Job Description:

Our client is a growing logistics and warehousing business seeking an experienced Warehouse Operations Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day performance of a busy, multi-customer warehouse operation at its Hams Hall site.

This is a key operational leadership position, responsible for ensuring the warehouse operates safely, efficiently and cost-effectively while consistently delivering excellent service to customers.

You will lead teams across Goods In, Storage, Cross Dock, Replenishment, Picking, Packing and Dispatch, with overall responsibility for operational performance, inventory accuracy, service levels, compliance and continuous improvement.

Working closely with Customer Success, Transport, Shipping, Compliance and Finance teams, you will play an important role in developing a high-performing warehouse operation and delivering consistently high standards for customers.

Key Responsibilities

Warehouse Operations

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day warehouse operation, ensuring customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.
• Oversee inbound, put-away, replenishment, inventory control, picking, packing and dispatch activities.
• Optimise warehouse space, labour and other operational resources.
• Monitor workflows and staffing levels to maintain service levels while controlling costs.
• Ensure operational performance consistently meets customer requirements and contractual commitments.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, organisation and operational control.
• Ensure all Material Handling Equipment (MHE) is maintained, serviced and operated safely.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, motivate and develop Shift Managers and warehouse teams.
• Build a culture of accountability, ownership and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions and team meetings.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of warehouse employees.
• Ensure appropriate training and refresher training is provided across the operation.
• Manage attendance, timekeeping and workforce planning.
• Work alongside HR on employee relations matters, including investigations, absence management, disciplinary processes and performance improvement plans.
• Lead by example and promote the company's values and behaviours.

Inventory & Warehouse Control

• Maintain accurate inventory records and robust warehouse processes.
• Ensure all stock movements are accurately recorded through the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Lead cycle counting and stock audit activity.
• Investigate stock discrepancies and implement effective corrective actions.
• Reduce stock losses, damages and picking errors through effective process management.
• Maintain accurate master data and system integrity.

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation, company policies and operational procedures.
• Drive compliance with BRCGS standards and support successful internal and external audits.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are documented, up to date and consistently followed.
• Conduct operational audits and inspections, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Investigate quality issues, non-conformances and customer complaints, implementing appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
• Champion continuous improvement across the warehouse operation.
• Support projects designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, customer service and operational capability.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Develop strong working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Work closely with Customer Success teams to ensure agreed service levels and commitments are consistently achieved.
• Support the onboarding of new customers and the implementation of new operational requirements.
• Ensure customer issues are dealt with promptly, professionally and effectively.
• Identify and escalate operational risks and service concerns where appropriate.
• Contribute to customer retention through consistently high operational and service standards.

Performance & Cost Management

• Manage labour utilisation, overtime and agency spend within agreed budgets.
• Monitor and report on warehouse KPIs and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity and reduce operating costs.
• Support invoice validation and operational reporting.
• Produce regular performance reports for senior management.
• Drive productivity improvements without compromising safety, quality or customer service.

About You

The successful candidate will be an experienced warehouse leader with a strong background in 3PL or multi-customer logistics environments. You will be comfortable managing a fast-paced operation, leading teams and using data and operational KPIs to drive performance.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience managing warehouse operations within a multi-customer 3PL environment.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse processes, including Goods In, Inventory Control, Replenishment, Picking, Packing and Dispatch.
• Experience working with a Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Proven experience leading, managing and developing operational teams.
• Strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and warehouse best practice.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of BRCGS standards and audit requirements.
• A relevant management qualification such as ILM, CILT, NVQ, CMI or equivalent.
• Experience supporting new customer onboarding and operational implementation projects.
• Internal auditing experience.
• Knowledge of Lean, Continuous Improvement or Six Sigma methodologies.

Key Skills & Behaviours

We're looking for a confident and hands-on operational leader who can:

• Lead, motivate and develop people effectively.
• Build strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly at all levels of an organisation.
• Use data and KPIs to identify trends and drive informed decisions.
• Solve problems quickly and effectively.
• Remain calm and decisive in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Take ownership and demonstrate a proactive approach.
• Maintain a strong customer focus.
• Balance service delivery with commercial and cost considerations.
• Champion continuous improvement and operational excellence.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Warehouse Operations Manager to take ownership of a key site operation and make a tangible impact on performance, people and customer service.

If you have strong 3PL warehouse management experience and are looking for your next leadership opportunity within a growing logistics environment, we'd be keen to hear from you.