First Line Manager

Autoglass; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Autoglass in Maidstone is seeking a First Line Manager to lead our Distribution Centre team. You will inspire, coach and develop a high-performing workforce while ensuring safety, service and operational excellence in a fast-paced warehouse environment.

You will own recruitment, onboarding, and performance conversations, drive KPIs, and work closely with sales to maximise wholesale opportunities. IOSH qualification and a full UK driving licence are required or willing to achieve.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in warehouse/logistics operations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong coaching and people development capabilities.
• High emotional intelligence; empathetic leadership.
• IOSH qualification or willingness to achieve it.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing distribution centre team.
• Manage day-to-day warehouse operations and targets.
• Drive KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and talent development.
• Promote health, safety and wellbeing across the site.
• Collaborate with sales to maximise wholesale opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

People development

Coaching

Communication

Change management

Emotional intelligence

Agile mindset

Safety culture

Education

IOSH qualification

Tools

Workday

Driving licence (UK)

Job description

## First Line ManagerApply: Maidstone: Full time: Posted 3 Days Ago: End Date: October 18, 2026 (5 days left to apply): JR73889**Contract Type:**Regular**About Autoglass and Laddaw**We’re a recognised superbrand and we know where we’re going. We’re a business with direction and purpose and regardless of your role here, it’s about us all making a difference with real care. We never stand still. We’re relentless, innovative and 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 focused business, we believe in promoting opportunities for all, welcoming people who share our passion for enabling exceptional customer experience. We’ll support you with fantastic tools and training in an atmosphere that encourages idea contribution and collaboration working with warm, friendly and real people. If this sounds like somewhere you’ll thrive, keep reading. --Maidstone£35,262 + benefitsFull-time, permanentAre 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 DoingAs 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 ForWe'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 RoleYou'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.