Job Overview
We're searching for a dedicated and hands-on Operations Manager to lead the core operations of our client Agora Greek Delicacies. You'll be instrumental in ensuring our warehouse operation runs seamlessly, from stock integrity and food safety to efficient logistics and order fulfilment for our diverse range of authentic Greek foods and drinks. If you're passionate about optimising processes, leading diverse teams, and driving operational excellence in a fast-paced food distribution environment, then you'll be a key player in their continued growth.
Duties
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating the day-to-day operational running of Agora Greek Delicacies ensuring that stock, people, processes and logistics work seamlessly to deliver a fast, accurate and compliant service to both wholesale and online/retail customers. The post-holder has full accountability of the warehouse operation, including warehouse and office-staff, stock integrity, food safety compliance, logistics coordination and cost control, ensuring a reliable and efficient operational platform to support business growth.
Leadership and Team Management
- Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to the warehouse operation, including warehouse staff, drivers and office-staff, setting clear expectations and maintaining high standards of performance and accountability.
- Plan and manage shift schedules in line with operational demand, ensuring appropriate resourcing at peak times.
- Monitor attendance, manage absence and address performance issues promptly and constructively.
- Set clear performance objectives and carry out regular reviews, coaching and development discussions.
- Deliver structured onboarding and ongoing training for staff, including operational procedures, food safety and health and safety requirements.
- Foster a positive, team-focused culture with clear communication, daily briefings and strong engagement.
Warehouse Operations & Order Fulfilment
- Oversee all daily warehouse activities including goods-in, storage, picking, packing and dispatch.
- Ensure all wholesale and retail orders are fulfilled accurately, on time and in line with quality and handling standards.
- Maintain and continuously improve warehouse layout, stock locations and workflow efficiency.
- Implement and refine standard operating procedures to support consistency and scalability.
- Identify operational bottlenecks and take corrective action to improve throughput and reduce delays.
- Ensure equipment is maintained and operational to avoid disruption.
Inventory Control & Stock Integrity
- Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure strong stock control processes are in place.
- Oversee cycle counts and periodic stocktakes, ensuring discrepancies are investigated and resolved.
- Monitor stock movements to ensure correct rotation and minimise waste.
- Work closely with procurement to manage stock levels, ensuring availability while avoiding overstocking.
- Investigate stock variances and implement improvements to reduce recurring issues.
- Ensure full traceability and proper handling of all product categories.
Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and warehouse standards, including temperature control, hygiene and allergen management.
- Maintain HACCP-based procedures and ensure they are consistently applied and recorded.
- Deliver health and safety training, conduct inspections and maintain a safe working environment.
- Investigate incidents, accidents and quality issues, implementing corrective actions.
- Ensure documentation and audit readiness is maintained at all times.
- Promote a culture of safety, compliance and accountability across the team.
Logistics & Distribution Coordination
- Coordinate inbound deliveries and outbound shipments to ensure timely and efficient distribution.
- Manage relationships with courier and logistics partners, monitoring service performance.
- Ensure accurate dispatch documentation and compliance with transport requirements.
- Oversee packing and loading processes to minimise damage and ensure product integrity.
- Work closely with sales to align dispatch capability with customer requirements.
Cost Control & Operational Efficiency
- Monitor labour costs, overtime and operational expenditure against budget.
- Control warehouse consumables and supplies, ensuring cost-effective procurement and usage.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce cost without compromising service or compliance.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives across warehouse operations.
- Support long-term operational planning and scalability.
Reporting & Performance Monitoring
- Track and analyse KPIs relating to operations, stock, service and productivity.
- Produce regular performance reports for the Directors, highlighting trends, risks and opportunities.
- Provide data-driven insights to support decision making and business planning.
- Ensure clear communication between operations and sales to align expectations and capacity.
- Maintain visibility of operational performance and drive continuous improvement.
Experience
- Proven operational management experience within a warehouse or distribution environment, specifically in the food sector.
- Minimum Level 3 Food Safety certification, HACCP qualification, and IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent.
- Extensive experience managing stock control processes (cycle counts, discrepancy resolution) and multi-channel order fulfilment (wholesale and/or e-commerce).
- Demonstrated ability to manage logistics, courier relationships, and implement operational process improvements and efficiency initiatives.
- Experience working closely with business owners or senior leadership, taking full operational ownership.
Key Skills
- Strong leadership capability with a proactive, hands-on approach to team development.
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with high attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills for effective internal and external stakeholder collaboration.
- Commercial awareness and focus on efficiency and cost control.
- Confident in using systems, data, and reporting to drive performance.
- A Logistics, warehouse, or supply chain qualification (advantageous).
Pay: £50,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
