Despatch Front Line Manager

Hovis Bakeries; Stockport; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

33 Days Annual Leave

Pension Contributions

Discounts at retailers

EV & Cycle to Work

Flexible Working Options

EAP

Job summary

Hovis Bakeries in Stockport is seeking a Warehouse Shift Manager to lead the Despatch operation. This hands-on role focuses on accuracy in stock reconciliations, inbound and on-site manufactured stock, and efficient loading of outbound vehicles, with a 42-hour week on a 4 on 4 off pattern.

You will report to the Warehouse Manager, build a high-performing team, uphold safety standards, optimise labour use via SAP and Excel, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of managing a warehouse operation in a comparable FMCG role.
• Strong leadership and communication skills – able to motivate teams and manage performance.
• Organised, highly analytical and able to balance speed with accuracy, with a good working knowledge of MS Office Packages – specifically Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead team briefs.
• Safety-first mindset; IOSH qualification desirable.
• Excellent IT knowledge and warehouse management systems knowledge; SAP experience highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Leading a High-Performing Team: Set clear goals and expectations, driving your team to consistently achieve and exceed KPIs.
• Champion Safety in Everything: Ensure every shift operates to the highest health, safety, environmental, and legal standards—safety is non‑negotiable.
• Optimise Operations: Maximise labour efficiency through smart use of Warehouse Management Systems and flexible workforce planning.
• Build Talent: Recruit, train, and develop Operatives and Coordinators who embody our values and deliver exceptional performance.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Implement action plans that boost productivity, enhance processes, and achieve CI targets.
• Resolve Issues Fast: Tackle service challenges promptly, elevate where needed, and provide accurate, reliable data for reviews and decision-making.
• Collaborate for Success: Build strong cross‑functional relationships to ensure seamless operations and shared goals.
• Lead by Example: Communicate openly, act decisively, and inspire your team with passion, resilience, and a customer‑first mindset.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

MS Excel

SAP

Organisational skills

Safety awareness

Tools

SAP

MS Excel

Job description

Career Opportunities: Despatch Front Line Manager (4172)

Requisition ID4172-Posted21/08/2026- Region (1) - Job Category (2) -Permanent-Full Time- Company (1)

Are you ready to lead from the front and make a real impact? We’re looking for a Warehouse Shift Manager to join our high-performing team in Stockport. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll drive operational excellence, inspire your team, and ensure our customers receive the best possible service.

You’ll ensure your team deliver excellence at every stage. From accurately administering and reconciling stocks, both inbound and own manufactured on site, along with managing the allocation and picking to meet customer requirements, while overseeing the safe, efficient loading of outbound vehicles, maintaining strict cost control.

Shift Pattern: Embrace the flexibility of a 4 on 4 off shift pattern (days and nights)

Hours: Enjoy a balanced work-life with 12-hour shifts, totalling a 42-hour week.

Key Accountabilities

This isn’t just about managing people—it’s about ensuring every part of the warehouse operation runs like clockwork. You’ll report directly to the Warehouse Manager and take ownership of day‑to‑day operations in Despatch, including:

• Leading a High-Performing Team: Set clear goals and expectations, driving your team to consistently achieve and exceed KPIs.
• Champion Safety in Everything: Ensure every shift operates to the highest health, safety, environmental, and legal standards—safety is non‑negotiable.
• Optimise Operations: Maximise labour efficiency through smart use of Warehouse Management Systems and flexible workforce planning.
• Build Talent: Recruit, train, and develop Operatives and Coordinators who embody our values and deliver exceptional performance.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Implement action plans that boost productivity, enhance processes, and achieve CI targets.
• Resolve Issues Fast: Tackle service challenges promptly, elevate where needed, and provide accurate, reliable data for reviews and decision-making.
• Collaborate for Success: Build strong cross‑functional relationships to ensure seamless operations and shared goals.
• Lead by Example: Communicate openly, act decisively, and inspire your team with passion, resilience, and a customer‑first mindset.

The Right Person

• Proven experience of managing a warehouse operation in a comparable FMCG role
• Strong leadership and communication skills – able to motivate teams and manage performance
• Organised, highly analytical and able to balance speed with accuracy, with a good working knowledge of all MS Office Packages – specifically Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead team briefs
• Has a safety‑first mindset and takes pride in doing things the right way. IOSH qualification desirable.
• Excellent IT knowledge and warehouse management systems knowledge, as this is a process driven environment (SAP experience highly desirable)
• Previous experience of dealing with employee relations including but not limited to, return to works, absence reviews, disciplinaries and grievances

What's in it for you?

We believe in rewarding our people, and that’s why we offer an outstanding package of benefits, including:

• Competitive Salary: £50,859.84per year
• 33 Days (pro rata) Annual Leave – Enjoy your well‑earned breaks!
• Up to 10% Employer Pension Contributions (including Life Assurance)
• ‘Extra Slice’ Benefits Scheme – Discounts at over 500 retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S and more!
• Electric Vehicle & Cycle to Work Scheme – Enjoy great deals on EV cars or bikes to make your commute greener and more affordable
• Family‑Friendly & Flexible Working Options – Supporting your work‑life balance
• Employee Assistance Programme – Free & confidential support for financial, legal, and personal matters
• Employee Referral Scheme - We have a great reputation and reward you if you refer someone that joins us
• Loyal Service Awards - We value your hard work and long‑term commitment to us
• Health Care Cash Plan - A choice to cover for you and your family for those everyday check ups