Senior Warehousing & Distribution Manager

Introduction

Our client is a small and well respected, family run, independent Warehousing and Distribution operation based near Preston. They already have secured a number of prestigious contracts for the sole UK distribution of luxury and fashion goods and are now pursuing a strategy of ambitious growth. Additional warehousing has already been purchased but there is a reluctance to accelerate the intake of new business until upgraded processes and procedures are embedded.

A SENIOR WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER is required to strengthen the team at their key hub in the NW of England and lead the transformation of the site providing a solid foundation for growth.

Reporting to: Managing Director

Reports: Some 70 staff through Warehouse Manager, Administration Manager, Transport Manager working extended day-shift.

Key responsibilities:

You will be instrumental in driving cost and service improvements and will have the personality and ambition to make a significant contribution to the management and forward direction of the overall operation. You will understand Warehousing and Transport best practise and be able to quickly but sensitively impose operational disciplines and improvements to ensure ultimate levels of cost and stock accuracy performance.

OTIF is your key measure. You will also oversee the order management process, stock replenishment and stock accounting.

Your key tasks will include:

• Ensure the transport fleet and all assets are operated in a commercially viable way at all times
• Ensure the Warehouse and stock control processes are adhered to, minimising errors and rework, underpinning the cost effective growth plans and ever increasing quality of service
• You will be the Owner’s eyes and ears; bringing a high degree of professionalism along with the ability to challenge the status quo and drive through change.
• Ensure all operations, practices and procedures are managed in line with the company’s Health & Safety policy and other statutory compliance,
• The generation and implementation of cost and margin improvement initiatives

Package: OTE up to £50K including a substantial profit related bonus

Location: NW England – Ideal candidate will reside within daily commuting distance.

Candidate profile:

Above all you will understand the dynamics of working in a family owned business where the owners are hands-on. You will have a robust management style and history of dealing sensitively with IR and performance issues.

Keen to be a big part of a developing operation, you will be a street-wise and hands-on operator. To succeed, you will need to be at the forefront of transforming traditional practices and spearhead the development of a proactive and process driven operation.
Preferably with a Degree and further Logistics qualification, ideally you will hold a current CPC license. You will be immediately capable of deputising for the Managing Director and have the ambition to develop further in the Company. A proven track record of implementing change whilst supporting traditional values is essential.

An accomplished communicator, fully conversant with leading-edge logistics KPI measurement frameworks, additionally you will have:

• Minimum 5 years experience of warehousing and national transport operations management in the 3pl logistics industry.
• Previous history of servicing FMCG, and Major-multiple retailer supply contracts
• Proven change management leadership experience, particularly cost reduction and margin improvement in a Continuous Improvement warehouse and distribution environment
• A detailed knowledge of Health & Safety legislation