DC Department Manager

H; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount across H&M Group brands

Help@Hand and Retail Trust benefits

HIP incentive program

Job summary

H&M Group is seeking a DC Department Manager in Milton Keynes to lead warehouse operations, optimise inbound and outbound performance, and drive long-term growth. You will define strategy, manage end-to-end warehouse processes, and coach Team Leaders to build high-performing teams.

We value your ability to align labour and capacity with forecasts, apply best HR practices, and foster an inclusive culture while driving cost efficiency and continuous improvement across the distribution centre.

Qualifications

• Ability to see beyond day-to-day operations to drive efficiency and scalability.
• Deep knowledge in warehouse operations, garment flow, and end-to-end logistics processes.
• Experience in leading leaders across multiple functions and teams.
• Good understanding of HR routines and local fair labour standards/regulations.
• Ability to manage budgets, analyse cost drivers, and align resources to goals with a profit mindset.
• Ability to build trust-based relationships at all levels; strong influence and coaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute departmental strategy aligned with DC, regional, and global objectives.
• Oversee end-to-end warehouse flows including receiving, allocation, picking, packing, returns, shipping, and VAS.
• Lead, coach, and inspire Team Leaders to develop high-performing teams.
• Foster accountability, empowerment, and continuous learning.
• Support HR policies including performance management and conflict resolution.
• Embed Inclusion and Diversity in daily routines and team culture.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Warehouse operations

Leadership of leaders

HR procedures & Labour standards

Budgeting & cost control

Influence & coaching

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As a DC Department Manager you will lead warehouse operations, optimising inbound and outbound performance through planning, innovation, and collaboration to drive long-term growth.

• Define and execute departmental strategy in alignment with DC, regional, and global objectives.
• Oversee end-to-end warehouse flows including receiving, allocation, picking, packing, returns, shipping, and VAS.
• Lead, coach, and inspire Team Leaders to develop high-performing teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, empowerment, and continuous learning.
• Support and apply best practices in HR, ER, and LR policies, including fair performance management and conflict resolution.
• Be a role model ensuring inclusive leadership and psychological safety, embedding Inclusion and Diversity into daily routines and team culture to ensure fair treatment of team members.
• Align labour and capacity with long-term forecasted volume, ensuring scalability for growth.
• Drive talent planning, succession management, and development in collaboration with HR.
• Drive engagement strategies that promote retention, motivation, and shared ownership
• Own department budget planning, cost tracking, and collaborate with Controlling and other functions to drive transparency and cost efficiency.
• Lead ABC slotting and space optimisation to enhance throughput and minimise waste.
• Drive continuous improvement, process optimisation, and adoption of new technologies.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, sustainability goals, and legal regulations.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

You will work closely with Team Leaders and warehouse teams across the Distribution Centre, providing leadership, direction, and support to deliver operational excellence. You will partner with HR, Controlling, and other cross-functional stakeholders to drive people, performance, and cost objectives, while collaborating with regional and global teams to implement business initiatives, best practices, and continuous improvement opportunities.

WHO YOU ARE

We are looking for people with…

• Ability to see beyond day-to-day operations, anticipate future needs and creative solutions that drive efficiency and scalability.
• Deep knowledge in warehouse operations, garment flow, and end-to-end logistics processes.
• Experience in leading leaders across multiple functions and teams.
• Good understanding of HR routines and local fair labour standards/regulations.
• Ability to manage budgets, analyse cost drivers, and align required resources to achieve business goals with a profit focused mindset.
• Ability to build strong, trust-based relationships across all levels;
• Ability to influence, coach and clarify expectations creating a culture of accountability, recognition, and development.

WHO WE ARE

H&M Group is a global company of strong fashion brands and ventures. Our goal is to prove that there is no compromise between exceptional design, affordable prices, and sustainable solutions. We want to liberate fashion for the many, and our customers are at the heart of every decision we make.

We are made up of thousands of passionate and talented colleagues united by our shared culture and values. Together, we want to use our power, our scale, and our knowledge to push the fashion industry towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE

At H&M Group, we are proud to be a vibrant and welcoming company. We offer our employees attractive benefits with extensive development opportunities around the globe.

• Our employees receive a staff discount usable on all our H&M Group brands in stores and online
• Help@Hand and Retail Trust – complimentary service which includes remote GP, Mental Health support, physiotherapy and many other benefits
• Our employees are included in our H&M Incentive Program – HIP
• Discounted gym membership

JOIN US

Our uniqueness comes from a combination of many things – our inclusive and collaborative culture, our strong values, and opportunities for growth. But most of all, it’s our people who make us who we are.

Take the next step in your career together with us. The journey starts here.

*We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair, equitable, and based on competency. We therefore kindly ask you to not attach a cover letter in your application.