Operations Manager

Night shift - £45,000 to £50,000 Per annum

start and finish times - 06:00-14:00 flexibility for night visits and other events/meetings is required

More than 22,400 customers rely on us as the UK’s leading newspaper and magazine wholesaler. With nightly miracles delivered by an extensive network of distribution centres, we have more roles than you realise. One look at our heritage tells you that we’re as good as our word – we have a reputation built on security, reliability, and delivering on promises. Right now, we’re excitingly looking to the future and all that means for our customers and our people’s careers

Responsible for leading the 5 day per week early morning time-sensitive delivery operation on behalf  of our customer in the London region. Ensuring effective cost control and successful management  of labour, productivity, quality control and safety measures as established and set by the Business. Maintaining compliance with legislation and delivering through the Smiths News Values and  Sustainability goals

About the role:

• Oversee the operation (Distribution, Transport and Reverse Logistics) including management of Self employed delivery service partners
• Asses and provide operational recommendations and updates to processes; devise and implement related action plans
• Manage compliance and delivery of associated metrics around the processes
• Manage the effective resolution of daily distribution issues
• Revise and implement productivity, quality, and customer-service related key performance indicators (KPI) and (SPI) by embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
• Monitor and control variable costs to ensure budgets and profit targets are met.
• Deputising for the Account/General Manager
• Proactively build and maintain a full up to date understanding of the business’ services and products.
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships customer and key stakeholders in order to effectively communicate and resolve queries and issues relating to the distribution.

Key Accountabilities - People

• Identifying potential in the team and ensuring relevant development plans are in place in line with the Talent Management Strategy.
• Identifying poor performance and taking appropriate action.
• Ensure all managers are aware of their own performance and that of the location.
• Champion all professional practices and behaviours and ensures all staff are trained effectively.
• Coach and mentors team members and support the creation of a coaching culture.
• Communicate job expectations - planning, monitoring, appraising and reviewing operational requirements with the Warehouse Managers.

Key Accountabilities – Compliance

• Maintain the Company’s health, safety and security standards whilst ensuring that standard operating procedures are adhered to.
• Deliver against company scorecard KPIs and objectives ensuring high productivity and efficiency

What we can offer you

Not only do we offer free onsite parking and competitive salary but you’ll also have access to:

• Company funded Health Cash Plan – providing cash back for everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy
• 5% match pension
• 25 days holiday plus holiday buy scheme
• 24/7 E-Learning modules, Training and Development opportunities
• Sharesave Scheme, Cycle to work schemes, Health cash plan
• Colleague Assistance Programme & Colleague referral scheme

About You:

• Previous experience in a time sensitive warehouse environment managing a large team
• Proven experience of managing change and initiating improvements, maintaining objectives/KPIs.
• Previous experience of recruitment and selection.
• Proven ability to spot and solve problems in a proactive way
• Displays enthusiasm and drive for achieving high standards.
• Ability to remain calm in a pressurised time sensitive situation
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Experience managing a demanding customer relationship
• Experience of budget management, high commerciality and financially astute
• Experience of engaging with Self employed Delivery service partners.
• Financial management experience, including budget oversight, cost control, and P&L analysis.
• Multi-site operational management experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel (Pivot Tables, V LookUps).

Please note: you must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.

Don’t just take us at our word – experience it for yourself. We’re a business built on support, opportunities, loyalty and care. Let’s make the most of today’s opportunities and look to the future, together. Apply now.