Job Description:

Senior Operations Manager – Food Wholesale & Distribution

Location: Sheffield

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 (DOE)

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cold Storage & 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

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

What We Are Looking For

• Frozen Food & Cold Storage Expertise: Essential background in frozen food retail, temperature-controlled distribution, or high-volume food wholesale environments.
• BRC Accreditation & Compliance: Proven track record of driving and maintaining BRC standards and food safety protocols.
• 3PL Logistics Experience: Solid experience utilising and managing 3PL networks for food delivery operations.
• H&S Qualifications: NEBOSH or IOSH certification, with hands-on experience implementing H&S systems, SSOW, and risk management framework from the ground up.
• Proven Leadership: Strong record of managing multi-tier warehouse teams, developing high-performing personnel, and driving operational turnarounds or site transformations.
• Commercial Acumen: 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.