Distribution Centre Operations Manager
Location: Bradford, BD7
Department: Distribution Centre Operations
Reports to: Director of Distribution Centre
Direct Reports: 5 Warehouse Supervisors
Salary & Benefits
1. Competitive salary- up to 100K
2. Car allowance
3. Annual bonus scheme
4. Comapny pension and others
5. Free car park
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Distribution Centre Operations Manager to lead and continuously improve our client warehouse and distribution centre operations. This is a senior operational role with responsibility for people leadership, operational performance, safety, quality, cost control, and continuous improvement across the distribution centre.
You will play a critical role in ensuring efficient receiving, storage, order picking, and despatch operations, while developing systems, processes, and teams to deliver best?in?class performance.
Working Hours
6. 39 hours per week
7. Monday to Friday
8. Flexible start time between 7:00am and 9:00am, depending on business needs
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
9. Lead, manage, and motivate the Warehouse Operations Team, working closely with Warehouse Supervisors to maximise performance and engagement.
10. Ensure effective planning and resource allocation in line with anticipated business volumes and customer demand.
11. Maintain safe, efficient, and accurate warehouse operations across receiving, storage, picking, and despatch.
12. Demonstrate visible leadership by being present on the warehouse floor, building strong relationships with all levels of staff.
Performance, Cost & Continuous Improvement
13. Monitor and control warehouse costs, productivity, and operational KPIs.
14. Analyse working methods, equipment, and systems, recommending improvements to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
15. Prepare budgets, management reports, and operational statistics as required.
16. Actively participate in and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
People Management
17. Recruit, train, develop, and appraise staff in line with company policies and employment legislation.
18. Conduct performance reviews, manage disciplinary and grievance processes, and support colleague development.
19. Identify training needs and ensure teams are well-equipped, skilled, and motivated.
20. Plan departmental resources including holidays, overtime, and leave.
Health, Safety, Quality & Compliance
21. Ensure a safe working environment at all times, adhering to all Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards.
22. Audit and ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
23. Coordinate visits from regulatory agencies and ensure all reporting requirements are met.
24. Work closely with the Quality function to address customer complaints and supplier issues, with a focus on defect prevention.
Facilities & Maintenance Management
25. Take responsibility for the planning, maintenance, and development of the DC facility and maintenance budget.
26. Oversee maintenance programs, with a strong focus on preventive and predictive maintenance.
27. Manage contractors and service providers, approving and evaluating work completed.
28. Supervise installation, modernisation, and handover of Material Handling Equipment (MHE).
29. Maintain accurate technical documentation, ITM records, and equipment history.
30. Support DC expansion and improvement projects where required.
Collaboration & Communication
31. Build excellent working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
32. Attend and contribute to management meetings.
33. Proactively share information, ideas, and best practices with colleagues.
34. Support the development of peers and cross-functional teams.
About You
Essential Experience & Qualifications
35. Minimum 4 years' management experience within a high-level warehouse or distribution environment.
36. Proven experience managing large-scale Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and physical infrastructure.
37. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
38. Strong working knowledge of SAP (Warehouse modules).
39. Advanced skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Desirable
40. Master's degree in a relevant technical or business discipline.
41. NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
42. Knowledge of HR practices and employment law.
43. Experience within the automotive sector or high-velocity aftermarket distribution.
Personal Attributes
44. Results-focused, organised, and highly motivated.
45. Calm under pressure with strong attention to detail.
46. Dependable, flexible, and professional.
47. Self-directed, conscientious, and a strong team player.
48. Confident and persuasive communicator with the ability to influence.
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