An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Productivity Manager to lead the transformation of labour planning across a multi-site retail estate. This is a hands-on role focused on embedding a modern, demand-led workforce management approach, shifting from traditional cost-based planning to a workload-driven model aligned with customer and operational needs.
Working cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, HR, and Data teams, you will take ownership of labour modelling, workforce planning standards, and productivity improvement. Initially, the focus will be on implementing a new labour model, followed by driving continuous optimisation and performance improvements.
Key Responsibilities
Labour Model Ownership & Development
* Own, develop, and continuously refine the labour model.
* Translate operational activity into accurate labour requirements.
* Maintain labour assumptions, drivers, and planning rules.
* Deliver scenario modelling to support trading and investment decisions.
Workforce Planning & Productivity
* Embed a consistent labour planning approach across all locations.
* Define labour standards and productivity benchmarks.
* Identify efficiency opportunities while maintaining customer experience.
* Analyse planned vs actual performance, including payroll data, to generate actionable insights.
Operational Engagement & Implementation
* Partner closely with Operations to embed new planning principles. Support site teams in optimising labour deployment.
* Provide clear guidance on rota planning and labour management.
* Act as a bridge between central strategy and on-the-ground execution.
Data, Insight & Performance Management
* Develop reporting tools and insights to support decision-making.
* Monitor key labour metrics and performance indicators. Collaborate with Data/BI teams to enhance data quality and visibility.
* Establish a single, reliable view of labour performance.
Continuous Improvement & Change
* Drive ongoing enhancements to labour planning processes and tools.
* Simplify and standardise ways of working where possible. Support the development of workforce planning capability.
* Contribute to wider operational excellence initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Partner with Finance to align labour hours with payroll costs.
* Work with HR on labour structures, contracts, and compliance.
* Collaborate with Technology teams to optimise workforce systems.
* Engage stakeholders across all levels to drive adoption and alignment.
Candidate Profile
Experience & Skills
* Proven experience in workforce management, labour optimisation, or productivity roles within a multi-site environment (retail or hospitality preferred).
* Strong understanding of labour planning, scheduling, and productivity drivers.
* Advanced analytical capability, with experience using Excel or similar tools to build and refine models.
* Comfortable working in evolving environments with developing processes and systems.
Core Capabilities
* Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex data into practical actions, Confident stakeholder management and influencing skills across multiple functions. Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to drive change in a fast-paced environment.
Mindset
* Hands-on, pragmatic, and delivery-focused, Naturally curious with a continuous improvement mindset, Passionate about improving operational performance and efficiency.
Package & Benefits
* Competitive salary, Pension scheme, Long service awards, Employee discount, Cycle to work scheme.
Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 08:45am – 5:30pm
If you are interested or have the relevant experience and are currently looking for a new challenge then please submit an up to date CV by clicking the ‘apply’ button.
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