The role leads the national distribution centre, spanning warehouse, own transport and third-party transport operations that support the UK network and the wholesale operation. It provides national leadership for how distribution capability is configured and operated, ensuring alignment to customer demand, cost-to-serve priorities and wider supply chain strategy.
It operates at scale, with responsibility for a population of circa 200 colleagues, enterprise-critical service delivery and close alignment with the wider European Supply Chain organisation. The role owns the governance and performance of national distribution and transport models, including Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE), ensuring capability is scalable, resilient and fit for future requirements.
The role has accountability for delivery against a transport budget and labour costs (direct and indirect), with responsibility for productivity, cost control and cost-to-serve performance within agreed budgets.
Key Accountabilities:
Shape and deliver national distribution capability
* Own the performance and evolution of national distribution capability, spanning warehouse operations, transport (own-fleet and third-party) and Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE), ensuring reliable service, availability and responsiveness for internal customers, and Ireland.
* Translate supply chain strategy into effective national distribution operating models, service standards and performance outcomes that support business growth.
Lead national transport and distribution performance
* Provide strategic and operational leadership for national transport and distribution models, ensuring capacity, flexibility and cost-to-serve are aligned to customer demand and business priorities.
* Hold accountability for service, productivity and cost performance across a circa £12m cost base, balancing service, safety and financial outcomes through effective planning and decision-making.
Own health, safety, wellbeing and operational risk
* Set and embed high standards for health, safety, wellbeing and operational risk across distribution and transport activity.
* Ensure risks are identified, managed and escalated in line with governance and assurance frameworks, maintaining operational integrity and audit readiness.
Build leadership capability and colleague experience
* Create a positive, inclusive and high-performing colleague experience within distribution, with people at the heart of how the operation runs.
* Build leadership capability, depth and succession across distribution management roles through clear expectations, coaching and development.
Lead data-led performance management and continuous improvement
* Establish disciplined planning, reporting and performance rhythms, using insight and data to maintain control, identify issues early and prioritise improvement activity.
* Drive a culture of continuous improvement, raising standards in service, safety, productivity and cost and embedding sustainable improvements into everyday operations.
Lead strategic stakeholder and partner relationships
* Act as a senior supply chain leader across the business, working collaboratively with internal stakeholders to agree priorities, resolve trade-offs and position supply chain as a trusted, service-led partner.
* Lead performance management and commercial engagement with third-party transport partners within agreed contractual frameworks, ensuring service, cost and flexibility requirements are met.
Contribute to wider enterprise and European supply chain outcomes