Operations Manager

Your Company:
A leading UK wholesale food distribution business is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join its growing operation in Oxfordshire.
The organisation supplies a diverse customer base including restaurant groups, airlines, cruise and travel providers, retail butchers, online businesses, and national food companies. With a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service, the company operates a fast-paced chilled distribution environment handling a wide range of perishable food products.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on operational leader to take ownership of a key site, manage a large team, and drive operational excellence within a dynamic FMCG environment.

Your Roles and Responsibilities:
While in this position your duties may include but will not be limited to:

Oversee the daily operations of a busy warehouse and distribution site across a six-day working week
Lead, manage, mentor, and develop a team of operational staff to maintain high levels of productivity and engagement
Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and performance standards
Monitor operational performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Manage operational budgets, forecasting, and cost control activities
Ensure compliance with company procedures, food safety regulations, and Health & Safety standards
Support a strong customer-focused culture across all operational activities
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service levels
Work closely with senior leadership and department managers to align operational performance with business objectives
Prepare operational and performance reports for senior management
Maintain high standards of operational control, site security, and stock management
Ensure the safe handling, storage, and movement of chilled and perishable food products
Support performance management, staff development, and team motivation initiatives
Maintain a proactive, hands-on approach within a fast-paced operational environment

What you will need to Apply:

Proven experience within an Operations Manager or similar leadership role
Previous experience within logistics, distribution, warehousing, or supply chain operations
Experience within an FMCG or chilled/perishable goods environment is highly desirable
Strong leadership and team management experience within a fast-paced operation
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage at all levels
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Good financial awareness with experience managing budgets and operational costs
Strong organisational and time management skills
Working knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and operational compliance
IT literate with the ability to analyse operational data and performance metrics
A proactive and hands-on management style with high operational standards
Ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy operational environment

What you will get in Return:
This is a full-time, permanent role offering the opportunity to join a growing and well-established organisation within the UK food distribution sector.
You will receive a competitive salary and benefits package, including life assurance, an employee assistance programme with retail and restaurant discounts, discounted and complimentary meat hampers, and opportunities for career progression within a growing group structure.
The role offers the chance to take ownership of a key operational site, lead a large and motivated team, and make a significant impact on performance, efficiency, and service quality.

To enquire further about this exciting position, please reach out to:

Christina Smith – Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

M: 07999 103926
E: csmith@netrecruit.com