Warehouse Operations Manager
10 hours ago
Basildon
Location: Essex Salary: £60,000 base salary + benefits Reporting to: Operations Director This is an opportunity to join a high-growth, market-leading fresh produce business operating a complex, high-volume operation, supplying major UK retailers through strong, long-standing relationships and a clear focus on product quality. With significant investment across operations, infrastructure, and people, the business is entering an exciting phase of scale and transformation, operating from a state-of-the-art facility with advanced warehouse layout, operational flow, and software integration. This is a key leadership hire, sitting on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), with full ownership of warehouse operations across both on-site and 3PL storage facilities. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for an experienced Warehouse Operations Manager who can hit the ground running, leading a fast-paced, multi-temperature operation, managing 4 direct reports (Shift Managers), and driving performance, structure, and continuous improvement. The role goes beyond day-to-day management, playing a critical part in shaping how the operation evolves as the business continues to grow, with a clear pathway to further leadership progression. What You’ll Be Doing Lead, develop, and manage a team of 4 Shift Managers and wider warehouse operation Take full ownership of warehouse performance, KPIs, and service levels Oversee both on-site operations and external 3PL storage relationships Drive continuous improvement initiatives across processes, systems, and productivity Ensure high standards across health & safety, compliance, and operational discipline Operate within a fast-paced environment with 10 high-volume loading bays, ensuring health & safety is prioritised at all times Optimise picking accuracy, dispatch performance, and stock control Manage labour planning, rotas, and overall workforce efficiency Collaborate cross-functionally with production, planning, and commercial teams Play an active role within the SLT, contributing to wider business strategy Build a strong performance-led culture, developing future leaders within the team What’s In It for You The opportunity to join a high-growth, market-leading fresh produce business operating a complex, high-volume operation The chance to work within a state-of-the-art facility with advanced warehouse layout, operational flow, and software integration A senior leadership position sitting on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) Full ownership of warehouse operations across both on-site and 3PL storage facilities A clear pathway to further leadership progression as the business continues to scale Your Background Proven experience in a Warehouse Operations Manager / Senior Warehouse Manager role Background within fresh produce, chilled food, or FMCG environments Strong leadership experience managing large teams through middle management layers Experience overseeing or working closely with 3PL operations Track record of driving efficiencies, improving KPIs, and implementing change Strong understanding of health & safety and operational compliance Experience within high-volume, fast-paced distribution or food manufacturing environments Exposure to multi-site or outsourced warehousing models Natural leader who leads from the front Highly organised, structured, and results-driven Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational level Strong communicator with the ability to influence at all levels Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and accountability Join a Business That Invests in You If you’re looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact, lead from the front, and be part of a high-growth journey, this could be the perfect next step