DESPATCH SUPERVISOR
Location: Bexhill-on-Sea
Hours: 36 hrs/week - 3am-9am Monday to Saturday
Schedule: Mon–Sat
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £28,500.00-30,000.00 Depending on Experience
About Bodiam Meat Company
Established in 1986, Bodiam Meat Company Ltd is a leading catering butcher based in Bexhill-on-Sea, supplying high-quality meat products to B2B customers across South East England. Our fleet of 15 vans delivers 6 days a week to a loyal and growing client base of restaurants, hotels, cafes, care homes, schools and golf clubs.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced and organised Transport & Logistics Manager to take ownership of our daily despatch and delivery operations. This is a hands-on, early-start role that sits at the heart of our business, ensuring that our customers receive their orders accurately, on time and to the highest standard every single day.
Working Hours
Monday – Saturday : 03:00 - 9:00
Key Responsibilities
Fleet & Despatch Operations
- Oversee the daily loading and despatch of a fleet of 15 delivery vans, 6 days per week, ensuring all vehicles depart on time and correctly loaded
- Plan and optimise daily delivery routes to maximise efficiency and minimise costs across our South East England delivery territory
- Coordinate vehicle checks, ensuring all vans are roadworthy, clean and compliant with food hygiene regulations before departure
People Management
- Act as the direct line manager for all delivery drivers, providing day-to-day leadership, support and performance management
- Conduct regular driver briefings, ensuring the team is informed of route changes, customer requirements and operational priorities
- Manage driver scheduling, holiday cover and absence, maintaining sufficient resource to meet delivery commitments at all times
- Carry out driver inductions, training and ongoing development, including compliance with driving regulations and company standards
- Handle conduct and performance issues professionally and in line with company HR procedures
Quality Control & Food Safety
- Conduct quality checks on all items being loaded onto vehicles, ensuring orders are accurate, correctly packaged and of the required standard
- Ensure cold chain compliance is maintained throughout the loading and despatch process, in line with food safety legislation
Customer Service & Communication
- Liaise with the sales and office team to communicate any delivery issues, delays or special customer requirements
- Ensure delivery documentation (notes, invoices, returns) is accurately completed and returned on time
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience in a transport, logistics or fleet management role
- Previous experience managing or supervising a team of drivers
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to work early morning hours reliably across a Monday to Saturday schedule
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Experience within a food production, catering or perishable goods environment
- Knowledge of food safety and cold chain compliance
Pay: £28,500.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
