In the Kitchen with… Salli Bateman

The Compleat Food Group’s foodservice team operates across a wide range of sectors, from wholesale and QSRs to travel operators and contract caterers, delivering both branded and own-label products.

One of those brands is Wrights. Known for its retail shops across the North-West, it also plays a proud role in other out-of-home channels, including van sales and vending operations.

So, who’s at the helm of this? Meet our recently recruited Retail Operations Commercial Controller, Salli Bateman.

In our latest In the Kitchen, we’re catching up with Salli to find out how she is shaping the brand with her love for fast-paced environments, a flair for strategy, and a genuine enthusiasm for great food.

Tell us about your career so far.

I graduated from the University of Newcastle and began my career in Public Relations. While I loved the energy of PR, I eventually transitioned into the world of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), taking on commercial roles at brands like Unilever and Roberts Bakery. This shift allowed me to combine fast-paced work with my love of great food. Now, working across Wrights and its various sales channels, feels like the perfect fit.

Tell us about your role with Compleat?

In my role as Retail Operations Commercial Controller at Wrights, I oversee our growing estate of retail shops, from our heartland in Stoke-on-Trent and beyond. I also manage our foodservice van sales and vending operations, ensuring consistent quality across all out-of-home channels.

It’s my responsibility to maintain product excellence across all outlets and keep our ranges fresh, exciting, and regularly updated.

What attracted you to Compleat?

I’m really excited to be part of a Group that allows me to work with heritage brands like Wrights. The bakery sector itself is fascinating, the emphasis on freshness and its close connection to the Food-to-Go market make it such an exciting sector to be involved in.

Is there anything you’re particularly excited to work on?

Next year is an exciting one for us at Wrights as it is our centenary year. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in with the prep work. We’ve got some special things planned that I know our customers will love – keep your eyes peeled!

What attracted you to a career in food?

Food has always played a big role in my life, and I’m incredibly proud to have worked with some of the nation’s most loved food brands – from Lucozade to Magnum, and now sweet and savoury baking at Wrights.

It’s such an important part of my life that I even married a Chef! Thom is not only a Michelin Guide worthy Chef and multiple restaurant owner, but also a successful social media star in his own right, regularly appearing on TV. Safe to say it’s all about food in our house…

What does a typical day look like?

No two days are ever the same, and that’s one of the best things about working in such a fast-paced environment like Wrights. I usually start early, catching up on emails before heading into meetings with cross-functional teams across NPD, HR, Supply Chain, and Commercial Finance at our main manufacturing site in Crewe.

I also spend time out and about, visiting our retail sites. The schedule is always full, but I’m lucky enough to often squeeze in lunch at a tasting panel – definitely one of the perks of the job!

What’s your favourite Compleat product?

We love a charcuterie board in our house, and nothing beats grazing on some meats and cheeses from the Harvey and Brockless range. They’re fantastic quality and really give you that restaurant experience at home.

What do you love the most about your job?

I really enjoy the variety and breadth of the strategies I get to be involved in, whether it’s supporting teams within their roles or helping to shape the long-term direction of the business. Focusing on the commercial side to guide Wrights toward a more profitable and sustainable future is incredibly rewarding.

What’s your favourite thing to do outside of work?

Life outside of work is full-on, but that’s just how we like it!

When I do get a rare moment of calm, you’ll find me horse-riding through the countryside, soaking up the fresh air and a bit of peace. We also love escaping to Devon for some quality family time or heading to the Alps for a few days on the slopes when we can each year.

Want to get to know more of our colleagues on the foodservice team? Grab a cuppa, and let us introduce you to Anthony Choi, James Whitbourn and Howard Edwards.