We're looking for someone to join our team who is experienced, practical, commercially minded and genuinely hands-on. Someone who...
- Enjoys solving problems.
- Takes ownership rather than waiting to be told what to do.
- Is organised and follows things through.
- Can balance the detail with the bigger picture.
- Communicates openly and professionally.
- Enjoys working in a small, close-knit team.
- Is comfortable working alongside the Directors and contributing ideas.
- Wants to be part of building the next chapter of Wholesome Food Works.
If you see a problem and think "I'll sort that out", you'll fit in well here.
You'll ideally bring:
- Strong experience across operations, procurement, inventory and warehouse logistics.
- Proven experience within the Australian foodservice and/or food distribution and wholesale industries.
- Experience managing suppliers and purchasing decisions.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Good commercial understanding and an appreciation of how operational decisions affect profitability.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Experience leading, mentoring or developing a team.
- Advanced experience with Unleashed or a similar inventory/ERP system.
- The confidence to work across different areas of a business rather than operating within a single function.
- A willingness to be hands-on and get involved in warehouse and operational activities.
- Initiative, accountability and the ability to make sound decisions.
- A genuine desire to contribute to a growing business and make a difference.
If the below sounds like you, apply now with your resume and a short cover letter telling us why this role interests you and what you could bring to Wholesome Food Works.
Who We Are
Wholesome Food Works is a boutique foodservice distributor supplying premium food products to restaurants, hotels, wineries, caterers, stadiums and gourmet retailers throughout NSW.
We are an ambitious business with a strong reputation for quality products, exceptional customer service and reliable distribution. We work with an exciting range of premium and artisan food producers and take pride in building strong relationships with both our customers and suppliers.
We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join our team and take ownership of the day-to-day operational performance of the business.
This is a broad, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being close to the action, solving problems, working with people and having a genuine influence on how a business operates and grows.
The Opportunity
As our Operations Manager, you will have responsibility across the full operational function of Wholesome Food Works, including:
- Business operations, growth and performance
- Supplier management
- Inventory and stock control
- Warehouse operations
- Logistics and transport
- Procurement and purchasing
- Order fulfilment and customer service
- Systems and processes
- Team leadership
You will work closely with the Directors and play an important role in bringing these areas together to ensure the business operates efficiently and our customers receive the exceptional service we are known for.
Responsibilities
Operations & Business Performance
- Take ownership of the day-to-day operational performance of Wholesome Food Works.
- Coordinate purchasing, inventory, warehouse, logistics and customer fulfilment to ensure the business runs smoothly.
- Plan and prioritise operational activities with our sales team to ensure customer orders are accurate, complete and delivered on time.
- Identify operational issues and implement practical solutions.
- Monitor operational performance, efficiency and costs and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Work with the Directors on operational planning, business improvement and growth initiatives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 and become a trusted contributor to key business decisions.
- Take ownership of outcomes and help shape the future of the business.
Benefits
- Opportunity to grow with the business.
- A competitive salary based on experience.
- A friendly, entrepreneurial environment where initiative is encouraged, and ideas are welcome.
- We are a passionate, food-focused team with loads of deliciously tasty food products at a staff discount!
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Do you have strong experience using Unleashed or similar inventory management platforms? How many years have you been using the platform?
- Do you have more than 5 years working in the Australian food service and distribution or food wholesale industries?
Experience:
- Operations management: 4 years (Required)
Licence/Certification:
- Full Driver Licence (Required)
Work Authorisation:
Work Location: In person
