Job Description

The Natural Dispensary - Food Operations Manager

At The Natural Dispensary, we are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our customers through natural health products. We believe in the power of nature and are committed to creating a positive impact on our community and the environment.

Job Overview

Full time: 37.5 hours per week Salary: 40,000 - 45,000 per annum depending on experience Contract: Permanent role Location: Stroud Base + Multiple Market & Festival Locations Reporting to: Managing Director

Closing Date: Midnight on 20th July 2025

About the company:

The Natural Dispensary is a family-owned healthcare business, with an established commitment to local employment. For over 16 years at the Natural Dispensary, we have been the trusted extension of healthcare practitioner businesses. Proudly connecting professionals and their clients to quality health and lifestyle solutions through the ease of our email cart to client system, door to door delivery and caring customer teams.

We have carefully curated a dispensary of over 18,000 products from over 600 brands. Our growing offering covers supplements, natural body care, beauty, eco-friendly home products, bulk health foods, sanitary items, tea, drinks and much more.

We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to our mission of promoting holistic wellness and sustainability.

About the role:

We are looking for an organised, hands-on, and people-focused Market Operations Manager to lead all operational aspects of our vibrant, mobile food business. You'll manage a growing team and coordinate a dynamic mix of locations, from our cheese truck, festival trailer, and market stalls/trucks to customer pick-ups at our office.

This is a high-impact role requiring a balance of on-the-ground leadership, logistical coordination, and behind-the-scenes planning. You'll ensure each site runs smoothly, products are top quality, and our customer experience is seamless across all touchpoints.

You will be responsible for:

Team Leadership & Training

Lead, train, and schedule Market Stall Assistants across trucks, trailers, and stalls Deliver hands-on product training (juices, coffee, cheese platters, baked goods) Maintain a positive team culture and ensure excellent customer service on-site Manage staffing for weekend markets, festivals, and seasonal pop-ups
Trailer, Truck & Stall Operations

Oversee setup and operations of: Cheese Truck - including stock, layout, and hygiene Festival Trailer - ensuring all equipment and staff are ready for large-scale events Market Trucks & Stalls - scheduled across various local venues Ensure smooth loading, unloading, and transport of goods and equipment Troubleshoot on-site issues and respond quickly to logistical needs
Office Pick-up Coordination

Manage product availability and customer experience for office-based order collections Define open hours and ensure smooth front-of-house operations at the office site Coordinate order prep and communication for pick-up customers
Inventory & Logistics

Track inventory and ordering across all locations and product types Coordinate with suppliers for fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, and packaging Maintain clean, well-stocked vehicles and preparation areas Manage rotation of stock between office and mobile units
Market & Event Scheduling

Secure bookings for weekly markets, seasonal festivals, and community events Liaise with event organisers and ensure all documentation and logistics are prepared Plan and manage the movement and allocation of trucks/trailers for each event Monitor sales and identify high-performing sites
Product Oversight

Oversee the creation and assembly of cheese platters and seasonal offerings Set and review pricing for products (juices, coffee, cheese, baked goods, platters) Ensure consistent product quality and presentation across all locations Collaborate on new ideas for menus, displays, and customer experience

About you:

Strong leadership experience in food, hospitality, markets, or events Excellent organizational and logistical coordination skills Experience managing mobile food units (preferred) Familiarity with food hygiene standards and customer service best practices Able to travel, work early mornings/weekends, and manage multiple priorities Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (preferred)

Essential experience:

Minimum 2 years working with Food Minimum 2 Years sales experience Management Experience preferred Food safety and hygiene qualification

What We Offer:

A central leadership role in a fun, fast-paced, and community-focused food business Autonomy to shape daily operations and team culture Training, development, and a supportive working environment Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our customers and community. 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. Life Insurance. Staff discounts on health and wellness products. Salary: 40,000 - 45,000 per annum depending on experience

How to Apply:

Please email a CV and cover letter to recruitment@naturaldispensary.co.uk

Please include "Food Operations Manager Application" in the subject line.

Your cover letter should detail how you fit the Person Specification and be no longer than two pages long. Your application will be assessed solely by how well you fit these requirements and to what extent you demonstrate your experience and/or knowledge of the tasks you will be required to complete.

Closing Date: Midnight on 20/07/2025

Equal opportunities and eligibility to work in the UK

As an equal opportunities employer, The Natural Dispensary is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application process, please contact recruitment@naturaldispensary.co.uk

Please note, we have a legal responsibility to ensure that all our workers and employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK. As such you may be asked to provide proof that you have the right to work in the UK.

Data Protection

The Natural Dispensary is committed to ensuring your data is protected and is only used in line with GDPR guidelines and we do not collect unnecessary personal data from applicants during the recruitment process. Data collected as part of the recruitment process is held securely and accessed by, and disclosed to, individuals only for the purposes of managing the recruitment exercise effectively to decide to whom to offer the job.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Store discount
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Stroud GL5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 20/07/2025
Reference ID: The Natural Dispensary - Food Operations Manager