Operations Manager

Bidfood Australia; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Development programs

Health plans

EAP

Team culture growth

Job summary

Bidfood Adelaide is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead day-to-day warehousing and distribution, shaping safe, efficient operations. You will drive rostering, labour planning and wage control while coordinating with purchasing, sales and transport teams to keep product moving promptly and cost-effectively.

You’ll manage a large operations team, uphold safety and quality standards, and report on performance to drive improvements.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in warehouse or distribution operations (foodservice/FMCG ideal).
• Rostering and workforce planning experience across multiple shifts.
• Excellent communication, coaching and performance management skills.
• Strong understanding of safety, food quality and cold-chain requirements.
• Confidence with operational systems and reporting (and quick to learn new ones).
• Current forklift licence (highly advantageous).
• Current HR/MR truck licence (highly advantageous).

Responsibilities

• Be a master of rosters, labour planning and wage control to match demand.
• Lead, coach and mentor a large, diverse operations team.
• Champion safe practices and ensure quality standards are met.
• Maintain vehicles, equipment and facility readiness.
• Monitor performance and prepare reports that drive improvements.
• Look for smarter, safer and more efficient ways to work every day.

Skills

Leadership

Warehousing

Rostering

Communication

Safety

Systems

Forklift Licence

HR Truck Licence

Job description

Are you the kind of leader people respect because you know how to get the best out of them? Someone who can run a busy operation like a master — leading with a clear plan, tight rosters and high standards, while keeping your cool when the pressure spikes. If you’re ready to step up into a true management role, this is one of the most critical positions in Bidfood.

As Operations Manager, you’ll lead the team that gets products in, out and to the customers who rely on us every single day. It’s about more than moving boxes – it’s about empowering people to perform at their best, building trust on the floor and setting the pace for a safe, efficient and motivated workplace. You’ll be well-remunerated, backed by a national network and rewarded for delivering on what matters – safety, service and your people.

About the role

Reporting to the Branch Manager, you’ll lead all day-to-day warehousing and distribution operations. Your strengths are rostering and staff management — setting the rhythm for the shift, lifting productivity and keeping people safe. You’ll work closely with purchasing, sales and transport teams to keep product moving in and out on time, in top condition and at the right cost.

You will:

• Be a master of rosters, labour planning and wage control to match demand
• Lead, coach and mentor a large, diverse operations team
• Champion safe practices and ensure quality standards are met
• Maintain vehicles, equipment and facility readiness
• Monitor performance and prepare reports that drive improvements
• Look for smarter, safer and more efficient ways to work every day

About you

Calm head. Clear communicator. Champion people leader. You get the best out of a team because you’re present on the floor, and are fair and consistent. You take pride in your work and the reputation that comes with doing it well – but you also value balance outside of work.

This role suits someone who knows how to balance structure with people skills. You’re steady under pressure, confident making big calls, and you understand that discipline and accountability only work when the team is motivated and on board. You set high standards, empower people to perform at their best and lead from the front. As Operations Manager, you’re not just running the warehouse – you’re part of the top management of the branch, shaping its success every single day.

Bidfood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage those of all genders and backgrounds to apply and bring their skills and leadership to this role.

Skills and experience

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Proven leadership in warehouse or distribution operations (foodservice/FMCG ideal)
• Rostering and workforce planning experience across multiple shifts
• Excellent communication, coaching and performance management skills
• Strong understanding of safety, food quality and cold-chain requirements
• Confidence with operational systems and reporting (and quick to learn new ones)
• A current forklift licence (highly advantageous)
• A current HR/MR truck licence (highly advantageous)

About Bidfood Adelaide

Bidfood Adelaide is more than just part of Australia’s leading foodservice distributor – we’re a team with deep roots in South Australia’s food and hospitality scene. From the world-class wineries and oyster regions to educational institutions and growing coastal towns, we support a wide mix of customers across the state. Whether it's local cafés, independent grocers, aged care kitchens or cellar doors, our team brings the local knowledge and logistical know-how that keeps South Australia's diverse foodservice sector running smoothly.

With over 2,500 employees across 50+ branches nationally, Bidfood is proud to offer a workplace where people feel supported, empowered and part of something bigger. Working at Bidfood means variety, autonomy and the chance to build strong relationships with suppliers, reps and teammates who are passionate about what they do. You’ll be backed by a stable, well-established company that values initiative, loyalty and care and encourages you to grow your career.

The extra perks

• Staff discounts on 6,000+ products
• Access to workforce development programs
• Corporate health plans and well-being benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
• Supportive team culture with room to grow

Ready to take the next step?

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted