Pupkewitz Catering Supplies (PCS), a division within the Pupkewitz Group, is seeking a hands‑on, strategic Operations Manager to lead and strengthen the day‑to‑day operational effectiveness of the business.
This role reports directly to the General Manager and plays a critical part in ensuring efficient, compliant, and well‑structured operations across procurement, warehousing, stock control, distribution, and customer fulfilment.
KEY PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
To ensure the effective, efficient, and compliant management of all operational activities within PCS, translating business objectives into practical execution while driving operational discipline, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage and coordinate daily operations across procurement, warehousing, stock control, distribution, and customer fulfilment
- Ensure reliable and accurate supply of goods in line with service level expectations
- Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all operational areas
- Establish operational workflows, controls, and reporting mechanisms suitable for a retail and distribution environment
- Oversee stock management to ensure accuracy, availability, effective rotation, and minimal wastage
- Develop, implement, and monitor operational KPIs and support performance management initiatives
- Provide operational input into budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and stock valuation in collaboration with Finance
- Ensure compliance with labour legislation, health & safety standards, food safety requirements, and internal policies
- Identify and mitigate operational risks related to people, stock, suppliers, logistics, and service delivery
- Manage the PCS fleet and oversee dispatch and receiving controls
- Lead teams with a strong focus on accountability, structure, and continuous improvement
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- Strong understanding of operations management within catering supplies, wholesale, distribution, or service‑based environments
- Solid knowledge of stock control, warehousing, logistics, and supplier coordination
- Experience in SOP development, KPI frameworks, and operational governance
- Understanding of labour legislation, health & safety, and food safety requirements
- Practical operational‑financial insight and cost‑control awareness
- Strong communication, planning, and coordination skills
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Relevant qualification in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Logistics, or similar (advantageous)
- 5–8 years’ experience in an operations management role, preferably in catering supplies, wholesale, or distribution
- Proven experience in small to medium‑sized businesses with a hands‑on operational focus
- Demonstrated experience in developing SOPs, KPIs, and operational structures
- Equivalent practical experience will be considered
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Hands‑on, structured, and detail‑oriented
- Accountable, resilient, and adaptable
- Strong leadership and people‑management capability
- Collaborative with a problem‑solving, improvement‑driven mindse