Job Summary
We are seeking a hands-on, enthusiastic Operations Manager to play a key role in the day-to-day success of Salcombe Dairy. This is a pivotal position, responsible for ensuring our operations run smoothly across production, retail, distribution, and customer service while maintaining the exceptional quality and standards our brand is known for.
Working closely with department leaders, you will oversee people, processes, and resources to deliver operational excellence, maximise efficiency, and support the continued growth of the business. You will lead by example, fostering a positive, collaborative culture where teams are motivated to deliver outstanding products and customer experiences. With a proactive, solutions-focused approach, you will identify opportunities for continuous improvement while ensuring food safety, quality, and operational standards are consistently met.
The ideal candidate will be highly organised, adaptable, and confident managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, seasonal environment. Excellent communication and leadership skills are essential, along with the ability to build strong relationships across the business and inspire teams to perform at their best.
This role is based on 40 hours per week. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, additional hours will be required during peak trading periods, with greater flexibility during quieter times to meet the needs of the business.
Duties
· Coordinate daily delivery schedules, process customer orders accurately, and ensure the timely dispatch of the correct products while managing delivery drivers and customer invoicing.
· Oversee vehicle maintenance to ensure the fleet remains safe, compliant, and operational.
· Receive supplier deliveries, check goods, and allocate stock efficiently to appropriate storage locations.
· Manage ice cream inventory, including stock rotation, freezer organisation, and replenishment from external storage facilities as required.
· Coordinate deliveries to company-owned retail shops across Devon and Somerset.
· Process and prepare high-volume orders for our sister company in Kent, ensuring accuracy and on-time fulfilment.
· Build and book pallets of ice cream for transport to external storage facilities, ensuring correct documentation and handling procedures.
· Manage inventory across multiple external storage providers, including Ocado, Brakes, and Langdons, using their inventory management systems effectively.
· Maintain stock control through regular stock takes, monitoring inventory levels, placing orders, rotating stock, managing use-by dates, and coordinating the movement of large volumes of stock between factories and storage locations.
· Complete operational and compliance documentation to a high standard, using business software including Sage to maintain accurate records.
Key Skills/ abilities
· Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
· Strong problem-solving abilities, remaining calm, focused, and effective under pressure during busy periods.
· Proven leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, support, and develop team members while fostering a positive, collaborative working environment.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, enabling clear, professional interactions with colleagues, customers, and external stakeholders.
· Previous administrative experience, including accurate record-keeping, report preparation, and schedule management.
· Professional telephone manner combined with outstanding customer service skills, building positive relationships with clients and team members.
· Physically fit and capable of undertaking a hands-on role, including safely moving and handling stock as required.
About Salcombe Dairy
Salcombe Dairy is an independent, family-owned business with a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality ice cream, sorbets, and bean-to-bar chocolate. Based in Devon, we combine traditional craftsmanship with carefully selected ingredients to create products that are enjoyed by customers across the UK.
We are passionate about quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service. As our business continues to grow, we are looking for enthusiastic, reliable people who share our commitment to excellence and take pride in being part of a supportive, hard-working team. At Salcombe Dairy, every member of our team plays an important role in helping us deliver premium products that delight our customers.
Salary £30,000 - £35,000 depending on experience.
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
