Head of Warehouse & Operations

Job requirements

• Previous experience in a senior warehouse, logistics, or operations management role.

• Proven track record of leading and developing managers, ideally including experience overseeing both a Warehouse Manager and an Operations Manager or similar direct reports.

• Strong working knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and stock control processes.

• Experience working in FMCG, wholesale, or distribution.

• Solid understanding of health & safety legislation within a warehouse environment, ideally with a NEBOSH or IOSH qualification.

• Confident working with stakeholders at all levels, including senior management, external auditors, and regulatory bodies.

• Proactive and hands-on mindset, with a desire to understand the detail and drive improvement.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growing environment where priorities can evolve.

Job responsibilities

• Lead and hold overall accountability for warehouse and operations performance, with a Warehouse Manager and an Operations Manager reporting into you.

• Oversee the Warehouse Manager, who is responsible for day-to-day warehouse activity including goods-in, picking, packing, and dispatch.

• Oversee the Operations Manager, who is responsible for leading and developing the wider operations team.

• Provide clear leadership and direction across both functions, ensuring roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines are well defined.

• Set the operational strategy and direction, empowering the Warehouse Manager and Operations Manager to deliver against agreed objectives.

• Hold regular one-to-ones and performance reviews with the Warehouse Manager and Operations Manager, providing coaching, support, and clear objectives.

• Review and challenge operational performance against KPIs, stepping in with the relevant manager to resolve issues affecting service or output.

• Build capability and resilience within the operations team through training, development plans, and succession planning.

• Own overall health & safety across the warehouse and operations function, ensuring the Warehouse Manager embeds a safe working practices within their teams.

• Act as the senior point of contact for health & safety, working with stakeholders including senior management, external auditors, and regulatory bodies.

• Own operational performance, setting and monitoring KPIs across productivity, accuracy, and on-time dispatch.

• Develop and implement processes and systems to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support business growth.

• Manage stock control and inventory accuracy, working closely with finance to ensure reliable reporting.

• Manage relationships with couriers, hauliers, and third-party logistics providers to ensure service levels are met.

• Build strong working relationships with stakeholders across finance, sales, and procurement, aligning operational objectives with wider business goals.

• Present operational performance and insights clearly to senior management.

• Drive continuous improvement across processes, systems, and controls.

• Act as the senior lead for health & safety across the warehouse function, promoting a proactive, safety-first culture across all shifts.

• Write, review, and maintain SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for warehouse and operational activities, ensuring they reflect best practice and current legislation.

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including RIDDOR, COSHH, and manual handling regulations.

• Set and maintain risk assessments, safe systems of work, and standard operating procedures, delegating day-to-day implementation to the Warehouse Manager and Operations Manager.

• Oversee routine inspections of equipment, racking, and vehicles, ensuring maintenance and certification schedules are met.

• Ensure health & safety training, and inductions are delivered consistently across the team.

• Act as the key stakeholder liaison for health & safety, working with senior management, external bodies, and auditors to ensure the operation remains fully compliant.

Job benefits

• Salary: £60,000 - £70,000