Warehouse Manager

Cottrell Moore Ltd; Essex; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Pension

Staff discount

Employee discount platform

EAP and HR support

Free onsite parking

PPE provided

Uniform provided

Job summary

Cottrell Moore Ltd in Colchester, Essex, is seeking a hands-on Warehouse Manager to lead our warehouse and distribution operations. You will oversee goods-in, storage, order picking and dispatch, ensuring smooth, compliant operations.

The role requires a driving licence, strong experience in food manufacturing environments, and a focus on stock control, FIFO/FEFO, and health and safety. You will manage a warehouse team, drive continuous improvement, and implement paperless processes with

Qualifications

• Experience leading warehouse teams in a manufacturing or food environment.
• Strong knowledge of stock control and FIFO/FEFO processes.
• Experience with WMS/ERP systems and driving continuous improvement.
• Forklift licences are a bonus; safety minded and compliant.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day warehouse operations: goods-in, storage, picking and dispatch.
• Lead and develop a high-performing warehouse team emphasizing accountability and continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate stock control and ensure FIFO/FEFO compliance.
• Champion food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards; keep site audit-ready.
• Coordinate with logistics partners for efficient transport operations.
• Translate production plans into effective picking/dispatch schedules; manage risks.
• Drive use of OrderWise and transition to paperless processes.
• Identify and deliver improvements in stock accuracy, efficiency, productivity and waste reduction.

Skills

Leadership

Warehouse management

Inventory control

Food safety

Team development

Communication

Tools

WMS/ERP

OrderWise

Job description

Warehouse Manager

Location: Colchester, CO6

Salary: Dependent on experience

Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5.30pm (45 hours per week including unpaid break)

About the Role:

A well-established food manufacturing business is seeking a hands-on Warehouse Manager to lead its warehouse operations. As Warehouse Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth, efficient, and compliant operation of warehouse and distribution activities.

As the site is located in an area with limited public transport links, a UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Benefits:

• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays
• Enhanced sick pay after one year of service
• Pension scheme
• Staff discount on products
• Employee discount platform
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and HR support
• Free onsite parking
• PPE provided
• Uniform provided

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee all day-to-day warehouse operations, overseeing goods-in, storage, order picking, and product dispatch.
• Manage and develop a high-performing warehouse team, promoting accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate stock control, driving FIFO/FEFO compliance and excellent inventory visibility.
• Champion food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards, keeping the site audit-ready at all times.
• Coordinate with logistics partners to ensure efficient and reliable transport operations.
• Turn production plans into effective picking and dispatch schedules, proactively managing risks and priorities.
• Drive the use of OrderWise and support the transition to streamlined, paperless processes.
• Identify and deliver improvements in stock accuracy, efficiency, productivity, and waste reduction.

Requirements:

• Valid right to work in the UK
• Previous warehouse management experience within a food manufacturing or fresh produce environment.
• Proven experience leading, developing, and motivating warehouse teams.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse systems (WMS/ERP), stock control, and FIFO/FEFO processes.
• Food Safety Level 3 and forklift licences are a bonus.
• Comfortable making decisions and leading in a fast-paced operational environment
• Positive attitude with a strong work ethic and continuous improvement mindset