Job Description
Operations Manager - Distribution Centre (6 Month FTC)
Birmingham £50,000 - £55,000 + Benefits
A well-established national omnichannel retailer is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead its Birmingham distribution centre on a 6 month fixed term contract. This is a high-profile role with full accountability for a busy, secure site serving stores nationwide, e-commerce customers and a sizeable returns operation.
The role
Reporting to the Head of Customer Fulfilment, you will own end-to-end warehouse operations: inbound, inventory management, outbound fulfilment and reverse logistics. The site handles a multi-million unit annual throughput, and you will lead a team of around 90 colleagues through five direct reports, with a multi-million pound operating budget.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operation, delivering agreed service levels across retail replenishment, e-commerce fulfilment and returns
- Plan resource and capacity to meet demand, seasonal peaks and business growth
- Deliver the operating budget and drive cost reduction and productivity improvement programmes
- Maintain inventory accuracy, stock integrity and security throughout the operation
- Coach and develop the operational leadership team, building an engaged, accountable, high-performing culture
- Manage absence, performance, talent and succession planning fairly and consistently
- Champion a safety-first culture, leading audits, incident investigations and root-cause analysis
- Use operational data to challenge the status quo and improve KPIs
About you
- Significant leadership experience in a large-scale retail distribution, fulfilment or warehouse operation
- Proven ability to lead large teams through multiple layers of management
- Strong grasp of warehouse operations, inventory management and fulfilment processes
- A track record of delivering service, productivity and cost improvements
- Analytical and commercially aware, with experience managing operational budgets
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety legislation and operational compliance
Experience in omnichannel retail, FMCG or e-commerce, automated warehouse environments or WMS implementation would be an advantage, as would Lean Six Sigma, IOSH/NEBOSH or ILM Level 5 qualifications.
What's on offer
- £50,000 - £55,000 + benefits
- 6 month fixed term contract
- Based in Birmingham
If you are an experienced distribution centre leader available for a 6 month contract, apply now with your CV.
