Despatch Controller – Bakery Operations

About the role

We are looking for a Despatch Controller to manage and control all dispatch operations within our bakery. The role ensures that customer deliveries, daily route vehicles, inter‑depot transfers and inter‑bakery shipments are loaded accurately, dispatched on time and supported by complete documentation.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and control the daily dispatch operation.
• Ensure all route vehicles are loaded and dispatched according to delivery schedules.
• Manage inter‑depot and inter‑bakery stock transfers to maintain product availability.
• Monitor dispatch performance against service‑level targets and ensure departures within scheduled times.
• Coordinate with Production, Distribution and Sales regarding product availability and delivery requirements.
• Handle late orders, emergency deliveries and operational changes.
• Verify all stock issued from production and conduct daily dispatch reconciliations.
• Monitor returns and maintain inventory accuracy in the dispatch area.
• Coordinate truck loading sequences, monitor vehicle availability and liaise with transport providers.
• Supervise Dispatch Clerks and Loaders, allocate daily tasks and monitor attendance and performance.
• Conduct toolbox talks, daily briefings and coach team members.
• Ensure loading accuracy, complete dispatch documentation and minimise loading errors.
• Investigate delivery failures, implement corrective actions and support continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with health, safety and food‑safety standards.

Required profile

• Proven experience in dispatch or logistics within a production environment.
• Strong leadership and team supervision abilities.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with production, distribution and sales functions.
• Excellent attention to detail for stock control and documentation.
• Problem‑solving skills for managing late orders and delivery issues.
• Knowledge of health, safety and food‑safety requirements in a bakery setting.

Required skills