Press releases

Nov 2008
Simple Simon use Momentum Logistics in Operations Manager search

To meet the challenges of a growing national customer base, leading wholesaler and distributor of chilled food and drinks, Simple Simon determined that it needed to strengthen its logistics function by appointing a suitably qualified senior manager to lead its experienced logistics team.

As one of the country’s leading specialists in food distribution with over 25 years expertise serving the catering and retail markets, Simple Simon currently employs over 80 people at its warehousing and distribution facility in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

Whilst enjoying substantial growth, the company, which supplies over 1000 product lines, was working hard to achieve increased volumes and customer service demands in addition to tighter time constraints and greater cost pressures.

As an innovative company, responsive to the needs of its customers, it was key for Simple Simon to maintain its reputation for delivering high standards of service despite the additional challenges.

Consequently they chose to invest in an Operations Manager who would be tasked to maintain, develop and improve operational performance. Principally this new role would involve leading and motivating a team of managers, supervisors, drivers and warehouse operatives, in order to meet KPIs and deliver a premium service.

Following a personal recommendation, Simple Simon contacted Momentum Logistics Recruitment as they required a recruitment consultancy that was dedicated to sourcing and supplying management positions in the supply chain sector.

As it was a newly created position, the role of Operations Manager had yet to be defined. To understand the requirements of the job, consultants from Momentum Logistics visited the company’s distribution facility to assess the site and discuss the challenges with key personnel.

By applying first-hand knowledge of the foodservice industry, Momentum’s consultants were able to identify and define the principal responsibilities of the role. From this they tailored a job description that outlined the attributes that a candidate must possess in order to fulfil the tasks.

Momentum recognised that the chosen individual needed to be results orientated and able to deliver significant improvements to the business. More specifically, this would involve the implementation of development programmes in areas such as customer care, housekeeping, and productivity. Suitable candidates would also possess the ability to set and manage budgets as well as maximising route profitability through increased vehicle efficiencies.

From numerous job applications, Momentum selected 12 suitably qualified candidates and conducted face-to-face interviews before compiling a shortlist of three. Managing Director of Simple Simon, Julian Lessons, then conducted personal interviews and selected one of the high calibre candidates..

Prior to approaching the chosen candidate with a job offer, Momentum returned to the site and liaised with Simple Simon regarding an appropriate pay package for the position. With the package agreed, the candidate was appointed to the role of Operations Manager; the whole process took less than a month.

“We needed to find a manager quickly and it really helped to draw on the experience of a recruitment consultancy that specialised in sourcing supply chain professionals,” says Simple Simon MD, Julian Lessons.

“Momentum Logistics demonstrated knowledge of the industry that helped them to understand our business and the kind of person we were looking for. The whole process only took a few weeks and has resulted in the appointment of an Operations Manager who has succeeded in delivering our expectations and those of our customers.”