Distribution Centre Manager

Booker; Hoddesdon; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food logistics company in Hoddesdon is seeking a dynamic Distribution Centre Manager. You will lead operations, ensuring service excellence and compliance, while developing a high-performance culture. Ideal candidates will have proven logistics experience, strong P&L management skills, and a track record of leading large teams. This role offers flexible working arrangements in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Inclusive and accessible recruitment process

Qualifications

• Proven experience in logistics and food distribution.
• Strong P&L and cost-to-serve modelling expertise.
• Skilled in budget management and margin improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead all site operations to meet service, cost, and profit targets.
• Deliver a first-class service to customers while building relationships.
• Drive continuous improvement, safety, and compliance.

Skills

Logistics expertise

Strong P&L management

Problem-solving skills

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

High energy and commitment

Tools

WMS

TMS

Job description

We operate the UK’s ONLY flexible multi-temp, shared customer delivery logistics network. We buy, warehouse, pick and distribute the entire stock that goes into our customer’s stores across the UK, priding ourselves on quality of service.

We are on the lookout for a dynamic and experienced Distribution Centre Manager to lead our Hoddesdon site. This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll drive operational excellence, champion customer service, and shape the future of food logistics.

• Lead all site operations to meet service, cost, and profit targets
• Deliver a first-class service to our customers while building strong relationships
• Develop and execute strategic plans aligned with our business goals
• Inspire and lead cross-functional teams, fostering a high-performance culture
• Drive continuous improvement, safety, and compliance across warehouse and transport
• Collaborate with senior leadership to shape business direction and mitigate risks
• Champion talent development and succession planning
• Build strong relationships with Operational Management in our shared facility
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• High energy and commitment to excellence
• Strong numerical and problem-solving skills
• Effective delegation and planning
• Integrity, compliance, and decisiveness

Essential:

• Proven experience in logistics and food distribution.
• Strong P&L and cost-to-serve modelling expertise.
• Skilled in budget management and margin improvement.
• Track record of leading high-performance warehouse and transport operations.
• Senior management experience.
• Experience leading large, high-performing teams.
• Ability to spot and develop talent at all levels.
• Role model Winning Manager behaviours.
• Champion inclusivity and team engagement.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with WMS, TMS or similar platforms.
• CPC qualification.
• Knowledge of sector-specific regulations (e.g. driver hours, food safety, H&S).

Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five Best Food Logistics sites, as well as six support centre locations across the UK.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we’re a place where Everyone’s Welcome.

We know life looks a little different for each of us. That’s why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.

We’re proud that Booker is aDisability Confident Committedemployer and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support you can expect, please [e-mail]

Please note

We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles.

On the occasions where we have high volumes of applicants, some roles may close earlier than the advertised end date in order for us to manage all of the applicants appropriately. We will only be able to offer individual feedback to those candidates who attend an interview.

*Booker Group is part of Tesco plc, however, is operated separately from the core Tesco business and as such the benefits offered will be different from those offered at Tesco*

For more information about us please visit www.bookergroupjobs.co.uk