General Manager

Ryman; Crewe; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay package

Company pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Training programmes

Employee discounts

Job summary

Ryman is seeking a dynamic Distribution Centre Leader to drive our Crewe site, overseeing warehouse and transport operations serving both retail stores and eCommerce customers. You will manage safety, performance, and budget delivery for a 200,000 sq ft operation, with pace and energy to move the business forward.

You will shape the operational plan, use data to drive continuous improvement, and lead talent development while aligning with Ryman’s values and the Theo Paphitis Retail Group.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a large DC in FMCG/retail/eCommerce environments.
• Strong leadership and people development skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 200,000 sq ft DC team, managing warehouse and transport operations including fleet.
• Shape the operational plan for volumes, manpower and service delivery.
• Drive CI initiatives using data and analytics to improve layout and processes.
• Manage P&L and overheads, identifying cost efficiencies to meet budgets.
• Promote a culture of performance, inclusion and wellbeing.

Skills

CPC Holder

Lead a team

Stakeholder communication

Project management

Tools

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Job description

WHAT WILL THIS ROLE INVOLVE?

Reporting to the Group Supply Chain Director, you will lead our fast-moving Distribution Centre in Crewe. This role is integral to driving the performance of our warehouse and transport operations, serving both retail stores and eCommerce customers. You will be responsible for the site’s operational, financial, and people performance, ensuring the business plan is executed in alignment with Ryman’s values. Driving change by having the appetite to move things forward with pace and energy to really make a difference to the operation, business and people is absolutely critical to this role.

WHAT WILL THIS ROLE INVOLVE?

Reporting to the Group Supply Chain Director, you will lead our fast-moving Distribution Centre in Crewe. This role is integral to driving the performance of our warehouse and transport operations, serving both retail stores and eCommerce customers. You will be responsible for the site’s operational, financial, and people performance, ensuring the business plan is executed in alignment with Ryman’s values. Driving change by having the appetite to move things forward with pace and energy to really make a difference to the operation, business and people is absolutely critical to this role.

WHAT WILL YOU BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?

Operational & Strategic Leadership

• A dynamic leader who really knows what good looks like, can set standards, communicate effectively, engage and bring the team with them
• Maintain and build upon Health and Safety policies to ensure the safest possible environment for all colleagues
• Lead a 200,000 sq. ft. DC team, managing all warehouse and transport operations, including fleet management and trunking
• Shape and take ownership of the business operational plan for volumes, manpower and service, while contributing to future site and transport network development
• Utilise data and analytics to drive continuous improvement (CI) initiatives, including warehouse layout changes and pick face zoning to maximise efficiency

Financial & Commercial Performance

• Manage P&L, unit costs and overheads, identifying cost efficiencies to beat agreed budgets
• Make smart, agile decisions that balance commercial needs with a high-quality service culture
• Set and maintain high operational standards, ensuring accuracy, pace and strict process adherence

People & Culture

• Lead, coach and inspire the senior site team and wider colleague base, promoting a culture of performance and recognition
• Attract and grow talent through robust succession planning with a focus on improving capability at all levels
• Lead an inclusive environment through various communication forums, focusing on staff wellbeing and diversity of thinking
• Manage key relationships across the wider Ryman business and the Theo Paphitis Retail Group

WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE IN YOU?

• A proven leader with site leadership experience in an FMCG, Retail, eCommerce & Transport environment
• Must be a CPC Holder (essential) with an excellent Transport knowledge
• Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), computer literate with strong project management skills with the ability to deliver tasks on time
• Strong operational knowledge, budget ownership (P&L), a commercial approach to solving challenges who is service orientated
• Resilience with the ability to deal with setbacks and still move things forward. Analytically minded to aid process enhancements and continuous improvement
• Excellent communication and the ability to engage large, diverse teams in a modern approachable manner

WHAT WILL WE OFFER YOU?

• A passionate, dynamic team where your growth, ideas, and impact matter
• A competitive pay package
• Company pension scheme with the option to enhance
• Generous holiday allowance including an extra wellbeing day that gives you time to recharge
• Training programme to help you excel in your role
• Opportunities through our apprenticeship programs to keep building on your skills
• Access to mental health first aiders, wellness sessions, and support groups
• Exclusive discounts across all of our brands and through our benefits hub
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Long service and recognition awards
• Colleague referral scheme
• Company and team social events
• Free on-site parking
• Subsidised canteen

WHO ARE WE?

Founded by Henry J Ryman in 1893, Ryman has been the go-to destination for stationery, office supplies, printing, technology, and more for over 130 years. We are part of the Theo Paphitis Retail Group, which also includes Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue, and London Graphic Centre.

From our very first store on Great Portland Street, we have grown to over 200 locations and a thriving website and app offering quality products and exceptional service. We believe in supporting our colleagues and equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to grow, thrive, and have fun whilst doing it.

At Ryman, all of our teams from our stores to our warehouse and Retail Support Centre are passionate about retail. We put our customers first and have a common goal to keep them at the heart of everything we do. We are energetic and enthusiastic, delivering results through resilience, innovation, and adaptability. If you are a team player who’s ready to make an impact, this could be the perfect role for you.

Ryman is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce and follow the guidelines of the Equality Act. Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate differences, encourage everyone to join us, and be themselves at work.

PLEASE NOTE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT OTHER DUTIES AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.