Junior Operations Manager

Junior Operations Manager

Location

Dublin 11, Ireland On-site role — remote working not available

Overview

The Fruit People is seeking a Junior Operations Manager to support the day-to-day running of our warehouse, VIP and logistics operation. Reporting to the General Manager, you will help keep operational routines on track, support teams across the floor, and ensure orders move through the business accurately and on time.

This is a hands-on development role designed for someone who wants to build broad operational experience and grow into a more senior operations position. You will gain exposure across warehousing, VIP, logistics, inventory, compliance, reporting, and site standards, with regular mentoring and a structured development plan.

This role supports the General Manager in running daily operational routines.

Responsibilities

Daily Operations

• Work to the daily operational plan agreed with the General Manager, adjusting for order volumes, absences, and late changes

• Monitor order progress throughout the day and help ensure cut-off times are met for all delivery runs

• Carry out daily floor walks to check task progress, housekeeping standards, and operational blockers

• Act as the first point of contact for day-to-day operational queries, escalating where needed

• Support the smooth running of warehouse and logistics activity so orders are picked, packed, and dispatched on time

People and Resource Support

• Support rostering and manpower planning to ensure sufficient cover for daily demand

• Work alongside the Warehouse Manager and Logistics Supervisor to help allocate tasks and manage operational cover

• Help onboard and train new warehouse and logistics team members on standard procedures and systems

• Support timekeeping and attendance follow-ups

• Help maintain team communication through toolbox talks, notice boards, and company updates using our various communication platforms

Logistics Support

• Support route planning and driver run assignments

• Follow up on delivery issues, missed drops, and customer complaints, ensuring outcomes are recorded clearly

• Help track fleet checks, vehicle incident reports, and maintenance schedules

• Assist with monitoring third-party logistics and external transport usage and costs

• Act as a reliable link between the warehouse, drivers, customer service, and management

Warehouse and Inventory

• Help maintain stock accuracy via our inventory tracking platform, including cycle counts and investigation of variances

• Assist with packing station quality checks and follow up on quality issues raised by the team

• Support waste recording and help identify recurring causes of stock loss or damage

• Maintain high housekeeping and operational standards across the warehouse floor

Food Safety and Health Safety

• Complete and check daily food safety records, including temperature logs, cleaning logs, and glass and hard plastic checks

• Support preparation for EHO visits, EIQA Q Mark audits, and internal audits by keeping records accurate and up to date

• Report hazards, near misses, and accidents promptly and support follow-up actions

• Help ensure PPE, hygiene, and site rules are followed by staff and visitors

• Support daily food safety, HACCP, and health safety routines to keep the operation compliant and audit-ready

VIP Sites and Merchandising

• Carry out scheduled and unscheduled visits to VIP client sites to check presentation, stock levels, fridge and stand standards, and overall service quality

• Follow up with VIP sites after deliveries, issues, or complaints, recording outcomes and escalating client-sensitive matters to the General Manager

• Track and report merchandising KPIs including visit completion, fill rates, quantities merchandised, and site feedback

• Support the Merchandising Supervisor with site coverage and visit scheduling

• Help maintain strong day-to-day standards across key client locations

Data and Reporting

• Maintain daily and weekly operational reports covering order volumes, delivery performance, staffing, and waste

• Support the General Manager with data for monthly reporting and trend analysis

• Flag patterns, issues, and opportunities for improvement based on operational data

• Use Microsoft 365 tools including Teams, SharePoint, Forms, and Power Automate to help keep processes digital and organised

Development and Progression

• Take part in monthly 1:1s with the General Manager to review performance, set goals, and track progress

• Build capability across logistics, warehousing, VIP, inventory, compliance, and people support

• Take on increased responsibility over time as confidence and competence grow

• Contribute ideas for process improvements, service enhancements, and cost savings

• Support and, over time, lead improvement projects within the operation

Requirements

Required

• Experience in an operations, warehouse, logistics, supply chain, or similar coordination role

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage changing priorities in a busy operational setting

• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to identify issues early and respond appropriately

• Confident communication skills and the ability to work effectively with warehouse teams, drivers, customer service, and management

• A hands-on, reliable, and proactive approach to day-to-day work

• Good attention to detail, particularly in relation to reporting, compliance, and operational accuracy

• Ability to work on-site in Dublin 11 on a full-time basis

• Comfortable using operational systems and digital tools

• Willingness to learn, take ownership, and develop into a broader operations management role

Nice to Have

• Experience in food production, food distribution, or another service-led operational environment

• Familiarity with stock control, cycle counting, and inventory systems such as Cin7

• Experience supporting delivery planning, transport coordination, or route scheduling

• Working knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and health safety procedures

• Experience using different scheduling software's, and adaptability to learn and explore new platforms

• Exposure to audit preparation, compliance documentation, or operational KPI reporting

• Experience supporting client site visits, merchandising standards, or service quality checks

What Success Looks Like

• Orders are picked, packed, and dispatched accurately and on time

• Daily routines across the warehouse and logistics operation run smoothly

• Operational issues are identified early, resolved where possible, and escalated appropriately

• Stock accuracy, reporting, and compliance records are maintained to a high standard

• Communication between teams is clear, timely, and reliable

• VIP client sites are maintained to agreed standards and KPI reporting is accurate

• The successful candidate grows in confidence, capability, and responsibility across the operation

Growth Opportunity

This role offers a clear path for development into a senior operations position. You will receive regular support, practical exposure across all key areas of the operation, and the chance to build experience in leadership, continuous improvement, compliance, and operational performance. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to learn the ropes, build strong operational foundations, and grow their career with The Fruit People.

Working Environment

The Fruit People offers a collaborative, hands-on environment where high standards, teamwork, and dependable service matter. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys being close to the operation, supporting people on the ground, and making a visible difference every day.