Warehouse Supervisor

Rowcliffe is Britain's leading importer and distributor of fine foods to the specialist Independent trade.

The story begins in 1967 with the young Anthony Rowcliffe resolving to change British attitudes to cheese. Having discovered artisanal cheeses from small producers at a French market, he set off in 1966, armed with his best schoolboy French to sell red wax English cheeses in France. Returning with quality speciality cheeses from all over Europe he went on to conquer the UK market and the cheese available today is thanks to Anthonys campaign to champion and support small producers.

We are proud to say that our wider expertise in selling British and Continental cheese continues to secure prestigious invitations to be represented on judging panels for the British Cheese Awards (BCA), World Cheese Awards (WCA), Great Yorkshire Show, Global Cheese Awards, International Cheese Awards along with the high profile Concours Général cheese judging competition in France.

Our business turnover is circa £20M and around half of this is with premium multiples M&S, Waitrose, Booths and Ocado. The other £10M is with the independents and foodservice.

As Warehouse Supervisor at Rowcliffe, you will be an ambitious, strategic, and driven individual, fully responsible and accountable for effectively managing the assigned area and direct reports, ensuring operational deadlines are met to the expected high standards. Communication is essential to the success of this role; it is therefore important to be a confident and effective communicator.

You will be required to comply with all Company policies and procedure without fail, including Health & Safety, BRC food standards and Codes of Practice.

• Effectively manage your assigned area and all direct reports working within your team.
• To be multi-trained across all areas of the warehouse and be willing to provide cover as necessary. To have a good understanding of quality assurance, particularly BRC food standards and Codes of Practice.
• To work efficiently and effectively as part of the Operations team.
• Communicate and liaise with the Operations Manager, providing timely updates on progress, achievements and challenges.
• Lead by example in effective team working, having a positive attitude and actively engaging with your direct reports to encourage open two way communication.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures, communicating and training out any changes to the warehouse operatives.
• Ensure warehouse areas that are assigned to you are kept clean and tidy and all GMP procedures are followed but also being mindful of the overall cleanliness of the warehouse.
• Manage staff performance and conduct including staff training, staff appraisals and reviews, completion of tasks, monitoring set targets, addressing poor performance and conduct issues immediately and where necessary, taking disciplinary action under guidance of the Operations Manager and HR Manager.
• Manage staff absences including sickness and time-keeping, addressing these with the relevant members of staff and reporting to the Operations Manager.
• Complete Return to Work interviews with Warehouse Operatives after absences, ensuring that no Warehouse Operative is permitted in the Warehouse or Production areas until cleared. Timely provide completed forms to the Operations Manager.
• Participate in all training required for the role, promoting multi-training and upskilling amongst Warehouse Operatives.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely completion of all quality controlled documentation issued and used within your assigned area.
• Conduct weekly team briefings with your direct reports, communicating necessary information and encouraging an opportunity for staff feedback.
• Work in collaboration with other Warehouse Supervisors to ensure staff cover is provided across the different areas of the warehouse.

• Previous experience working in a similar role in FMCG food sector
• Supervisory or team leader experience managing staff performance, motivation and training.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of food hygiene and BRC standards and Codes of Practice
• ICT literate
• Experience using MHE including pallet pump trucks, counterbalance, etc
• Able to prioritise workload and meet deadlines working in a calm and controlled manner
• Good communication skills
• Excellent people management skills
• Good level of literacy and numeracy
• Able to use your own initiative and take responsibility/ownership for your area
• Flexible and adaptable in approach