Cold Store Chargehand (Export)

Cranswick Country Foods; Preston; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Cranswick Country Foods is seeking a proactive leader to oversee the export area in a cold store. You will support Cold Store Operatives, ensure efficient processing, picking and dispatch, and maintain safety, quality and productivity standards.

You will guide and coach the team to meet targets, manage KPIs, and liaise with hauliers to ensure smooth logistics. A background in FMCG manufacturing and computer skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role (Chargehand / Line Leader / Team Leader).
• Experience leading and supervising a team.
• FMCG manufacturing experience (preferably food).
• Able to work in a cold, fast-paced environment to daily targets.
• Good level of computer skills (Microsoft Office).
• Resilience and adaptability to change.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily activities within the export area, ensuring targets are met safely and efficiently.
• Supervise loading bay operations including receipt and dispatch of products.
• Ensure customer orders are picked, prepared and dispatched with correct documentation.
• Escalate operational issues promptly to Supervisors or Management.
• Coordinate haulier activity with Administrators to ensure smooth logistics.
• Communicate effectively with haulier drivers following Health & Safety procedures.
• Provide guidance to Cold Store Operatives and monitor performance standards.
• Ensure MHE and racking systems are maintained and report defects.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues, Supervisors, Managers and external stakeholders.
• Minimise downtime and maintain productivity at required levels.
• Deliver excellent customer service through on-time deliveries and reduced returns.

Skills

Team leadership

Coaching

Communication

Computer literacy

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Reporting to the Cold Store Supervisors, you will play a key role in overseeing the day-to-day operation of the export area, supporting Cold Store Operatives, and ensuring products are processed, picked, and dispatched efficiently. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of safety, quality, productivity, and customer service while helping the team achieve operational targets. Main Duties Include (but not limited to):

• Supervising the daily activities within the designated export area to ensure operational targets are met efficiently and safely.
• Overseeing loading bay operations, including the receipt and dispatch of products.
• Ensuring all customer orders are accurately picked, prepared, and dispatched with the correct documentation.
• Escalating operational issues promptly to Supervisors or Management.
• Liaising with Administrators to coordinate haulier activity and ensure smooth logistics operations.
• Communicating effectively with haulier drivers in line with Company Health & Safety procedures.
• Providing guidance and support to Cold Store Operatives and monitoring performance standards.
• Ensuring all Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and racking systems are maintained safely, reporting any defects or concerns.
• Building effective working relationships with colleagues, Supervisors, Managers, and external stakeholders.
• Minimising downtime and ensuring productivity remains at the required level.
• Delivering excellent customer service through on-time deliveries and reduced customer returns.
• Supporting resource planning by working with Supervisors to ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained.
• Motivating, coaching, and developing team members to maximise performance and engagement.
• Carrying out compliance and quality checks within the department and reporting any non-conformances.
• Ensuring corrective actions are implemented and repeat issues are prevented.
• Monitoring and delivering against departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Operating responsibly with consideration for environmental impact and workplace safety.
• Conducting objective performance assessments and providing constructive feedback.
• Ensuring team members clearly understand their responsibilities and assigned tasks.
• Experience in a similar role - Chargehand / Line Leader / Team Leader / Step-In Team Leader
• Experience leading and supervising a team
• Previous experience in an FMCG manufacturing environment (preferably food related)
• Comfortable working in a cold, fast paced environment to daily targets, in a safe and controlled manner
• Good level of computer skills (Microsoft Office)
• Resilience & able to adapt to change