Transport & Operational Graduate

Graduate role in Supply Chain & Logistics at apetito, gaining hands-on, rotational experience across warehouse, transport, and customer service to develop skills for future management.

Overview

apetito are looking for a Transport & Operational Graduate to join the Distribution, Warehouse and Customer Service business unit based in Portbury, Bristol. 
 
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to join our Warehouse and Transport team in an exciting rotational programme designed for growth and development into a management role. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone eager to learn and progress in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

As part of this role, you will rotate between various departments and key functions, gaining exposure to all aspects of warehouse operations, transport logistics, and customer service. Flexibility, adaptability, and a passion for leadership are essential as you grow with us and develop the skills necessary to step into a managerial role.

We will create you a plan which will rotate you between customer service team, stock team, planning, driver +  Fleet Management and Warehousing. We will also be looking for you to focus on some specific projects as you complete these rotations. You will be reporting into the Warehouse manager you will work alongside all the senior management for the division.
 
The operation is based at a National Distribution Centre, this incorporates a Frozen Storage and Order Fulfilment centre that operates 24 hours a day from Sunday Afternoon to Friday Night.  The core hours of operation for this role will be between 06:00 to 22:00 (Monday to Friday) in 8 hour shifts, with occasional requirement to work at night. 
 
This role will provide a graduate with:
- Experience in a FMCG temperature controlled distribution operation
- Exposure to the senior management team.
- Opportunity to interact with and experience all parts of a business
- Involvement with specific projects that they will be able to co-ordinate and play an active part in
- The opportunity to develop general business skills and relationships

Who we are

apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings.

Our meals are expertly crafted by our dietitians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness.

Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.

This role is part of our 2 year graduate programme, during which you will have exposure to mentoring, leadership training and support to achieve your full potential.

You will have opportunity to present to the executive team on your work. The aim of our programme is to train and develop graduates into future leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Warehouse Operations: Support day-to-day warehouse activities, including inventory management, order picking, packing, and stock control.

• Transport & Logistics: Coordinate the transportation of goods, ensure timely deliveries, track shipments, and assist in the optimization of logistics processes.

• Team Collaboration: Work closely with various teams to ensure smooth operations and excellent customer service.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to process improvements and efficiency in both warehouse and transport functions.

• Health & Safety: Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations within the warehouse and transport environments.

• Leadership Development: Gain hands-on experience in managing teams, handling performance management, and developing leadership skills in preparation for a future managerial role.

• Flexibility & Rotations: Participate in a rotational programme that will provide exposure to different roles, departments, and shift patterns to build a well-rounded skill set.

The range of projects that will be included, but not limited to, in this role are:

• Planning Scenarios for Network optimisation opportunities

• End to end cold chain review and optimisation

• Vehicle Fleet upgrades and replacements

• Cost Savings and Efficiency opportunities throughout the distribution supply chain

• New and Emerging Technology reviews

• Distribution interface with other internal departments and customers

• Digitalisation of manual processes

About you

Essential:

• Degree or studying toward a degree (2:1 or above/predicted)

• Excellent Microsoft Office skills – in particular Microsoft Excel and Power-Point Valid UK driving licence

• Confidence presenting in a formal setting

• Flexibility to work across a number of different shifts in a variety of departments

• Interest in working in warehousing or transport, with an appetite to increase breadth of knowledge

• Agile communication skills to interact with a variety of people

• Problem solving skills

• Analytical approach and experience using data to make conclusions/decisions

• Leadership potential: Ability to motivate, manage, and guide teams, particularly in high-pressure situations

• Full UK driving licence and access to own transport for commuting purposes. 

Desirable:

• Clear communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary for dealing with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Interpersonal skills: Ability to work well with others, especially in team settings, and to engage with stakeholders across different departments or organizations.

• Negotiation skills: Ability to negotiate with suppliers, vendors, and partners to ensure cost-effective solutions.

• Supply chain awareness: Understanding the various components of the supply chain and how they interconnect.

• Transport planning: Familiarity with transportation systems, routes, and optimization techniques to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.

• Inventory management: Knowledge of inventory control, order fulfilment, and tracking systems.

• Environmental responsibility: Awareness of the growing importance of sustainable practices in transportation, including reducing emissions and using eco-friendly modes of transport.

• Sustainable logistics: Knowledge of green logistics and alternative fuel sources, such as electric vehicles, to improve the environmental impact of transport operations.

Personal Qualities:

• Self-driven individual, who can manage their time effectively

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Ability to work in a team, as well as independently

• Highly numerical and logical way of thinking

• Ability to present information to diverse audience

• Confident communicator

• Hands on approach in order to develop deeper understanding of certain areas of the business 

There is expectation to work a varied shift pattern across early, late and night shifts. 

Company Benefits

• Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer

• 25 days holiday per year, + bank holidays 

• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year

• Discretionary annual bonus scheme

• Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 4%

• Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary

• Free meals, snacks and beverages on site

• Free parking

• Free turkey or voucher at Christmas

• apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts

Our Values

As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of. We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers.

We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people.

We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.

We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we're on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.