Night Shift Dispatch Manager
Location
Central Manchester, UK
(On-site role)
Employment Type
Full-Time, Permanent
Night shift role — flexibility required to meet operational demand. May include weekend shifts.
Salary - £36k-£38k
Role Summary
My client is looking for an experienced and highly organised Night Shift Dispatch Manager to manage all dispatch operations during the night shift.
This is a key operational role responsible for ensuring customer orders are picked, checked, loaded and dispatched accurately and on time. You’ll lead the night dispatch team, coordinate with transport and drivers, manage loading priorities, and ensure high standards of safety, quality, efficiency and stock control are maintained throughout the shift.
The role would suit a hands-on dispatch, logistics or warehouse professional with strong leadership skills and experience working in a fast-paced FMCG, bakery, food manufacturing or distribution environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee all dispatch operations during the night shift, ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of finished goods out of the bakery
* Ensure customer orders are picked, checked, loaded and dispatched accurately and on time
* Manage loading schedules, dispatch priorities and route requirements in line with operational demand
* Supervise, motivate and lead dispatch operatives, loaders and forklift drivers during the shift
* Allocate duties across the dispatch team to ensure workload is managed effectively
* Coordinate with transport teams, drivers and internal departments to support timely deliveries
* Ensure all dispatch documentation, order checks and handover information are completed accurately
* Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene and housekeeping across the dispatch area
* Control stock movement and ensure FIFO rotation is followed correctly
* Monitor order accuracy, shortages, picking errors and loading issues, taking corrective action where required
* Support labour planning and ensure resources are used efficiently throughout the shift
* Provide clear shift handovers to the Night Shift Manager, Operations Manager and relevant day teams
* Escalate operational issues, staffing concerns, stock discrepancies or service risks promptly
* Drive continuous improvement across dispatch accuracy, efficiency, safety and team performance
Key Performance Indicators
Order accuracy
On-time dispatch performance
Error and shortage rates
Labour efficiency
Health and safety compliance
FIFO compliance and stock control accuracy
Team performance and shift productivity
Quality of shift handovers and issue escalation
Skills & Experience
Essential:
* Previous experience in dispatch, logistics, warehouse or goods-out operations
* Experience supervising or managing a team in a fast-paced operational environment
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage loading schedules, priorities and deadlines
* Ability to work under pressure and make clear decisions during a busy night shift operation
* Excellent attention to detail, particularly around order accuracy, stock movement and dispatch documentation
* Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively with drivers, transport teams and internal departments
* Good understanding of health and safety standards within a warehouse, manufacturing or logistics environment
* Confident managing people, allocating work and maintaining team performance standards
* Flexible approach to working hours in line with night shift and operational requirements
Desirable:
* Experience within an FMCG, bakery or food manufacturing environment
* Knowledge of FIFO stock rotation and traceability requirements
* Experience working with short-shelf-life or time-sensitive products
* Forklift licence or previous experience working around forklift operations
* Experience using warehouse, dispatch, stock control or order management systems
* Understanding of food safety, hygiene and quality standards within a production environment
Personal Attributes
Reliable, proactive and hands-on
Strong leader with the ability to motivate and organise a night shift team
Calm under pressure and able to meet tight deadlines
Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
Clear and confident communicator
Practical, solutions-focused and willing to support the team directly when required
Committed to maintaining a safe, clean and efficient working environment
Accountable for team performance, dispatch accuracy and operational standards
Ready to take ownership of a busy night dispatch operation and lead a team that plays a vital role in getting quality bakery products to customers on time?
Apply today to join as our Night Shift Dispatch Manager and become part of a long-established local business with a strong reputation for quality, reliability and community
Salary description
£36000.00 - £38000.00 per year