Job Purpose:
To ensure the efficient flows of the warehouse to maintain customer fulfilment of orders being delivered from the CLC.
As the Systems and Planning Lead for the Central Logistics Centre (CLC), you will be responsible for overseeing a team of specialists to ensure optimal 24/7 warehouse operations, namely the Control Room, Labour Management function. You will also ensure effective operation of the warehouse management systems (Knapp and Manhattan). Leading and managing the Continuous Improvement Manager to facilitate clear and effective communication between stakeholders to support operational goals. You will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall operational efficiency and alignment with organisational goals.
This role is in support of Cencora's wholesale distribution services in Europe operating through our Alliance Healthcare business.
This is a truly exciting opportunity to be part of Alliance Healthcare UK's new, next-generation Central Logistics Centre (CLC). You will play a pivotal role in the launch, continuous improvement and ongoing success of this world-class, game-changing facility. Designed with advanced automation and cutting-edge robotics, the CLC is set to redefine how Alliance Healthcare manages and delivers medical, health and beauty products to our customers across the UK.
Our team members are at the heart of everything we do. At Alliance Healthcare, a Cencora company, we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures, and every person here is essential to us being able to deliver on that purpose.
Please note that this is a fully onsite position.
Principal Accountabilities:
Operational Leadership
- Lead the Control Room function, ensuring the warehouse management systems (Knapp/Manhattan) effectively utilise workload information daily to optimise service and efficiency.
- Lead the CI function to improve system performance and Operational processes to enhance productivity, to ensure we meet our customers’ requirements.
- Lead, develop and manage a team of specialists ensuring high performance and continuous improvement in planning and establish KPIs and metrics to the warehouse leadership and operations teams to support their planning and tactical processes.
- Oversee the Labour management function and provide reports and analysis to the senior leadership regarding performance.
- Develop and implement strategic plans to align planning with CLC and broader organisational objectives.
- Promote and enforce a safe working environment, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Working with people leaders to develop a culture of continuous improvement across the central logistics centre and making recommendations to the Head of CLC.
People Leadership
- Optimise resource allocation, including recruitment, equipment and materials to meet operational demands efficiently.
- Lead, motivate and inspire a multi-functional team of specialists, be a role model through demonstrating the Guiding Principles in the everyday and continuously work towards the Cencora Purpose.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, encouraging teamwork and continuous improvement. Embracing a learning and development culture across within the function liaising with L&D team to maximise output.
- Support teams to achieve business participation levels in employment engagement surveys to utilise the results to enable the site action plans.
- Champion and lead DE&I, embracing an open dialogue and collaboration as part of the sites culture, which empowers everyone to share their unique perspectives and feel valued, respected, and supported for it.
- Recruit, train and develop all direct reports, maintaining appropriate liaison with Human Resources department.
- Collaborate closely and maintain strong relationships with supply chain teams to ensure the ad-hoc and longer-term planning of promotional and project supply chain activities.
- Drive cross functional collaboration with IT/Knapp/Manhattan teams to address operational challenges and implement solutions.
- Champion and lead the health and safety culture which ensures safe processes, procedures and behaviours as well as continuous improvement through best practice activities.
- Provide effective leadership and motivation through regular team briefings
KPIs
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to drive performance against service, compliance, productivity and cost in line with targets and where relevant ensure the implementation of actions to reverse identified areas of under-performance.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices.
- Be responsible for the correct headcount to maintain both service and productivity measures in operations according to all relevant KPIs.
Budget Management
- Develop and manage the warehouse and overhead budgets.
- Monitor expenses and ensure cost-effective operations.
- Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives.
Issue Resolution
- Coordinate the relationship and workload of the external on-site systems team (Knapp), delivering on day-to-day systems monitoring, fault resolution, ticket system helpdesk, and continuous improvement changes.
- Oversee the change control budget for system enhancements and improvements.
- Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate operational disruptions ensuring timely resolution of system issues and implementation of system updates and improvements.
- Lead response efforts for operational crises and ensure continuity of service, liaising with senior stakeholders.
- Liaise with supported sites to resolve any supply issues and create future plans to improve the customer experience.
Training and Development
- Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Ensure succession plans are in place that support the CLC and the UK business to ensure there are no gaps in structure.
- Conduct the performance management process for direct reports, ensuring regular two-way communication.
- Adherence to business and team objectives and consistency; challenging positively as appropriate.
Operational Efficiency
- Maintain high standards of quality and accuracy in all warehouse operations, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and company policies.
- Maintain and enhance strong relationships across multiple internal stakeholders to ensure seamless collaboration and communication that all systems, processes and procedures in place are robust, efficient and fit for purpose.
- Conduct regular audits and inspections for system applications to maintain compliance and address any deficiencies.
- Monitor and improve systems and planning processes through WMS, to enhance delivery performance and reduce costs.
- Prepare and present reports on planning and performance to senior stakeholders.
- Facilitate forums that focus on long term strategies for improvement to the site.
Health and Safety and ESG
- Champion and lead the Health and Safety culture which ensures safe processes, procedures and behaviours as well as continuous improvement through best practice activities in accordance with the SOP’s.
- Working with the H&S Manager conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments.
- Commit to advancing our ESG initiatives to create healthier futures around the world.
- Ensure a culture of being safe, legal and compliant.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:
- Strong knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and automated technologies.
- Proven experience in warehouse operations management, with a minimum of 3-5 years in a leadership role managing managers as direct reports, with at least 2 years in an automated warehouse environment.
- Excellent leadership, communication and problem-solving skills to lead, motivate and develop teams in large, in a fast-paced, complex 24/7 operation (including managers).
- Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities and the ability to manage within a set budget.
- Proficiency in data analysis and performance metrics including KPIs.
- Strong problem-solving skills and high attention to detail.
- Ability to build strong and effective relationships across departments, demonstrating a collaborative approach.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- In-depth understanding of global trends, agendas, ESG frameworks, standards, and regulatory environments.
- Proven track record in managing audit trails and carrying out the appropriate ESG procedures to ensure compliance according to the GDP guidelines.
Desirable Requirements:
- Previous experience working with Knapp and/or Manhattan.
- Experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance and quality standards in pharmaceutical distribution
What Cencora Offers:
- Salary of up to 75k annual plus excellent benefits
- Be one of the first to join a brand-new operation where you’ll play a key role in shaping and establishing best practice ways of working from the ground up.
- Manage and oversee a highly automated warehouse, using advanced systems and equipment to drive efficiency and innovation.
- Work with cutting edge technology at one of the most automated pharmaceutical sites in the world.
- Be one of the senior leaders of a site bringing in 30% of total revenue for all Alliance Healthcare UK operations delivering life saving drugs
- Be integral to the business’s success by ensuring smooth operations and delivering exceptional customer service through proactive problem-solving and system optimization.
- Work closely with systems, operations, and other cross-functional teams to align processes, improve workflows, and ensure seamless communication.
- Thrive in a dynamic environment with the ability to take ownership of challenges and take initiative.
- Use data and trends to identify root causes, solve problems, and lead continuous improvement efforts to optimize warehouse performance – identify and drive metrics to improve site throughput and service levels.
- Enjoy a role that blends working with people, managing complex systems, and refining processes for maximum efficiency