Despatch Team Leader

Barfoots Limited; Bognor Regis; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Life assurance

Free onsite parking

Health and wellbeing support (GP, EAP)

Learning and development opportunities

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

Barfoots Limited is seeking a motivated Despatch Team Leader to manage daily operations in our busy Despatch department at our UK facility. You will lead the team, ensure orders are picked, loaded and despatched accurately and on time, and work with Production, Farm teams and transport providers to optimise product flow.

The role offers leadership progression and a hands-on environment focused on food safety, quality and customer service.

Qualifications

• Experience in a warehouse, logistics, FMCG or manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication skills, written and spoken English.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to prioritise workloads, solve problems and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent organisational skills with a proactive, hands-on approach.
• Positive attitude with ability to motivate, support and influence others.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Despatch team, ensuring orders are picked, loaded and despatched safely and on time.
• Plan workloads, monitor performance and provide coaching and support to your team.
• Work closely with Production, Farm teams and transport providers to ensure efficient product flow and on-time deliveries.
• Produce load plans and delivery documentation, maintain stock control and scanning processes.
• Champion food safety, GMP and Health & Safety standards; complete routine audits and SOPs.
• Support stock control, investigate incidents and promote a safe working environment.
• Drive continuous improvement and provide cover for the Despatch Supervisor when required.

Skills

Warehouse experience

Leadership potential

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Decision making

Organisational skills

Proactive attitude

Team motivation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Despatch Team Leader

Take the Next Step in Your Career

We're looking for a motivated and proactive individual to join our busy Despatch operation as a Despatch Team Leader. Whether you're an established Team Leader or an experienced Despatch, Warehouse or Logistics Operative ready to take the next step into leadership, this is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a fast-paced fresh produce environment.

Reporting to the Despatch Supervisor, you'll be responsible for leading the day-to-day activities of the Despatch team, ensuring customer orders are picked, loaded and despatched safely, accurately and on time. You'll coordinate daily operations, work closely with colleagues across the business, and support your team to deliver the highest standards of food safety, quality and customer service.

You'll also have the opportunity to deputise for the Despatch Supervisor, giving you valuable leadership experience and supporting your continued development.

Shift Pattern: Wednesday – Saturday, 1:00pm – 1:00am

What You'll Be Doing

As Despatch Team Leader, you'll ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Despatch operation while leading and developing your team. You'll:

• Lead, motivate and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Despatch team, ensuring customer orders are picked, loaded and despatched safely, accurately and on time.
• Plan workloads, monitor performance and provide coaching and support to help your team deliver their best.
• Work closely with Production, Farm teams and transport providers to ensure efficient product flow and on-time deliveries.
• Produce load plans and delivery documentation, maintaining accurate stock control, product traceability and scanning processes.
• Champion food safety, quality, GMP and Health & Safety standards by completing routine audits, equipment checks and ensuring compliance with SOPs and Risk Assessments.
• Support stock control activities, investigate incidents and hazards, and promote a safe, well-organised working environment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and provide operational cover for the Despatch Supervisor when required.

About You

You're a confident, proactive individual who enjoys working with people and leading by example. Whether you've already supervised a team or are ready to step into your first leadership role, you'll be organised, calm under pressure and committed to delivering high standards in a fast-paced operational environment.

Essential

• Experience within a warehouse, logistics, FMCG or manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication skills with a good standard of spoken and written English.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• The ability to prioritise workloads, solve problems and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent organisational skills with a proactive, hands-on approach.
• A positive attitude with the ability to motivate, support and influence others.

Desirable

• Previous experience leading, supervising or mentoring a team.
• Experience within a fresh produce or food manufacturing environment.
• CIEH Level 2 Food Safety.
• CIEH Level 2 Manual Handling.
• IOSH Managing Safely.
• PPT/EPT Licence and/or Forklift Counterbalance Licence.

Why Join Us?

At Barfoots, you'll be joining a fast-growing, sustainable business that's committed to developing its people. Whether you're an experienced Team Leader or ready to take your first step into leadership, we'll give you the support, training and opportunities to build a rewarding career.

As part of the team, you'll benefit from:

• A competitive benefits package including a company pension, life assurance and free onsite parking.
• Health and wellbeing support through our 24/7 GP service, Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits platform.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities, including access to our approved Highfield Training Centre.
• Additional perks including discounted leisure membership, our vegetable box scheme and Cycle to Work scheme.
• The opportunity to work for an Investors in People Silver accredited employer that is committed to sustainability, continuous improvement and developing its people.

If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact, develop your leadership skills and grow your career with a successful and ambitious business, we'd love to hear from you.