Dispatch Manager - County Tipperary

Dispatch Manager - County Tipperary.

The Role:

Working as part of the site management team this position has responsibility for the Dispatch, Chilled & Frozen Storage area of the business and will manage and oversee intake, storage, and dispatch operations for fresh, chilled, and frozen products, ensuring good management practice and the smooth, safe, and efficient flow of goods to both domestic and export markets.

Key Responsibilities:

Intake & Storage Management:

• Oversee systems and procedures for intake of chilled and frozen products.
• Manage cold storage facilities such as blast freezers.
• Ensure optimal product handling and storage conditions to maintain quality.
• Plan and schedule activity

Dispatch Operations:

• Lead dispatch activities for fresh and frozen products to customers.
• Develop and maintain systems and procedures ensuring timely and accurate order fulfilment.
• Liaise with planning to deliver required outputs, communicate changes.

Systems & Documentation:

• Manage stock using SAP and Business Warehouse systems.
• Prepare and manage documentation for both export and home market consignments.
• Handle Health Certificates, including TRACES documentation and compliance.

Team Management:

• Manage time and attendance for dispatch personnel via time management system.
• Organise dispatch personnel annual leave so that it doesn’t impact on plant performance.
• Manage performance and training of team
• Participate actively in recruitment and development of dispatch team in collaboration with HR.
• Ensure that the correct manning levels are maintained
• Take appropriate action for dealing with absenteeism
• Deal with any Grievance/Disciplinary issues as per Company Policy
• Review new employees using the Probationary Report Form
• Report any issues that may arise as appropriate
• Ensure that you are familiar with SOP’s as detailed by the Quality Department
• Ensure that all Despatch operators are appropriately trained
• Ensure that appropriate training is carried out and SOP’s are updated as appropriate.

Compliance & Quality:

• Maintain and enforce HACCP food safety systems across all operations.
• Ensure full compliance with internal and external food safety, quality, and traceability standards.

Continuous Improvement:

• Participate in daily PIT meeting and lean processes
• Lead LEAN initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement projects and team meetings.
• Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce cost, and drive performance.

Cost & KPI Management:

• Control costs and drive delivery of departmental KPIs.
• Monitor and manage loss prevention and stock discrepancies.

Customer Service:

• Maintain high standards of service and communication with key customers and internal stakeholders.
• Act as point of contact for issue resolution related to delivery, stock, and product condition.

Health & Safety:

• Promote and enforce safe working practices in line with company H&S policies.
• Complete safety walks
• Investigation accidents and near misses
• Update and maintain safety documentation for the dispatch area in conjunction with the H&S manager.

Transport Coordination:

• Liaise with intercompany transport teams to ensure efficient movement of goods.
• Manage on-site movements and logistics including returnable packaging
• Manage operational relationships with 3rd part suppliers

Key Requirements for this role:

• At least 3-5 years' experience in a dispatch, warehouse, or cold store management role (ideally within FMCG or food industry).
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to handle pressure and manage competing priorities.
• I.T. skills, and knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
• Strong understanding of chilled and frozen supply chain operations.
• Proficiency in SAP or similar, and stock management systems.
• Experience working with HACCP, LEAN, and health & safety frameworks.
• Excellent team leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of export documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to manage people and performance, motivate teams, and drive improvement.