Distribution Manager

Kronospan; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in wood-based solutions is seeking a Distribution Manager in Chirk, Wrexham. This full-time role involves leading transport operations, managing logistics costs, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in logistics, strong negotiation skills, and a proven track record in transport management. With a focus on continuous improvement, this position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career progression

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in logistics or distribution.
• Proven experience in transport management or as a senior planner.
• Strong commercial acumen and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations with hauliers for cost-efficient partnerships.
• Manage transport budget for financial efficiency.
• Oversee transport planning and schedule management.
• Ensure compliance with transport regulations.
• Promote health and safety standards in logistics.
• Drive continuous improvement in transport operations.
• Develop and coach transport and warehouse teams.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership

Transport planning

Communication skills

Budget management

Tools

Transporeon

Paragon

Job description

Distribution Manager

Chirk, Wrexham

Full-time

About Us

Kronospan Ltd is a global leader in the production of wood-based panels, delivering innovative solutions that enhance both living spaces and commercial environments.

We are currently seeking an experienced and driven Distribution Manager to lead our transport operations and play a pivotal role in delivering an efficient, cost-effective, and safe logistics function. Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, you will take full ownership of our complex transport strategy, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations while driving continuous improvement across the department.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead haulier negotiations to secure dependable and cost-efficient partnerships, ensuring capacity for the department's increasing demand. Manage and optimise both internal and external transport operations.
• Oversee a significant transport budget, ensuring financial efficiency and control.
• Direct and develop the transport planning and time slot management systems to maximise performance.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations relating to transport and logistics.
• Take full responsibility for health and safety standards across transport and warehousing activities.
• Drive operational excellence, continuously reviewing processes to improve service, safety, and efficiency.
• Provide strong leadership, coaching, and development to the transport and warehouse teams.

Requirements

• At least 5 years' experience within a large-scale logistics or distribution environment, ideally with proven experience within a transport management or senior transport planner role.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in managing and negotiating with hauliers.
• Solid understanding of transport planning systems and time slot management platforms.
• Demonstrable experience in budget control and cost optimisation.
• Excellent knowledge of transport legislation, compliance, and health & safety requirements.
• Inspirational leader with the ability to motivate teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Transporeon or Paragon experience would be highly advantageous

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape and influence a key area of the business.
• A supportive environment that values innovation, efficiency, and safety.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• If you are a results-focused Transport Manager with the expertise and leadership skills to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

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