Operations Manager – Distribution Centre (6 Month FTC)
Birmingham | £50,000 – £55,000 + Benefits
A well-established national omnichannel retailer is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead its Birmingham distribution centre on a 6 month fixed term contract. This is a high-profile role with full accountability for a busy, secure site serving stores nationwide, e-commerce customers and a sizeable returns operation.
The role
Reporting to the Head of Customer Fulfilment, you will own end-to-end warehouse operations: inbound, inventory management, outbound fulfilment and reverse logistics. The site handles a multi-million unit annual throughput, and you will lead a team of around 90 colleagues through five direct reports, with a multi-million pound operating budget.
Key responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day operation, delivering agreed service levels across retail replenishment, e-commerce fulfilment and returns
Plan resource and capacity to meet demand, seasonal peaks and business growth
Deliver the operating budget and drive cost reduction and productivity improvement programmes
Maintain inventory accuracy, stock integrity and security throughout the operation
Coach and develop the operational leadership team, building an engaged, accountable, high-performing culture
Manage absence, performance, talent and succession planning fairly and consistently
Champion a safety-first culture, leading audits, incident investigations and root-cause analysis
Use operational data to challenge the status quo and improve KPIs
About you
Significant leadership experience in a large-scale retail distribution, fulfilment or warehouse operation
Proven ability to lead large teams through multiple layers of management
Strong grasp of warehouse operations, inventory management and fulfilment processes
A track record of delivering service, productivity and cost improvements
Analytical and commercially aware, with experience managing operational budgets
Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills
Comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety legislation and operational compliance
Experience in omnichannel retail, FMCG or e-commerce, automated warehouse environments or WMS implementation would be an advantage, as would Lean Six Sigma, IOSH/NEBOSH or ILM Level 5 qualifications.
What’s on offer
£50,000 – £55,000 + benefits
6 month fixed term contract
Based in Birmingham
If you are an experienced distribution centre leader available for a 6 month contract, apply now with your CV.
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