Despatch Manager

Hovis Bakeries; West of England; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual leave

Pension schemes

Aviva DigiCare + Workplace App

Hovis Choice benefits platform

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Hovis is hiring a Despatch Manager at Avonmouth, leading a high-performing warehouse team in a fast-paced FMCG environment. You will own the full operation from budget control and labour planning to ensuring orders are picked accurately and on time.

You will collaborate across Transport and Manufacturing to align production schedules with delivery timelines, drive KPI targets, and contribute to safe, compliant operations. This role requires hands-on leadership and flexibility in a 24/7 operation.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and leadership skills required.
• Experience managing teams in fast-moving FMCG environments.
• Proven ability to drive warehouse performance and cost control.
• Experience in warehouse planning and order-filling processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead full warehouse operations, including budget control and labour planning.
• Drive order fill accuracy and on-time picking to meet delivery targets.
• Collaborate with Transport and Manufacturing to align schedules.
• Support health, safety and compliance across the site.

Skills

Strong communication

Work under pressure

Team management

FMCG warehouse experience

Job description

Welcome to Hovis. We are the proud guardians of over 130 years of baking experience that make up our iconic and much-loved brand. We produce bread and bakery products created with Hovis goodness at the heart of each. We deliver around 1.3million loaves, every day of the week throughout the UK and Ireland, where we also make Mothers Pride and Ormo products.

We are 2,800 people working within 8 bakeries, 1 flour mill, and 2 regional distribution centres across the UK. Our success is a result of the hard work of our people; they are experts in their field whether it’s baking, manufacturing, logistics, engineering, or the many departments within the central functions team based in our head office in High Wycombe. We are a values-led business and expect our colleagues to live, breathe, and embed Quality, Accountability, and Trust into their ways of working.

Despatch Manager - Avonmouth

Shift pattern : Monday - Friday

What’s it all about?

As our next Despatch Manager, you will be the driving force behind a high - performing team, engaging and inspiring with a firm but fair approach and will take pride in the success of both the operation and your people . In this pivotal role you will be making key decisions that impact the business overall and will ensu r e that targets are met to achieve business goals and profitability. With a dedicated team and a group of experienced Front Line Managers reporting to you, you will take ownership of the full warehouse operation — from budget control and labour planning to the smooth, efficient running of daily activities. Maximising order fill rates and ensuring orders are picked accurately and on time will be top priorities. You will thrive on taking decisive action in response to the dynamic and changing needs of the warehouse operation and the wider business.

You’re not one to sit on the sidelines. You’re approachable, proactive, and hands - on — a leader who earns respect and leads by example. This isn’t your typical 9 – 5 desk job. It’s a fast - paced, interactive role requiring flexibility within our 24/7 operatio n.

To succeed in this role, strong and effective communication is essential. You will work cross - functionally with departments such as Transport and Manufacturing to ensure production schedules align seamlessly with warehouse operations and customer order timelines.

As our next Warehouse Manager, you will head up the department and play a vital role in ensuring health and safety standards and legal compliance are always met. Your day - to - day responsibilities will focus on keeping operations running to schedule, hitting key performance targets, and driving t he warehouse toward long - term success .

Our growing logistics function supports not only our internal operations but also a growing third - party supply service — making this an exciting time to join.

The Key Requirements...

• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Experience managing teams and getting the best from them
• Experience within a similar warehouse management role within a fast moving environment such as FMCG

As part of our award - winning Logistics operation , y ou will be part of a thriving department with strong leadership, clear direction, and ongoing support. This role offers progression opportunities into senior management positions alongside the opportunity to drive continuous improvement across the logistics department . You will play a key role in identifying key areas for development and leading impactful projects that strengthen and enhance the overall logistics network across the business.

Benefits Baked In

All colleagues can choose from a wide range of benefits, here’s a top crust taster of what we offer:

• Competitive annual leave and flexibility where possible for a healthy work - life balance and recharge your batteries.
• Three levels of pension schemes to suit your needs.
• Aviva DigiCare + Workplace App includes annual health checks, digital GP consultations, nutritional advice, and much more.
• Hovis Choice benefits platform for everyday savings, cashback and much more.
• Free on - site parking.

At Hovis, we believe in embracing diversity and creating a welcoming workplace for everyone. Whether you're applying for a job or already part of our team, we promise to treat you with fairness, respect, and dignity. You will be valued and included here at Hovis. Does this sound like the right environment for you? If so, we would love to hear from you.

To find out more about Hovis please visit our website and social media channels hovis.co.uk

Hovis values diversity and is committed to promoting equal opportunities in the workplace. Every job applicant, employee or worker will be treated fairly and equally with dignity and respect regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, social class, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, union membership, political opinion, sex, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.