First Line Manager

Smiths News; Newport; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Cash Plan

5% employer pension match

25 days holiday + buy scheme

E-Learning modules & Training

Sharesave Scheme

Cycle to work

Colleague Assistance Programme

Colleague referral scheme

Job summary

Smiths News in Newport, United Kingdom, is seeking a proactive First Line Manager to oversee a busy warehouse department. You will assign duties by specialisation, monitor workflow on the ground, and ensure safe, efficient operations to maximise output. Hours: 09:00–17:00 Mon–Thu & 09:00–16:30 Fri.

You’ll lead by example, support colleagues, and escalate issues as needed. The role emphasizes target delivery, strong communication with stakeholders, and adapting to changing commercial demands in a

Qualifications

• Ability to undertake a variety of warehouse duties across departments.
• Proven track record in meeting targets and delivering client experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Build rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate information clearly and commercially.
• Adapt style for different audiences and manage ambiguity.
• Maintain high-quality output while working at pace.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee running of the warehouse department, assigning duties by specialisation.
• Monitor workflow on the floor and evaluate team performance.
• Ensure a safe working environment and escalate issues when needed.
• Direct colleagues to tasks for maximum output and efficiency.

Skills

Flexibility

Target achievement

Verbal communications

Stakeholder engagement

Clear communication

Adaptability

Pace & accuracy

Organisation

Job description

09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Thursday & 09:00 – 16:30 Friday

Our reputation as the UK's largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler speaks for itself. Every day, we serve more than 22,000 customers from 34 distribution centres across the country. Behind every nightly miracle is a team of dedicated people carrying out more roles than you realise – we're the unseen force that delivers. So when we say we're excited for what the future holds for our customers and colleagues, you can trust we're as good as our word.

About the role

A First Line Manager is responsible for the running of the department, assessing and assigning duties based on specialisation/demand to achieve maximum output. The First Line Manager is always on the ground to monitor workflow and evaluate overall performance of colleagues. The First Line Manager is an integral part of the management structure and acts as the first point of escalation for colleagues. They monitor the work environment ensuring it remains safe for colleagues to carry out their duties without subjecting themselves to any harm or danger. They assign each colleague to specific tasks based on the specialisation for maximum output.

What we can offer you

Not only do we offer free onsite parking and competitive salary but you'll also have access to:

• Company funded Health Cash Plan – providing cash back for everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy
• 5% match pension
• 25 days holiday plus holiday buy scheme
• 24/7 E-Learning modules, Training and Development opportunities
• Sharesave Scheme, Cycle to work schemes, Health cash plan
• Colleague Assistance Programme & Colleague referral scheme

About you

• Demonstrable flexibility to undertake a variety of warehouse duties in all departments across a fast-paced warehouse environment
• Tenacious and effective approach to meeting and exceeding targets and delivering an outstanding client experience
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Engage and build rapport with stakeholders both internal and external
• Communicating information in a clear and commercial manner
• Adapting style and content for different audiences
• Adaptable, positive and effective when working with ambiguity and changing commercial driversAble to work at pace whilst maintaining an accurate, high-quality output
• Highly organised with a well-developed approach to prioritisation

Please note: you must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.

A career with us is a career filled with people, pride, and passion. We rely on each other to get the job done, and we deliver what we say we will. Let's see if we can rely on you, too.