Operations Manager - Big W DC (Warick)

Woolworths Group; Southern Downs Regional; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration package

Team discounts across Woolworths Group

Global career possibilities

Wellbeing programs including Sonder

Job summary

Primary Connect, part of Woolworths Group in Australia, is seeking an Operations Manager to lead day-to-day distribution centre operations, focusing on safety, service, people and value to deliver a world-class supply chain. You will build a high-performing team, manage 3PL partners, drive continuous improvement with Lean/Six Sigma, and collaborate with cross-functional partners across the network.

A strong safety record and experience in FMCG distribution are required.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in operational leadership and people management within FMCG, distribution, or retail environments.
• Strong safety commitment with knowledge of OH&S and RTW legislation; incident investigation experience.
• Experience implementing change initiatives with a practical understanding of Six Sigma or lean principles.
• Commercial and strategic acumen with planning, prioritisation and KPI/budget management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to build partnerships with internal teams, unions and regulators.
• Coaching focus with commitment to mentoring and career development across all levels.
• Desirable credentials in business, logistics, or supply chain operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop teams: Coach, mentor, and build a high-performing operations team, fostering a customer-first, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Drive operational excellence: Manage and monitor DC KPIs to ensure on-time, error-free delivery while aligning resources with budgets and forecasts.
• Champion safety and compliance: Enforce safety policies and ensure regulatory compliance, including incident investigations.
• Lead continuous improvement: Identify opportunities to optimise DC processes using lean or Six Sigma principles.
• Manage third-party relationships: Partner with 3PLs, labor hire, and carriers to optimise service levels and costs.
• Collaborate with business partners: Work with Food Group, shift leaders, workforce planning, and unions to align practices across the network.
• Sponsor change and talent: Lead business planning, site-wide engagement and succession planning through talent reviews.

Skills

Team leadership

People management

Safety culture

Continuous improvement

Lean Six Sigma

Budgeting & KPIs

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Business / Logistics / Supply chain

Job description

• Build and mentor a high performing team of leaders
• Open to a “tree change” role based in Warwick Qld
• Create a better tomorrow by consistently setting an exemplary standard for team and customer

• Build and mentor a high performing team of leaders
• Open to a “tree change” role based in Warwick Qld
• Create a better tomorrow by consistently setting an exemplary standard for team and customer

Welcome To Primary Connect

Primary Connect is the most extensive food and retail supply chain network in Australia and New Zealand. Our 10,000-strong team is an essential part of the expansive Woolworths Group, which encompasses Woolworths Supermarkets and Metro stores, BIG W, Countdown NZ, Quantium, and more. With us, your possibilities are not limited to a single opportunity.

We deliver to more than 3,000 retail stores every day stores like Woolworths, BIG W, Dan Murphy’s, and BWS), but at Primary Connect, we’re more than just a supply chain business. We’re a big team, but every individual plays a pivotal role and leaves a distinctive impact.

Our extensive reach opens up boundless opportunities for learning, growth, and professional development. By raising your hand, fostering relationships, and seizing the moment, you can take control of your own unique path.

What You’ll Do

As our Operations Manager, you will lead and oversee day-to-day distribution centre (DC) operations, driving performance across the key pillars of safety, service, people, and value to deliver an efficient, world-class supply chain.

In This Role, You Will

• Lead and develop teams: Coach, mentor, and build a high-performing operations team, fostering a customer-first, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Drive operational excellence: Manage and monitor DC KPIs to ensure operational delivery is in full, on time, and error-free, aligning resource planning with budget and volume forecasts.
• Champion safety and compliance: Enforce a safety-first culture by implementing SH&E policies, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance (including Chain of Responsibility and enterprise agreements), and leading incident investigations.
• Lead continuous improvement: Identify opportunities to optimise DC processes, applying lean or Six Sigma principles to drive efficiency, service quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage third-party relationships: Partner with and manage 3PL providers, labor hire agencies, and transport carriers to ensure service level and cost objectives are optimised.
• Collaborate with business partners: Work closely with the Food Group, shift leaders, workforce planning, and union delegates to align practices across the Primary Connect network.
• Sponsor change and talent: Lead business planning, drive site-wide engagement, and champion succession planning through structured talent reviews and performance development.

What You’ll Bring

You are a resilient, people-focused operational leader with extensive experience in fast-paced distribution or logistics environments and a passion for building safe, highly engaged teams.

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Bring

• Proven leadership experience: Extensive background in operational leadership and people management within FMCG, distribution, or retail environments.
• Strong safety commitment: Sound knowledge of relevant OH&S and Return-To-Work (RTW) legislation, with hands-on incident investigation experience (ICAM qualification highly regarded).
• Continuous improvement mindset: Experience implementing change initiatives, with a practical understanding of Six Sigma or lean processing principles.
• Commercial and strategic acumen: Excellent planning, prioritisation, and problem-solving skills, with a track record of managing operational budgets and KPIs.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills: A collaborative approach with the ability to build strong partnerships with internal teams, union representatives, and external regulatory bodies.
• Coaching focus: A genuine commitment to mentoring others, supporting career development, and driving accountability at all levels of the business.
• Desirable credentials: Formal qualifications in business, logistics, or supply chain operations are highly advantageous.

What You’ll Experience

• An attractive remuneration package
• Team discounts across our range of Woolworths Group brands
• A global business with endless career possibilities
• A range of programs to help you prioritise and manage your wellbeing, including a competitive leave policy and 24/7 access to the Sonder app.

Endless possibilities with Woolworths Group

We’re a proud part of the Woolworths Group – 200,000+ bright minds, passionate hearts and unique perspectives working together connected by a shared Purpose – ‘to create better experiences together for a better tomorrow.’

Here you’ll be supported and empowered to explore new ideas, make brave commitments and innovate better ways to meet the food and everyday needs of more than 24 million customers every week. Backed by a culture of genuine care, a flexible approach to work and the support to grow your career and make a meaningful impact, the possibilities for what we can achieve together are endless.

Everyone belongs at Woolworths Group

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are key to realising our purpose of better together for a better tomorrow. We recognise the value our team’s diversity brings to our business, customers, and communities and that teams with diverse experiences and backgrounds enrich our group and are better able to innovate and solve problems. As one of the largest employers in Australia and New Zealand, we aim to create a truly inclusive workplace where everyone feels that they belong, can be their best selves, and reach their full potential.

We encourage all candidates to apply; please let us know in your application if we can support you with any adjustments in the hiring process.

Platinum Tier Employer - Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQ+ inclusion

Employer of Choice for Gender Equality - Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

Our Talent Acquisition Team and Hiring Leaders kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies. Woolworths Group is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes