Packing & Despatch Supervisor

Packing & Despatch Supervisor

Location:

Seaham, County Durham

Salary:
Competitive basic salary + £4,500 shift allowance per annum

Shift Pattern:
Monday to Friday – two‑shift rotation

Natara is a global manufacturer of high‑quality speciality ingredients used across the flavour, fragrance and consumer goods markets. The business is investing in its people and operations to build a collaborative, high‑performing and safety‑led culture across its sites.

This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for overseeing the Packing & Despatch and Goods In/Warehouse teams. You will lead a team of six, ensuring products are packed, handled and dispatched safely, accurately and on time.

• Lead, motivate and develop the Packing & Despatch and Goods In/Warehouse teams.
• Ensure customer orders are packed and dispatched on time and in full.
• Plan weekly packing requirements and maintain appropriate staffing levels.
• Maintain high standards across health and safety, quality, food safety and environmental compliance.
• Manage stock accuracy and ensure all system transactions are completed correctly.
• Ensure sufficient packaging materials are available to meet production requirements.
• Investigate departmental complaints and implement the necessary corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement activity across systems, processes and working practices.
• Conduct performance appraisals, return‑to‑work meetings and first‑stage disciplinary processes where required.
• Coordinate cover for holidays, sickness and training.
• Maintain clean, safe and well‑organised working areas.
• Lead the weekly open‑order meeting and collaborate closely with production, supply chain and other internal teams.
• Complete routine equipment checks, including weighing scales, extraction systems and forklift trucks.

• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience within a manufacturing, warehouse, packing or despatch environment.
• Experience handling chemicals within a warehouse environment.
• A strong understanding of health and safety, stock control and operational compliance.
• The ability to lead, motivate and train a team effectively.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong customer‑service mindset.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive, hands‑on approach to problem‑solving and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and administrative skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and Oracle would be advantageous.
• Dangerous Goods by Air or IATA certification would also be beneficial.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a critical operational function within an established global manufacturing business. You will have the autonomy to develop your team, improve processes and directly influence customer service, safety, quality and operational performance.