Warehouse & Transport Manager

The Company

Since our launch in 2011 in the charming village of Lymm, we have grown from a single coffee house founded by two brothers with a passion for transforming the way people eat, drink, and relax. Known for our exceptional coffee and locally-sourced menu, we now proudly operate 24 thriving Coffee Houses across multiple communities, serving thousands of satisfied guests each week. Our mission is clear: to become the leading independent coffee operator in the North of England.

Central to our success is our dedicated central team, which plays a pivotal role in supporting our frontline operations. This team is responsible for the development, manufacturing, and delivery of our in-house crafted products.

Position Overview:

As our Warehouse and Transport Manager, you bring a wealth of experience in project management and a passion for leading our operations. Your role is pivotal as we continue our ever-expanding journey, positioning you at the forefront of our next phase of growth. Your leadership and expertise will be key in ensuring the seamless transition and continued success of our warehouse and transport operations. 

Key Responsibilities

With the support of the Operations Director, you will lead a team of dedicated drivers and warehouse operatives. Ensure that we operate the department’s with our four key operating buckets: safety, people, quality, and performance at the heart of our operations.

Safety

- Organise and deliver safety training programs for warehouse and transport teams, ensuring all employees are aware of safety procedures, emergency protocols, and proper equipment usage.

- Conduct daily safety inspections and audits of warehouse facilities, transport vehicles, and equipment to identify potential risks. 

- Ensure bi-annual checks on driving licences, CPC, and tachograph cards are being completed.

- Maintain and manage the company’s vehicle fleet, ensuring compliance with our operating licence. 

- Oversee the scheduling of preplanned vehicle maintenance, including MOTs and servicing, to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

- Ensure all reactive maintenance, such as vehicle repairs and warehouse issues are resolved promptly.

- Stay current on all relevant laws and regulations, ensuring full compliance in all operations.

- Oversee the proper storage, handling, and transportation of products.

People

- Manage all schedules with the support of the Team Leaders, including holiday and sickness coverage, to maintain smooth operations.

- Conduct performance reviews to develop the team's skills and productivity.

- Participate in the recruitment process to ensure we hire individuals who align with our company values and needs.

- Lead the onboarding process for all new team members, ensuring they are thoroughly trained and familiar with company procedures.

- Collaborate with the People team on HR matters requiring development.

Quality

- Manage the picking, packing, and dispatching of various products (including variants, refrigerated, and frozen items) to supply our rapidly growing network of stores across the North of England, ensuring accuracy is paramount.

- Maintain high standards for cleanliness and upkeep, ensuring all departments take responsibility for their areas.

- Proactively plan for new store openings, considering time restrictions, access points, and other logistical details.

- Regularly review accuracy in operations and proactively address recurring problems.

- Ensure adherence to relevant quality certifications and regulatory requirements, maintaining the highest level of operational excellence.

- Work closely with store operations and the Operations Director to address any emerging issues.

- Collaborate with the Purchasing Manager to ensure product quality and inventory levels align with current trends.

Performance

- Oversee daily warehouse and transport operations, including routing, scheduling, and dispatching, in line with company budgets.

- Attend monthly KPI meetings with department leaders to discuss performance and operational improvements.

- Monitor and manage scheduled hours, anticipating and addressing potential issues.

- Regularly review performance, providing ongoing feedback and training as required.

- Be aware of any changes to our usual operations like community events or road closures and proactively find suitable solutions.