Job Description:

Location: Bedford depot MK41 7BJ
Salary: Competitive + benefits
 
About us:
 
At A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, we’re proud of our heritage, but even more excited about our future. What started in Wolverhampton in 1917 as a small, family-run grocery store has grown into one of the UK’s largest privately owned businesses, employing over 5,000 people and generating a turnover of £1.2 billion. We combine the strength of a global brand, while maintaining the values of a family business. We’re constantly evolving, always looking for new and better ways to serve our customers and support our colleagues, making this an exciting place to build your career.
 
Today, we operate at the heart of communities across the UK, with 243 SPAR convenience stores and a thriving business spanning retail, food service, and wholesale distribution. Food and drink remain at the core of everything we do, driving our passion for quality, innovation, and exceptional customer experiences.
 
SPAR is the world’s largest international food retail chain, encompassing more than 13,800 stores in 48 countries. With more than 2,600 stores and a turnover in excess of £3 billion, SPAR is also the UK’s leading convenience store group. Being a ‘symbol’ group means that individual SPAR members retain their independence but enjoy the many benefits of being a part of a global brand.
 
Duties include:
 
• Performance management to achieve targeted levels of customer service and cost management.
• Deployment of operating procedures and develop / review procedures where needed.
• Leadership of shift managers and team leaders to ensure staff are competent, well managed and motivated to perform at their best.
• Adherence to safety standards and that any matters are reported and investigated.
• Maintenance of warehouse and site security.
• Application of the Blakemore Way in the approach to people management
• Review staff performance and potential to develop competence and support succession planning.
• Comply with legal and company policy for H&S, Environment, Employment and Data protection.
• Support the overall development of the DC in areas such as operating budgets, cost management, KPIs, etc.
• Demonstrate the behaviours that underpin the company values.
 
In addition to a minimum three years warehouse management experience, we are looking for people who can demonstrate competence in:
 
• Providing leadership and direction
• Effective people management (incl. team building and motivating, coaching and performance management, 1-2-1 and Team communications)
• Process management (incl. embedding new processes) and continuous improvement
• Problem solving / using own initiative
• Organisation planning and follow-up
• Proactive management style to deal with concerns before they become issues
• Prioritisation and a sense of urgency
• Using management information and KPIs to improve performance
 
What’s in it for you?:
 
You will play a vital role in our business and have a huge impact on our success so not only will you receive excellent training, support and continued development but we will also offer a competitive salary and superb benefits package.
 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Develop your skills and capability in a highly supportive and multi-diverse culture
• Outstanding Training & Development opportunities
• Gain hands-on experience in a high volume, fast paced environment
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity pay packages
• Flexible working hours opportunity
• Excellent additional benefits package including:
• Early access to your pay through ‘EarlyPay’
• 24/7 access to your payslips via HR/Payroll portal
• 12.5% Staff discount on fresh items & 10% Staff Discount on ambient products in our SPAR stores (ex. Alcohol & Cigarettes)
• Wellbeing support – access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice
• Company Pension Scheme
• Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme
• NEST pension scheme
• Extra Holiday - Purchase Scheme
• Long Service Awards
 
Inclusive environment: as a Disability Confident Committed employer we are dedicated to creating a fair, inclusive workplace for all. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
 
You may have experience in the following: Shift Manager, Warehouse Shift Manager, Distribution Centre Shift Manager, Operations Shift Manager, Logistics Shift Manager, Warehouse Supervisor, Warehouse Operations Manager, Depot Manager, Distribution Supervisor, Logistics Supervisor, Fulfilment Centre Manager, Warehouse Team Manager, DC Operations Manager, Warehouse Team Leader, Supply Chain Shift Manager, etc.
 
REF-228 852