Despatch Section Leader; Fresh

About The Role

We are seeking a highly organised Despatch Section Leader with strong communication and problem‑solving skills to join the Night Warehouse Team. The Despatch Section Leader will lead the daily operations within their team to ensure accurate and timely picking processes for all orders, maintaining maximum efficiency. They will also coach team members, apply safety and technical standards, create a positive energy in the team, and drive excellent accuracy and quality.

• Partner with the team to ensure all picking deadlines and priority cut‑off times are met.
• Live our passion for quality and product presentation aligned with high‑end customer expectations.
• Review daily pick errors with pickers.
• Ensure that all routes are picked to meet deadlines while maintaining the first‑in, first‑out concept.
• Identify special instructions on pick tickets to comply with chef support and BDM requests.
• Conduct timely research to locate product and prevent back‑orders.
• Help attract and retain a qualified, motivated workforce, fostering new ideas for improvement.
• Continuously develop direct reports by coaching them to excellence. Document progress and cross‑train colleagues to provide adequate coverage in key processes.
• Assist with the evaluation of employee performance, handle disciplinary issues, and maintain a respectful and accountable working culture.
• Track and maintain productivity standards, assessing colleagues, supplies, and equipment needs.
• Maintain a “tour‑ready,” clean and safe work area and secure operations at the end of the shift.

• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel) and the Wellocks operational system.
• Strong multitasking, communication, supervisory, and customer‑service skills.
• Ability to identify problems and resolve them promptly; a sense of urgency and priority management.
• Promotion of an environment that maximises employee morale, productivity, and effectiveness.

Full training and PPE will be provided.

This role is commutable from Nelson, Colne, Barnoldswick, Earby, Burnley, and Accrington with good access to the M65.

• One day off per year for volunteering.
• Generous discounts on products.
• Cycle‑to‑Work scheme offering discounted bikes and equipment.
• Pay‑through charity donations: 20p tax saved per £1 donated.
• Employee assistance services for financial, health, and wellbeing advice.
• Free meals every few months from visiting fish & chip van, bacon baps, and in‑house chefs.

Wellocks is one of the leading UK food distributors in the hospitality industry. We supply fruit, vegetables, dairy, eggs, poultry, and meat, along with store‑cupboard essentials and everything chefs need in their kitchen. We also offer pre‑prepared vegetables and freshly‑made pasta as part of our service.

Founded in 1961, we now supply over 1,200 restaurant kitchens across the country. We are proud members of the William Jackson Food Group, a family‑owned business that started in 1851. Our sister businesses are Abel & Cole, Jacksons Bakery, and Belazu. Family values and long‑standing commitment are core to our culture.

We value diversity and expect all colleagues to take personal responsibility for keeping the workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. Everyone is treated fairly and respectfully.

We understand that some candidates may feel they cannot tick every box. If you are excited about working with us and feel you can do much of what we are looking for, we encourage you to apply and give it a whirl. Good luck!