Distribution Manager

Liberty Wines Ltd; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Personal bonus up to 5% of salary

Company bonus up to 15% of salary

Company pension scheme matching up to

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Cycle to work scheme

Travel insurance

Wellbeing discounts

Job summary

Liberty Wines Ltd. seeks a Distribution Manager to lead the distribution team in Basingstoke, ensuring exceptional service from every driver in the fleet. You will plan, load and deliver within customer delivery windows across our network, while driving operational excellence and administrative support for the team.

You will manage 50+ drivers in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, develop performance, and coach staff and contract drivers to meet KPIs and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering excellent customer service.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor staff and drivers.
• Experience managing 50+ drivers in fast-paced, high-volume environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the distribution team covering 24hrs 5 days/week for planning, loading and delivering.
• Oversee performance, attendance and coaching of staff and contract drivers.
• monitor route planning to ensure vehicle utilisation and on-time deliveries.
• Ensure despatch accuracy and relevant documentation.
• Implement quality controls and peak-season vehicle planning.
• Collaborate with internal/external departments to resolve issues promptly.

Skills

Customer service leadership

Team leadership

Driver management

Route planning software

Tools

Van route planning software

Job description

We are looking for a Distribution Manager to join our team in Basingstoke. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring exceptional customer service from every driver in our distribution fleet. You will also be responsible for providing operational excellence and administrative support to the distribution team to plan, load and deliver within customer delivery windows throughout our network.

What will you be doing

People:

• Leading the team covering 24hrs 5 days/week to facilitate the daily planning, loading and delivery through our distribution fleet.
• Day to day team leadership including performance and absence management.
• Fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement by providing training, coaching, and support to team members and contract drivers.
• Monitor and analyse team and contract driver performance, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans for the distribution team.

Distribution Operations

• Managing the team to ensure all relevant bookings are in place.
• Manage and review route planning function to ensure vehicle utilisation and deliveries arrive to customers on time.
• Responsible for ensuring all orders are despatched with the correct documentation.
• Establishing and implementing key task lists for all functions including housekeeping checks.
• Monitoring and improving the efficiency of despatch processes to exceed targets and KPIs.
• Ensure compliance checks on all drivers and vehicles.
• Plan and review peak season vehicle requirements.
• Utilise vehicle routing software to optimise current and future vehicle runs.
• Implement and maintain quality control measures to ensure accurate and timely despatch of goods.

Service:

• Liaising with both external and internal departments to connect departments.
• Handling customer queries, relating to despatch ensuring a timely resolution.
• Work in accordance with Company Health and Safety policies and procedures, ensuring all staff comply with Health and Safety requirements.

About you

• Highly experienced in delivering excellent customer service
• Previous experience in use of van route planning software.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor staff and drivers
• Experienced managing 50 + drivers in a fast paced high volume environments
• High attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Excellent geographical knowledge of London and home counties.

What can you expect

• 25 days holiday excluding public holidays increasing after 2 years’ service
• Personal bonus of up to 5% of salary, based on performance against key objectives
• Company bonus of up to 15% of salary
• Company pension scheme matching up to 5% of contributions
• 18 weeks enhanced maternity leave and 4 weeks paternity leave.
• Cycle to work scheme & Season ticket loan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Travel insurance
• Retail, wellbeing, technology, and travel discounts

Liberty Wines is an award-winning company and accredited by Investors in People which offers excellent opportunities for training and development alongside a great working environment (and an even better coffee machine).

We encourage all our employees to further their wine knowledge through our in-house Liberty Wines Academy and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) courses alongside building skills and experience over the course of their professional development.

Liberty Wines celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves.