Operations Assistant

Who we are…  

At Odysea, we believe that slow food is the necessary antidote to the restlessness of modern life. It brings us together, feeds conversation, creates new traditions, new rituals, and new stories. For us, life revolves around the kitchen table in Greece, and we want everything we create to reflect that. It’s simple: we only sell food that we would happily share with our own family.  

For the past 30 years, Odysea has worked with specialist suppliers to bring the finest Greek and Mediterranean products to the UK. Every product we supply has a story or something special about it: when a producer serenades their goats with classical music or painstakingly transports their beehives by boat, you can really taste their passion and dedication in the end product – and that’s the real secret ingredient.  

We are an entrepreneurial and dedicated team that values our family culture and takes personal accountability for our customers’ and suppliers’ satisfaction. Our teams operate in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, highly pressurised environment where individuals are expected to deliver against tight deadlines. We want people who are passionate, energetic, innovative, and flexible to operate in our dynamic environment.  

  

What we’re looking for…

We are seeking an Operations Assistant to join our well-established logistics team.  This person will play a crucial role in supporting the logistics team. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organised, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment. 

Reporting to the Senior Supply Planner this role is essential for ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our inventory management and operational planning.  This is a great opportunity for someone early in their logistics career to learn and develop their skills.  This person should have a proactive attitude and will be excited to make the most of this opportunity.  Some experience in an FCMG environment would be beneficial 

The role is based in Leyton, London (UK) and working from the office full time.

Your day-to-day responsibilities…

Supplier Price & Costing Files Management

• Request and manage supplier pricing, pallet specifications and commodity codes
• Ensure accurate and up to date supplier information in our systems
• Reconcile dispatch paperwork with purchasing invoices

Purchases & Operations Planning:

• Gather and process SKU and supplier data on inventory levels, stock-in-transit and warehouse stock
• Collect demand forecast data from the sales team, including new customers, new SKU's and promotions
• Monitor stock depletion rates, minimum order quantities and order lead times to optimise stock ordering
• Maintain Excel spreadsheets and other systems to provide a real-time view of demand vs supply availability
• Communicate delivery expectations and timelines for new and existing products with sales, marketing and New Product Development (NPD) teams

Purchases & Operations Planning:

• Gather and process SKU and supplier data on inventory levels, stock-in-transit and warehouse stock
• Collect demand forecast data from the sales team, including new customers, new SKU's and promotions
• Communicated delivery expectations and timelines for new and existing products with sales, marketing and NPD teams

Purchasing and Coordination and Supplier Liaison:

• Oversee ordering and call-offs from suppliers to ensure cost-effective purchasing and inventory optimisation
• Manage supplier deliveries, update inventory systems and reconcile actual deliveries, purchase orders and invoices
• Coordinate packaging and palletisation specifications with supplier alongside the technical team
• Very purchase invoices and customs documents before payment approval
• Ensure compliance with BRC requirements and procedures

Transport Coordination & Customs Clearance:

• Select and coordinate transport provider for the most reliable and cost-effective delivery solutions
• Work with supplier and third-party carriers to ensure timely inbound transport and delivery
• Manage ambient and chilled transport logistics, scheduling and load optimisation
• Liaise with customs clearance agents for smooth import processes

Inventory Management

• Maintain efficient stock management processes, including warehouse location management and stock rotation
• Monitor shelf-life and highlight any code-life concerns for Odysea and third-party warehouses
• Collaborate with the sales team on supply chain issues affecting customer service
• Provide regular updates on inventory levels and aged stock to support decision-making

Procurement Coordination:

• Request costing and product specification details from suppliers
• Gather and maintain product information and assist in sourcing and importing samples
• Assist in forecasting supplier material requirement

Your skills, attributes, and experience…

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 1+ years experience in a logistics environment
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with other Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

What’s on offer…

• Competitive basic salary
• Pension
• BUPA Healthcare
• Employee Discounts on products
• Training and development 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel card loan