With over 65 years of excellence, Hughes Group is a trusted name in the supply of fresh mushrooms and plant-based products across the UK. As a major supplier to national retailers, food service providers, and a range of other sectors, weve built a reputation for quality, reliability, and outstanding service. Were proud of our heritagebut were even more excited about our future. Driven by innovation and a commitment to sustainable growth, Hughes Group is expanding rapidly and investing in new technologies, products, and people. As we continue to lead in the sectors we serve, were looking for passionate individuals who want to grow with us. If you're seeking a progressive career in a dynamic, forward-thinking company, Hughes Group offers the opportunity to be part of something special. Join us and help shape the future of food. Role Despatch Manager As Despatch Manager, you will take a hands-on lead in the day-to-day running of despatch and distribution operations, ensuring products are stored, handled, and delivered safely, efficiently, and on time. You will work closely with your teams, managing transport, stock, and service levels in a fast-paced fresh produce and value-added manufacturing environment. This role requires a strong operational presence, the ability to make decisions in real time, and a practical approach to problem solving, while maintaining high standards of food safety, quality, and health & safety. Key Responsibilities Be visibly present within despatch and storage areas, supporting Supervisors and teams to deliver daily operational plans. Lead, train, and develop despatch teams, ensuring the right people and skills are in place to meet daily and seasonal demand. Manage daily transport planning and execution, dealing directly with hauliers and delivery issues as they arise. Ensure all orders are picked, checked, and dispatched accurately and on time to meet customer service level agreements using the onsite ERP system. Monitor service level performance (e.g. OTIF, delivery accuracy), responding quickly to issues and driving immediate corrective action. Maintain full compliance with Food Safety & Quality Management Systems, customer standards, and certification requirements, including traceability, segregation, and allergen controls. Oversee despatch chilled storage operations, stock rotation, stock accuracy, and physical stock checks. Lead investigations into quality, food safety, service failures, and customer complaints, completing root cause analysis and follow-up actions. Ensure despatch and storage areas are clean, organised, and audit-ready at all times. Drive a strong Health & Safety culture, safe systems of work, and daily engagement. Contribute to daily and weekly KPI reviews, operational meetings, and site performance discussions. Act as the main point of contact for despatch operations, escalating risks and issues where required. Essential Experience & Skills Proven experience in a hands-on despatch, logistics, or warehouse management role within food manufacturing, fresh produce, or FMCG. Strong people management skills with experience leading team in a fast-moving operational environment. Experience managing transport operations and customer delivery requirements. Confident in monitoring KPIs and service levels and taking immediate action when performance slips. Good working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements. Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure Personal Attributes Hands-on, proactive, and comfortable leading from the front. Calm, decisive, and solutions focused. Organised with strong attention to detail. Benefits: Pension Fund Parking