Job Description

Mission

Our mission is to create new products, to develop partnerships with new and existing customers and suppliers to guarantee the long-term sustainability of Avondale Foods as an organisation.

Job Position: Despatch Area Leader Department: Despatch

Reports to: Senior Despatch Supervisor Hours:

84 hours per fortnight (7 x 12 hour set shifts) dayshift- 0600-1800 or nightshift 1800-0600

Summary of Role

Avondale Foods is a leading food manufacturing company of Fresh and Chilled products supplying leading retail businesses throughout the UK & Ireland.

We are seeking a reliable and motivated Area Leader to support the effective 12-hour shift operation of our despatch area within a high volume FMCG environment.

Working closely with the Senior Despatch Supervisor, the area lead will assist in overseeing day to day operations across order picking, vehicle loading, and stock movement processes.

This role plays a key part in driving operational efficiency, maintaining high standards of accuracy, and supporting a team of operatives on shift. The Area Leader will also be expected to step up and provide full holiday and absence cover for the Senior despatch Supervisor, taking ownership of the shift when required.

This role is hands-on and requires strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills to maintain smooth workflow and support team performance.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate the daily activities of the despatch team to ensure targets and deadlines are achieve

Support the Senior Despatch Supervisor in managing shift activities and leading a team of operatives across despatch functions.

Coordinate and monitor picking and loading activities to ensure orders are fulfilled accurately and on time using handheld scanning devices.

Act as the first point of contact for team members, providing direction, resolving basic issues, and escalating as appropriate.

Promote a safe, clean, and efficient working environment, ensuring compliance with site health & safety and food safety standards.

Contribute to shift briefings, communicating targets, challenges, and operational updates to the team.

Monitor and support stock movement accuracy, ensuring correct use of scanners and documentation.

Collaborate with other departments such as Transport, Stock Control, and Production to ensure smooth workflow across the site.

Take responsibility for the shift in the absence of the Senior Despatch Supervisor, including team coordination, reporting, and decision-making as needed.

Support training and onboarding of new operatives within the team.

Assist in daily checks of equipment, vehicles, and work areas, reporting any defects or maintenance needs.

Perform any other reasonable duties as required to support the despatch function.

Contribute to the development of a culture of Integrity, collaboration ' do the right thing' approach in all interactions.

Ensure Food Safety compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements to remain audit-ready at all times.

Avondale Foods Values

Freedom to Succeed Work Hard, Work Smart Continual Innovation With Integrity

Person Specification

Essential

Previous 1-year experience in a team leader, or coordinator role within a warehouse or despatch environment. Understanding of Health & Safety and compliance requirements. Good communication and interpersonal skills, able to motivate and engage a team. Knowledge of despatch processes, stock control, and logistics systems.

Desirable

IT literate with experience in warehouse management systems (WMS) desirable. Forklift / Reach truck license
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 15.46 per hour

Expected hours: 36 - 48 per week

Benefits:

Canteen Discounted or free food Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Work Location: In person