Regional Operations Manager

Field-based - Bristol and surrounding area

Reports to: Final Mile Delivery Director

Direct Reports: Depot Managers & LSM’s (Sites in Assigned Patch)

As the Regional Operations Manager in Final Mile at Smiths News, you will be responsible for overseeing the efficient and compliant execution of final mile delivery operations across sites within your assigned patch.

About the role

Your key responsibility will be to ensure that all operational processes meet the company’s standards for productivity, cost control, People Management, service level agreements, and health & safety compliance. This field-based role requires hands-on leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication with Depot Managers, central support teams, and senior management. You will oversee site teams, support their development, and drive continuous improvement while ensuring alignment with Smiths News’ vision of operational excellence.

Strategic Operational Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of final mile delivery operations across sites in your patch, ensuring efficiency and alignment with key performance indicators (KPIs), such as delivery accuracy, cost management, and compliance.
• Support Depot Managers through daily check-ins, addressing operational challenges and offering strategic guidance to ensure staff and fleet readiness while driving performance objectives.
• Utilise real-time data and performance dashboards to analyse delivery metrics and customer satisfaction, implementing strategic interventions where necessary.
• Act as the escalation point for unresolved operational issues, providing strategic solutions to complex challenges.
• Conduct regular site visits to engage with teams, offering leadership and strategic direction to enhance operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Final Mile Performance Management, Team Leadership & Development, Compliance & Health and Safety, Continuous Improvement & Efficiency, Financial Management

Key Focus Areas

• Operational Efficiency: Ensure all final mile delivery operations are optimised for service quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Compliance: Maintain full compliance with health & safety regulations and company policies across all sites.
• People Development: Lead and develop Depot Managers and their teams, ensuring high standards of performance and engagement.
• Problem Solving: Address operational challenges quickly to minimise any negative impact on service delivery.
• Standardisation: Implement standardised processes to ensure consistent final mile operations across all sites. Using OE methodology.

About you

• Proven experience in multi-site operations management within logistics, delivery, or final mile sectors.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated success in managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Deep understanding of health & safety regulations and compliance in logistics and final mile operations.
• Financial management experience, including budget oversight, cost control, and P&L analysis.
• Proficient in logistics management software, including WMS, TMS, and real-time delivery tracking systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills with a focus on operational efficiency.
• Outstanding communication skills for managing teams and engaging with senior leadership.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is advantageous.
• Degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or related field is advantageous.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CILT, PRINCE2, ILM, CMI, Lean Six Sigma, NEBOSH) are an advantage.

What we can offer you

Not only do we offer free onsite parking, 4x salary life assurance and 5% match pension but you’ll also have access to:

• £5,688 per annum car allowance
• Company bonus
• Company funded Health Cash Plan – providing cash back for everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy
• 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
• Private medical insurance
• Colleague Assistance Programme & Colleague referral scheme