Job Description:
Aspired talent are currently recruiting for an experienced Warehouse Night Shift Leader for our client based in Preston, PR5.
This is a hands-on leadership position suited to someone who has previous experience supervising a warehouse team and understands the demands of a fast-paced logistics and distribution environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the night shift, planning and allocating work, managing the warehouse team, monitoring productivity and ensuring all operational requirements are completed safely and on time.
A good understanding of WMS systems, warehouse processes and shift planning is essential, along with a valid Counterbalance Forklift Truck licence.
Job Description
As the Warehouse Night Shift Leader, you will take overall responsibility for coordinating the warehouse operation throughout the night shift. You will work closely with the warehouse team to ensure all inbound and outbound activity is completed efficiently and accurately.
You will be expected to take a proactive approach to managing the shift, identifying potential problems early and making sure the team has the resources and direction required to meet operational targets.
The role will involve a combination of team leadership, warehouse administration, WMS system use, shift planning and hands-on warehouse activity, including forklift operation when required.
Key Responsibilities
Take responsibility for the smooth and efficient running of the warehouse during the night shift.
Lead, supervise and motivate the warehouse team to ensure all work is completed safely and to the required standard.
Plan the workload at the beginning of each shift and allocate employees to the appropriate areas and duties.
Monitor progress throughout the shift and make adjustments to the plan when priorities or workloads change.
Ensure all customer orders, deliveries and warehouse requirements are completed within the required deadlines.
Coordinate the loading and unloading of vehicles, ensuring goods are handled safely and efficiently.
Organise and oversee the movement of stock around the warehouse.
Ensure stock is correctly received, checked, stored, picked and dispatched.
Use the WMS system to monitor stock movements, update transactions and track operational activity.
Investigate and report stock discrepancies, system issues and operational problems.
Ensure all warehouse paperwork, system transactions and shift records are completed accurately.
Monitor productivity and identify areas where improvements can be made.
Ensure staff are working efficiently and following the correct processes and procedures.
Provide clear instructions to team members and ensure priorities are understood.
Support employees with operational queries and resolve day-to-day problems during the shift.
Escalate significant operational, staffing or stock issues to the appropriate manager.
Conduct effective shift handovers, ensuring all outstanding work and important information is communicated to the next shift.
Liaise with transport, warehouse management and other departments where required.
Ensure vehicles are loaded correctly and safely and that relevant deadlines are achieved.
Monitor the condition of goods and report any damaged or incorrectly handled stock.
Ensure warehouse equipment is used correctly and safely.
Operate a Counterbalance Forklift Truck when required to support the warehouse operation.
Carry out forklift safety checks and report any defects or maintenance requirements.
Maintain safe segregation between pedestrians and warehouse vehicles.
Ensure warehouse walkways, loading areas and working areas remain clean, tidy and free from hazards.
Ensure all employees follow site rules, health & safety procedures and company policies.
Report accidents, near misses, incidents, damage and safety concerns immediately.
Support investigations into accidents, incidents and operational issues where required.
Help maintain a strong safety culture throughout the night shift.
Support the training and development of new and existing warehouse employees.
Monitor attendance, punctuality and general performance and report concerns to management.
Assist with performance management and disciplinary procedures where required and in line with company policy.
Ensure all company processes are followed consistently across the shift.
Identify opportunities to improve warehouse processes, productivity and efficiency.
Maintain a professional and positive working environment within the team.
any additional warehouse or operational duties reasonably required by management.
WMS & Administration
A good understanding of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is essential.
You will be expected to confidently use warehouse systems to:
Record and monitor stock movements.
Track inbound and outbound activity.
Check order and stock information.
Investigate discrepancies.
Update warehouse transactions.
Monitor workload and shift progress.
Produce or complete relevant shift information and reports.
Ensure accurate handovers between shifts.
Good computer skills and attention to detail are therefore important.
Shift Planning & Team Management
The successful candidate will need to be confident with planning and organising a warehouse shift.
This will include:
Reviewing the workload at the start of the shift.
Allocating employees according to operational requirements.
Prioritising urgent or time-sensitive work.
Adjusting staffing and workload throughout the shift where necessary.
Monitoring progress against deadlines.
Ensuring sufficient forklift and warehouse cover is available.
Managing breaks and staff allocation effectively.
Communicating changes and priorities clearly to the team.
Ensuring all planned work is completed before the end of the shift wherever possible.
You will need to be comfortable taking responsibility and making decisions to keep the operation moving.
Counterbalance Forklift Requirement
A valid Counterbalance Forklift Truck licence is essential.
The role is not purely supervisory, and you will be expected to be hands-on when required, including operating the forklift to support loading, unloading and warehouse operations.
You must be confident working safely around other warehouse vehicles, pedestrians and loading areas.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for an experienced warehouse professional who can demonstrate:
Previous experience as a Warehouse Team Leader, Shift Leader, Supervisor or similar.
Experience managing or supervising a warehouse team.
Good knowledge of warehouse and logistics operations.
Experience using WMS systems.
Experience with shift planning and workload allocation.
A valid Counterbalance Forklift Truck licence.
Good knowledge of warehouse health & safety procedures.
The ability to organise and prioritise workloads effectively.
Strong communication and leadership skills.
The confidence to deal with operational issues and make decisions.
A proactive approach to problem-solving.
Good attention to detail and accuracy.
The ability to work under pressure in a busy environment.
A reliable and professional attitude.
Excellent timekeeping and attendance.
The ability to work independently while also supporting and motivating a team.
Pay & Working Hours
Basic Rate: £13.58 per hour
Overtime Rate: £15.49 per hour
Shift Allowance: £17 for a no-accident shift
Working pattern: Monday to Friday
Shift: 8:00pm – 6:00am