Senior Operations Manager

D R Newitt Recruitment; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Daytime hours

Senior leadership role

Job summary

D R Newitt Recruitment is recruiting for a Senior Operations Manager to own end-to-end operations of a 30,000 sq ft cold storage facility in Sheffield. You will lead a team of 15 staff including Warehouse Managers and Team Leaders to drive performance, compliance and service excellence.

The role focuses on maintaining cold chain integrity, achieving BRC standards, managing 3PL networks and cost-efficient day-to-day warehouse operations, with a Monday–Friday daytime schedule.

Qualifications

• Background in frozen food retail or temperature-controlled distribution.
• Experience maintaining BRC standards and food safety.
• Experience managing 3PL networks for food delivery.
• NEBOSH or IOSH certification with H&S implementation.
• Proven P&L management, budgeting, and cost reduction.
• Experience leading multi-tier warehouse teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily warehouse and cold storage operations.
• Manage 3PL providers for regional distribution.
• Lead BRC targets and food safety protocols.
• Implement H&S systems, SSOW and risk management.
• Manage budgeting, P&L and procurement.
• Drive process improvements and standardisation.

Skills

Frozen food experience

3PL management

Budgeting & P&L

Supply chain optimization

Leadership

Food safety & HACCP

Education

NEBOSH/IOSH certification

Job description

Senior Operations Manager – Food Wholesale & Distribution

Location: Sheffield

Industry: Food Manufacturing & Wholesale Distribution

About the Role

A leading food wholesale and distribution business is seeking an experienced, commercial, and hands-on Senior Operations Manager to take end-to-end operational ownership of a 30,000 sq ft cold storage facility in Sheffield.

Leading a team of 15 staff (including Warehouse Managers and Team Leaders), you will drive depot performance, compliance, and service excellence. This is a critical leadership role responsible for achieving BRC standards, managing 3PL distribution networks, maintaining cold chain integrity, and optimising day-to-day warehouse operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily warehouse and cold storage operations, managing team leaders and warehouse managers to achieve site KPIs and maintain high service levels.
• Partner with and manage third-party logistics (3PL) providers to ensure efficient, timely, and cost-effective distribution across the region.
• Lead BRC targets, Quality Standard Management (QSM) systems, and strict food safety and frozen temperature control protocols.
• Implement and oversee robust H&S systems, Risk Assessments, and Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) to guarantee full regulatory compliance across the facility.
• Manage site budgeting, P&L, and procurement—driving cost efficiencies, improving stock accuracy, and optimising supply chain performance.
• Spearhead change management initiatives, process improvements, and operational standardisation to elevate site efficiency.

What We Are Looking For

• Essential background in frozen food retail, temperature-controlled distribution, or high-volume food wholesale environments.
• Proven track record of driving and maintaining BRC standards and food safety protocols.
• Solid experience utilising and managing 3PL networks for food delivery operations.
• NEBOSH or IOSH certification, with hands-on experience implementing H&S systems, SSOW, and risk management framework from the ground up.
• Strong record of managing multi-tier warehouse teams, developing high-performing personnel, and driving operational turnarounds or site transformations.
• Demonstrated expertise in full P&L management, budgeting, supply chain optimisation, and cost-reduction strategies.

What Is Offered

• Competitive salary of £50,000 – £60,000 depending on experience.
• Standard daytime working hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm).
• Key leadership role shaping site operations for a well-established national food business.