Operations Manager - Food Service & Distribution

About Us: Wholesome Food Works is an Australian premium food service distributor supplying restaurants, hotels, wineries, caterers, stadiums and gourmet retailers throughout NSW. Our reputation has been built on exceptional customer service, reliable distribution and long-standing supplier relationships. We set high standards, move quickly and pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding customer experience every day.

To be considered for this position, you must have:

Minimum 5 years' Operations Management experience within the Australian wholesale food service and distribution industry.

Proven experience leading purchasing, warehouse, inventory and logistics operations.

Working knowledge of the Unleashed inventory management platform.

Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across customers, suppliers and internal teams.

Strong commercial and analytical capability.

A hands-on leadership style with a passion for continuous improvement.

The ambition to build a long-term career with Wholesome Food Works and the capability to progress into a senior leadership position.

Applications that do not meet these essential requirements will not be considered.

Job Summary: Our Operations Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of Wholesome Food Works, ensuring the seamless coordination of inventory, warehousing, logistics, supplier relationships, operational procurement activities and customer service. This role ensures our customers continue to receive the exceptional service we're known for while driving operational efficiency and business growth.

Reporting to the Directors, you'll be a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving problems and takes ownership of outcomes. As the business continues to grow, this role offers genuine progression into the senior management team for the right person.

About Us: Wholesome Food Works is an Australian premium food service distributor supplying restaurants, hotels, wineries, caterers, stadiums and gourmet retailers throughout NSW. Our reputation has been built on exceptional customer service, reliable distribution and long-standing supplier relationships. We set high standards, move quickly and pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding customer experience every day.

To be considered for this position, you must have:

- Minimum 5 years' Operations Management experience within the Australian wholesale food service and distribution industry.

- Proven experience leading purchasing, warehouse, inventory and logistics operations.

- Working knowledge of the Unleashed inventory management platform.

- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across customers, suppliers and internal teams.

- Strong commercial and analytical capability.

- A hands-on leadership style with a passion for continuous improvement.

- The ambition to build a long-term career with Wholesome Food Works and the capability to progress into a senior leadership position.

Applications that do not meet these essential requirements will not be considered.

Job Summary:



Our Operations Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of Wholesome Food Works, ensuring the seamless coordination of inventory, warehousing, logistics, supplier relationships, operational procurement activities and customer service. This role ensures our customers continue to receive the exceptional service we're known for while driving operational efficiency and business growth.

Reporting to the Directors, you'll be a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving problems and takes ownership of outcomes. As the business continues to grow, this role offers genuine progression into the senior management team for the right person.

Responsibilities:

1. Operations Leadership

- Lead the day-to-day operations of Wholesome Food Works, ensuring the seamless coordination of purchasing, inventory, warehousing, logistics and customer service.

- Plan and prioritise operational activities to ensure customer orders are delivered accurately on time and to the highest standard.

- Monitor operational performance, identify inefficiencies and implement practical solutions that improve productivity and profitability.

- Take ownership of operational issues, making timely decisions that minimise disruption and maintain service excellence.

- Work closely with the Directors to deliver operational initiatives that support the company's strategic growth.

2. Procurement & Inventory Management

- Oversee day-to-day procurement activities to ensure product availability aligns with customer demand and inventory targets.

- Coordinate purchasing requirements with suppliers to maintain appropriate stock levels while minimising waste and excess inventory.

- Monitor inventory performance and recommend purchasing adjustments based on sales trends and seasonal demand.

- Review supplier performance, pricing and product availability to support commercial objectives.

- Ensure procurement transactions and inventory records are accurately maintained within the Unleashed inventory management platform.

3. Warehouse & Logistics

- Ensure products are received, stored, picked, packed and dispatched efficiently.

- Maintain a safe, organised and productive warehouse environment that supports operational excellence.

- Coordinate delivery schedules, transport planning and freight requirements to maximise efficiency and customer satisfaction.

- Monitor freight performance, delivery accuracy and route efficiencies, resolving operational issues proactively.

- Assist with warehouse activities and local deliveries when required, leading by example as a hands-on manager.

4. Supplier & Customer Relationships

- Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and service providers.

- Monitor supplier performance to ensure product quality, availability and on-time delivery.

- Resolve supply issues, product discrepancies and operational challenges promptly and professionally.





- Work collaboratively with Customer Service to ensure accurate order processing and exceptional customer outcomes.

- Uphold Wholesome Food Works' reputation by delivering industry-leading service and maintaining trusted business relationships.

5. Financial & Operational Performance

- Monitor purchasing, freight, labour and warehouse costs to support business profitability.

- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste and increase margins.

- Analyse operational data and prepare reports that support informed business decisions.

- Contribute to budgeting, forecasting and operational planning alongside the Directors.

- Recommend improvements that strengthen operational performance and support sustainable business growth.

6. Team Leadership & Communication

- Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing operations team that is accountable, engaged and customer-focused.

- Foster a positive workplace culture built on professionalism, respect and continuous improvement.

- Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback and support ongoing learning and development.

- Exceptional communication is non-negotiable: Communicate openly, professionally and proactively with customers, suppliers, warehouse staff, drivers and management.

7. Compliance, Systems & Continuous Improvement

- Ensure compliance with all food safety, workplace health and safety, and industry regulations.

- Maintain accurate operational records, procurement documentation and inventory data.

- Champion the effective use of the Unleashed inventory management platform, ensuring data integrity and process consistency.

- Identify opportunities to improve systems, workflows and operational processes through innovation and best practice.

- Support the implementation of new systems, technologies and operational initiatives as the business evolves.

8. Business Growth & Leadership

- Actively contribute to the ongoing growth and strategic direction of Wholesome Food Works.

- Demonstrate commercial thinking, initiative and sound decision-making that supports long-term business success.

- Collaborate with the Directors on operational planning, business improvement initiatives and future growth opportunities.

- Build the leadership capability required to progress into the senior management team and become a trusted contributor to key business decisions.

- Embrace a long-term career with Wholesome Food Works, taking ownership of outcomes and helping shape the future of the business.

What We Offer

A great opportunity to join an expanding Australian foodservice business where your experience, ideas and leadership will have a genuine impact. You will work closely with the Directors and a passionate team, with the autonomy to improve processes, influence the way we operate and help shape the future growth of Wholesome Food Works. We offer a cooperative and supportive environment, exposure across all areas of the business, and to be part of a company that values quality, curiosity, trust and exceptional customer service. A competitive salary package will be offered, commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience, skills and the value they bring to the role.

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