First Line Manager

Laddaw Ltd; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Laddaw Ltd is seeking a First Line Manager for our Maidstone Distribution Centre. Lead a high-performing team, drive operational excellence and maintain safety and customer service standards in a fast-paced environment.

You will oversee daily warehouse activities, recruit and develop staff, and collaborate with sales to maximise wholesale opportunities while ensuring adherence to health and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in a warehouse, logistics or distribution environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong coaching and people development capabilities.
• High emotional intelligence and empathetic leadership.
• IOSH qualification (or willingness to achieve one).
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and motivate your team to achieve exceptional performance.
• Manage day-to-day warehouse operations, ensuring productivity and service targets.
• Drive KPIs through planning and performance management.
• Own recruitment, onboarding and talent development within your team.
• Create a positive, inclusive and engaging workplace culture.
• Champion health, safety and wellbeing, fostering zero harm.
• Build strong relationships across the Distribution Centre to share best practice.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, service and colleague experience.
• Manage employee data and performance processes.
• Conduct wellbeing, performance and career development conversations.
• Ensure warehouse equipment and procedures remain safe and effective.
• Support stock accuracy and resolve complex stock issues.
• Work with sales teams to maximise wholesale opportunities.

Skills

Warehouse leadership

Team leadership

Coaching & development

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Change management

Health & safety

Driving licence UK

Education

IOSH qualification

Job description

Contract Type:

Regular

AboutAutoglass®andLaddaw®

We’re a recognised superbrandand we know where we’re going.We’re a business with direction and purpose and regardless ofyour rolehere, it’s about us all making a difference with real care.We never stand still. We’re relentless,innovativeand ambitious, always looking to go further and improve, which creates a world where we need genuine and driven people to help us get there.

Making a Difference Together.

As a truly people focusedbusiness, we believe in promoting opportunities for all, welcoming people who share our passion for enabling exceptional customer experience.We’ll support you with fantastic toolsand training in an atmosphere that encourages idea contribution and collaboration working with warm,friendlyand real people.If this sounds like somewhere you’ll thrive,keep reading.

–

Maidstone

£35,262 + benefits

Full-time, permanent

Are you a passionate people leader with experience in warehouse or distribution operations? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to drive improvement?

We’re looking for a First Line Manager to join our Distribution Centre leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead, inspire and develop a high-performing team while ensuring outstanding operational standards, safety and customer service.

If you’re someone who leads from the front, embraces continuous improvement and enjoys creating an engaged and motivated workforce, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a First Line Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering operational excellence while creating an environment where people can perform at their best.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, coaching and motivating your team to achieve exceptional performance
• Managing day-to-day warehouse operations, ensuring productivity and service targets are achieved
• Driving operational and financial KPIs through effective planning and performance management
• Taking ownership of recruitment, onboarding and developing talent within your team
• Creating a positive, inclusive and engaging workplace culture where success is recognised and celebrated
• Championing health, safety and wellbeing, fostering a culture of zero harm
• Building strong relationships across the Distribution Centre and wider business to share best practice and improve performance
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, service and colleague experience
• Managing employee data and performance processes through Workday
• Conducting meaningful wellbeing, performance and career development conversations
• Ensuring warehouse equipment and operational procedures remain safe, compliant and effective
• Supporting stock accuracy, resolving complex stock issues and contributing to outstanding customer service
• Working closely with sales teams to maximise wholesale opportunities and business performance

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for an inspiring leader who combines operational expertise with a genuine passion for developing people.

You’ll have:

• Experience leading teams within a warehouse, logistics, distribution or operational environment
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong coaching and people development capabilities
• High levels of emotional intelligence and the ability to lead with empathy
• An agile, proactive and solution-focused mindset
• The ability to adapt and lead through change
• A commitment to health, safety and colleague wellbeing
• IOSH qualification (or willingness to achieve one)
• A full UK driving licence

Why Join Us?

This is more than a warehouse management role. It’s an opportunity to influence culture, develop people and help shape the future of a high-performing operation.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• The opportunity to lead and develop a talented team
• A supportive leadership environment that values collaboration
• Ongoing development and career progression opportunities
• The chance to make a real impact on operational success and colleague engagement
• Being part of a business committed to safety, wellbeing and continuous improvement

Success in This Role

You’ll be helping the business achieve:

• Excellent productivity and operational performance
• High levels of stock accuracy and supply chain compliance
• Outstanding employee engagement
• Zero lost-time accidents
• Strong customer service and delivery standards
• Continuous improvement across key operational measures
• Achievement of individual and team objectives

If you’re a people-focused leader who can inspire teams, drive results and champion a culture of safety, engagement and continuous improvement, we’d love to hear from you.

–

Accessibility: We make every effort to make our web presenceaccessible to all.Upon request and consistent with applicable laws, we’ll provide reasonable accommodations to individuals who need assistance in the application/hiring process.For assistance,contact us at [e-mail].