Head of Operations

Head of Warehouse & Distribution Operations Vacancy (URGENT)

• Annual Salary: £70k - £80k per annum DOE
• Location: Bedfordshire
• Job Type: Full-time

We are seeking a strategic leader to take on the role of Head of Warehouse & Distribution Operations. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this pivotal role involves driving operational excellence and transformational change across our warehouse and distribution functions. The successful candidate will ensure our supply chain supports business growth while delivering outstanding service, efficiency, and cost performance.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the warehouse and distribution strategy, aligning operational performance with business objectives for cost, service, and scalability.
• Lead all warehouse and distribution activities, including inbound logistics, stock control, order fulfilment, and outbound delivery.
• Own relationships with third-party logistics providers (3PLs), parcel carriers, and pallet network partners, ensuring optimal service, cost control, and contractual compliance.
• Drive cross-functional change initiatives, embedding new processes, technologies, and ways of working across the business.
• Deliver operational performance against key KPIs including OTIF, inventory accuracy, cost-to-serve, and customer service metrics.

Operational Duties

• Hold full P&L accountability for warehouse and distribution operations, identifying opportunities to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Lead, develop, and inspire warehouse management teams and frontline colleagues through effective recruitment, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with all health & safety, regulatory, and quality standards while maintaining best-in-class inventory accuracy.
• Manage carrier and 3PL performance through robust governance, KPI management, service reviews, and commercial negotiations.

Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the implementation and ongoing optimisation of a new Warehouse Management System (WMS), including vendor management, process design, testing, training, and go-live delivery.
• Act as business owner for warehouse technology platforms, ensuring effective integration between WMS, ERP, automation solutions, and logistics partners.
• Identify and deliver process improvement, automation, and operational excellence initiatives to enhance efficiency, service levels, and scalability.
• Foster a continuous improvement culture through Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven decision-making.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior warehouse, distribution, or supply chain leadership role, with responsibility for operational performance, people leadership, and budget management.
• Demonstrable success leading major business transformation initiatives, including WMS implementation, upgrade, or migration projects.
• Significant experience managing outsourced logistics operations, including 3PLs, parcel carriers, pallet networks, and transportation procurement.
• Strong understanding of warehouse and fulfilment best practices, including inventory management, picking and packing, slotting, cycle counting, and logistics performance management.
• Expertise in KPI development, capacity planning, and operational performance reporting.
• Proficient in WMS and ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Iptor, Microsoft Dynamics) and advanced Excel; warehouse automation technologies experience advantageous.

Apply now if interested!