Head of Warehouse Operations
5 days ago
Manchester
Head of Warehouse Operations \n Greater Manchester | Up to £80,000 DOE + Bonus + Benefits \n Our client is a leading FMCG distributor seeking an experienced Head of Warehouse Operations to lead and optimise its high-volume warehousing and distribution centre operation. This is a senior leadership opportunity within a fast-paced environment, responsible for warehouse performance, inventory management, fulfilment, stock accuracy, labour planning, customer service delivery and operational excellence. \n Reporting to the Supply Chain Director, you will lead a large operational workforce, driving productivity, service levels, people development, health & safety standards and continuous improvement across the warehouse function to support ongoing business growth. \n Key Responsibilities \n\n • Lead all warehouse operations, including inbound goods, storage, inventory control, picking, packing and dispatch activities\n, • Develop and implement warehouse strategies that improve operational efficiency, throughput, service levels and cost performance\n, • Drive productivity improvements through labour optimisation, process improvement and effective resource planning\n, • Ensure OTIF targets, order accuracy, stock integrity and customer service KPIs are consistently achieved\n, • Lead, coach and develop a large warehouse team through a structure of managers, shift leaders and supervisors\n, • Oversee workforce planning, shift structures and capacity management to support seasonal and fluctuating demand\n, • Maintain exceptional inventory accuracy through effective stock control, cycle counting and WMS utilisation\n, • Manage warehouse budgets, labour costs and operational expenditure while identifying opportunities for cost reduction\n, • Lead Lean, Continuous Improvement and operational excellence initiatives to improve warehouse performance\n, • Utilise operational reporting and performance metrics to drive accountability and informed decision-making\n, • Support warehouse automation, systems development and technology-driven improvement projects\n, • Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Customer Service and Commercial teams to ensure seamless service delivery\n, • Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, quality, food safety and regulatory standards\n, • Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, safety and operational excellence\n\n About You \n\n • Proven senior leadership experience within FMCG, food & drink, manufacturing, retail, e-commerce or high-volume environments\n, • Strong background leading large-scale warehouse and fulfilment operations\n, • Experience managing warehouses of 100+ employees within a fast-moving operational environment\n, • Demonstrable success improving productivity, inventory accuracy, throughput and warehouse efficiency\n, • Strong understanding of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), inventory control and warehouse automation technologies\n, • Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement methodologies\n, • Exceptional people leadership skills with experience developing large operational teams\n, • Strong commercial and analytical capability\n\n This is an excellent opportunity for a high-calibre distribution professional to make a significant impact within a market-leading FMCG business, driving operational performance and shaping the future of a critical distribution function. \n If you are keen to find out more, please contact Adam Norris at Reed or apply now. \n