfortable working both in the office and out on site including regular forklift use, taking ownership of the facility's performance and working closely with growers, customers, contractors and specialist advisors.
Applications are welcomed from individuals with experience in potato storage, fresh produce, agricultural storage, warehousing, logistics, food manufacturing or other operational environments involving temperature-controlled storage and stock management.
The Role
As Potato Storage Operations Manager, you will be responsible for:
- Managing and monitoring storage conditions across 11 refrigerated stores.
- Maintaining appropriate temperature, humidity, ventilation and environmental control settings.
- Monitoring crop condition and working with growers and advisors to maintain product quality throughout the storage season.
- Coordinating the intake, storage and dispatch of potatoes.
- Operating a counterbalance forklift truck and managing stock movements across the site.
- Ensuring stores are adequately cleaned and maintained
- Maintaining accurate stock records, traceability systems and inventory controls.
- Monitoring refrigeration and environmental control systems and coordinating maintenance activities.
- Working with the site's assistant to coordinate daily operational activities and potato box maintenance requirements.
- Supporting asset management, capital investment planning and continuous improvement projects.
- Ensuring compliance with all Health & Safety requirements and maintaining associated records.
- Identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and site performance.
About You
You will be a practical, hands-on individual with experience managing storage, warehouse, logistics or operational facilities and as comfortable on a forklift and ensuring stores are cleaned and maintained as you are on management of stores and IT systems.
You will have:
- Experience within a storage, warehousing, logistics, fresh produce or agricultural environment.
- Some experience of potato storage, crop storage or fresh produce storage, together with a basic understanding of potato production and quality requirements.
- A good understanding of temperature-controlled storage environments and product quality management.
- Strong organisational, planning and stock control skills.
- Experience using computerised monitoring, stock control or operational management systems.
- A valid Counterbalance Forklift Truck Certificate and practical operating experience.
- The ability to work independently, prioritise workload and make informed operational decisions.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- A strong commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy and safety.
Training and ongoing support will be provided to further develop specialist knowledge of potato storage and crop management.
Working Hours
Normal working hours are 7.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
During harvest intake periods, working hours are typically 7.00am to 7.00pm, with additional weekend and Bank Holiday working required to support operational demands.
Given the seasonal nature of the business, a flexible approach to working hours will be required throughout the year.
What We Offer
- A varied and autonomous management role.
- The opportunity to lead a well-established and respected storage operation.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- A supportive working environment working closely with growers and industry specialists.
- A competitive remuneration package tailored to the successful candidate's experience and requirements.
To apply, please submit your CV together with a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience and salary and benefits expectations.
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Long Sutton, Lincolnshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience with fresh produce, specifically potatoes?
Licence/Certification:
- Counterbalance Forklift Truck Certificate (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
