Distribution manager - plymouth

Job Description
Closing date: 19-06-2026
Distribution Manager – Plymouth

Check all associated application documentation thoroughly before clicking on the apply button at the bottom of this description.
Up to £75,000 plus excellent benefits (Work Level 5)
Full-time | 5 days over 7 (including some weekends)
Plymouth Depot, PL7 4JH
We're looking for a Distribution Manager to lead the day‐to‐day operational performance of our Plymouth depot, ensuring warehouse and transport operations are run safely, efficiently and to plan so products reach our stores on time, every time.
Why this role matters
In this role you'll take ownership for the smooth running of the depot, balancing service, cost, safety and people priorities in a fast paced logistics setting. A big part of the role is making sure resources are in the right place at the right time, and that risks are managed well.
You'll lead senior teams across warehouse and transport, monitor performance against key metrics and work closely with our union partners. Your focus will be on keeping operations stable and compliant, finding smarter ways of working and creating an environment where colleagues feel supported and set up to succeed.
What you'll do

• Lead the end‐to‐end operation of the Plymouth depot, making sure warehouse and transport activities are delivered safely, compliantly and in line with service expectations
• Coach, mentor, and nurture your team, sharing your knowledge and experience to help support effective decision-making
• Deliver the people plan within the depot helping to build a positive culture and strong colleague engagement
• Work with senior operational leaders to set clear priorities and keep tight control of performance, costs and resources
• Drive continuous improvement across productivity, service and cost identifying issues, implementing practical solutions and embedding sustainable change
• Oversee operational risk, ensuring robust controls are in place and that colleagues understand their responsibilities for safety, security and compliance
• Work closely with union representatives to manage operational change, attendance, wellbeing and workforce planning constructively
• Collaborate with colleagues across the wider Co‐op logistics network to share best practice and support network‐wide performance and change initiatives

What you'll bring
We're committed to making our roles as accessible as possible, so we only ask for the minimum criteria. To thrive here, you'll need to bring:

• Proven experience leading large‐scale operational teams in a logistics or similarly complex environment
• Strong operational judgement, with the ability to balance service delivery, cost control and people impact
• Experience translating operational plans into clear actions and priorities for leaders and teams
• The confidence to manage risk, challenge constructively and take decisive action when needed
• A practical, coaching‐led leadership style, focused on developing capability and driving consistent operational standards

Why Co-op?
At Co-op, we're owned by our members. And because we're owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you're not just taking a job, you're joining a movement. We're an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we're powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you'll also receive:

• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• Private healthcare
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle-to-work scheme

A place you'll belong
We're building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. xcunqrw
We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.
We're proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we'll support you.
Learn more about our recruitment process at /apply-process and our inclusion commitments at /diversity-inclusion