APETITO

Overview The Control Room Manager plays a critical role in ensuring smooth, safe and efficient operation of the automated warehouse environment at Portbury. The role spans two phases: Project Phase (Pre-Go-Live): Supporting design, testing and commissioning activities as the business transitions to new automated systems. Operational Phase (Post-Go-Live): Managing real-time system performance, resolving issues, analysing data and maintaining effective communication across operational and technical teams. This position is central to maintaining system uptime, ensuring accurate material flow, and providing first-line support to Operations, Engineering and IT. This role is based at our UK Distribution Centre in Portbury BS20 7XT. Due to the location, a driving licence and access to your own transport are essential. 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 dieticians 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. Responsibilities Project Phase (Pre-Go-Live) Participate in project planning sessions and provide operational input for system design and configuration. Work with SAP EWM specialists and automation vendors to validate system integration. Support FAT, SAT and UAT testing cycles. Help develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the control room. Provide feedback on system performance during commissioning and prepare for operational handover. Operational Phase (Post-Go-Live) Control Room Management Monitor material flow and system performance using WMS/EWM dashboards and automation interfaces. Act as first-line support for operational teams, resolving system or process-related issues quickly. Maintain accurate incident logs and escalate unresolved items to Engineering or IT. System Performance & Issue Resolution Ensure automated systems operate within the expected performance parameters. Collaborate with Engineering and IT to diagnose and fix technical faults. Implement safe temporary workarounds during downtime. Reporting & Continuous Improvement Produce accurate reports for DMS and SIC processes. Analyse downtime, incidents and system trends to identify root causes and opportunities for improvement. Work with the Continuous Improvement Manager on enhancement initiatives. Stakeholder Communication Act as the link between Operations, Engineering, IT and Project teams. Provide timely and clear updates on system status and incident resolution. Qualifications/Personal Qualities Skills & Qualifications Strong understanding of automated warehouse systems and material flow processes. Experience working with SAP EWM and system integration environments. Excellent analytical, troubleshooting and problem solving capability. Confidence working under pressure in a fast-paced, high volume environment. Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (Excel, BI dashboards). Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Essential Due to the location, a driving licence and access to your own transport are essential. Preferred Experience in cold store or temperature controlled operations. Knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma). Key Competencies Analytical thinking and sound decision making under pressure. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross functionally. Adaptability and resilience in periods of change or system challenges. Company Benefits Competitive salary - accredited Living Wage employer 33 days holiday per year, including bank holidays (which are considered a normal working day) 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. Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer. Learn more about apetito's commitment to a more sustainable future. 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.

apetito in Portbury is looking for a Control Room Manager to ensure the efficient operation of its automated warehouse. This role includes responsibilities in both project and operational phases, ensuring system performance and providing first-line support. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of automated systems, experience with SAP EWM, and excellent problem-solving skills. The position also offers competitive benefits and requires a driving licence and transport due to location.

apetito in Trowbridge is offering an Engineering Apprenticeship starting on September 17, 2026, designed for those looking to start their engineering career. Over four years, you will achieve a Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician qualification while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment. With competitive pay starting at £22,000 and numerous company benefits like residential training, 25 days holiday, and a pension scheme, this apprenticeship is the perfect launchpad for your future.

Overview Start your Engineering career by choosing an Engineering Apprenticeship at apetito. Commencing 17th September 2026, the apprenticeship is for 4 years. Full time, 5 days per week in Trowbridge. On your development journey, you will work towards a Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician qualification, with a combination of on-the-job learning, at apetito's food manufacturing facility, and residential training at one of the most advanced technical training facilities in the UK. We are introducing cutting-edge technology into our existing factory and also have plans underway to build a new world class regenerative food manufacturing factory in Trowbridge. We are looking for talented and enthusiastic people who would like to join us in this new chapter. You will work within a team of 25 engineers in our factory where you will learn how to carry out routine maintenance, fault finding and diagnosis, testing and commissioning on advanced food manufacturing equipment. This will develop your ability to effectively carry out proactive and reactive maintenance on the equipment. Your training will be delivered in a supported learning environment by qualified and experienced engineers. As well as investment in residential training to develop your skills, you will receive generous pay and company benefits: Year 1: £22,000 per annum Year 2: £26,436 per annum Year 3: £31,000 per annum Year 4: £36,500 per annum Potential to move into a permanent role, with industry competitive pay, on completion of the apprenticeship. Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician qualification: Your residential training will be in Witton, North Birmingham, alongside apprentices from across various industries in Make UK's fully equipped training centre with experienced qualified Engineers. The residential element is sponsored by apetito and includes hotel accommodation, meals and transport to the training facility: Year 1: 6 4 week residentials (4 nights Mon Thurs) Year 2: 16 weeks Year 3: 4 weeks Year 4: On the job with apetito Responsibilities Successfully complete the engineering apprenticeship program Support the planned preventative maintenance activities in the facility Support the breakdown recovery activities in the facility Complete and effectively record on the job learning tasks to support the completion of the training program Work under supervision to learn maintenance skills for preventative and reactive maintenance. Work under supervision to carry out root cause analysis, including writing up reports on findings and setting countermeasure ideas and actions. Carry out your duties and responsibilities in line with apetito's Health & Safety policy as well as relevant Health & Safety legislation. Carry out duties in line with apetito's food safety policies and standards Qualifications/Personal Qualities Essential apprenticeship criteria: Hold (or have predicted grades) in at least 4 GCSEs grade C/4 or above, in Maths, English and a Science Willing to undertake a functional skills assessment in Maths and English equivalent to GCSE grade C/4 to assess your current skill level Have lived in the UK or EU for the last 5 years Have extended right to work in the UK, without time limitations Willing to complete residential training at Make UK Due to the nature of this apprenticeship, you must be at least 18 years old before 1st September 2026 Essential skills and experience: Able and willing to follow instruction and learn new tasks Able to work flexibly as part of a team Willing to learn and take responsibility for their development Organise own workloadDemonstrate a strong work ethic and excellent time keeping Good team player You will need to have enthusiasm, drive and commitment Able to attend work at the required times Able to communicate both written and orally and to present information clearly and concisely with good attention to detail Desirable skills and experience: Food processing / manufacturing and product knowledge Understanding of how to comply with regulations, including food safety and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) Principles of electrical systems, including their uses, safety and legislation Services and utilities knowledge, including the importance and impact of energy management and pollution control in food production Company Benefits Competitive salary Sponsored residential training 25 days holiday per year, plus 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 Subsidised canteen Free parking Free turkey or voucher at Christmas apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts