General Manager

Booker Group plc; Wilby; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading distribution company in the UK seeks a Distribution Centre General Manager to oversee all warehousing and distribution operations. The successful candidate will manage a large team and ensure efficient, safe operations while championing diversity and inclusivity. The role requires strong people leadership skills, the ability to work under pressure, and senior management experience in an FMCG environment. A company car allowance is included, along with various operational responsibilities in a fast-paced setting.

Benefits

Company car allowance

Qualifications

• Ability to work under pressure.
• Build inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Plan labour and resources effectively.
• Engage a wide range of colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Manage warehousing and distribution operations.
• Inspire and develop a team of ~450 colleagues.
• Ensure compliance with safety and legal standards.
• Drive productivity improvements.

Skills

People management skills

Health & Safety legislation knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Negotiation skills

FMCG experience

Microsoft 365 Office proficiency

Job description

Overview

As a Distribution Centre General Manager you will be responsible for the cost effective management of all warehousing and distribution operations and associated activities. You will lead the improvement of customer service through operational efficiency and look at reduction of costs whilst ensuring that the distribution centre operates efficiently, safely and legally. Strong people leadership skills are required. This role supports over 400 indirect reports and 5 direct reports, including a Warehouse Operations Manager, Transport Manager, Stock Manager, H&S Manager and Maintenance Manager. The DC operates 24/7 and occasional weekend and night work flexibility is required. A company car allowance is included. This role seeks an enthusiastic and experienced Senior Manager with a strong Warehouse and Transport background to oversee all operational activities for a fast moving Distribution Centre. The successful candidate will deliver operational KPIs to tight deadlines and drive improvements by engaging teams and embedding a positive, inclusive, and performance-led culture.

Fostering an inclusive and engaging environment where colleagues feel respected, valued and able to contribute their best regardless of background, and promoting behaviours that build trust, psychological safety and a strong sense of belonging across all teams and shifts. Championing diversity values ensures decision‑making, communication, and people processes reflect fairness, equity, inclusion and respect. A Safety first culture is expected with proactive controls to ensure the highest H&S practices are in effect. Support for direct and indirect reports with Transport, Warehouse, Health and Safety, Facilities and People Team is required. Ensure depot stockholding facilities are created to maximise distribution capacity. Develop people to support a robust succession and talent plan within the site and network. Identify opportunities to improve productivity and support continued business growth. Ensure new initiatives are implemented and achieved in line with company guidelines. Prepare, manage and control the DC capital and revenue budget. Ensure cost effective operations while meeting service levels agreed with the client. Ensure the RSC is adequately staffed to receive stock and manage despatch to stores, meeting the required quality standards. Manage stocktakes and audits within deadlines. Monitor on-site contracts to provide high quality service within budget. Monitor full site security to protect property, equipment and stock.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost-effective management of warehousing and distribution operations; improve customer service through operational efficiency while reducing costs; ensure safe, legal, and compliant operations.
• Provide strong people leadership with the ability to inspire, influence and develop a team of ~450 colleagues across direct and indirect reports.
• Oversee 24/7 operations with flexibility for weekend and night work; manage resources to meet KPI targets and service levels.
• Champion diversity, inclusivity, psychological safety and belonging across all teams and shifts.
• Develop and manage capital and revenue budgets; ensure most cost-effective methods of operation.
• Ensure the RSC is adequately staffed to receive stock and despatch to stores; maintain high quality standards.
• Manage stocktakes, audits, contracts, and security to protect property, equipment and stock.
• Support succession planning and talent development within the site and network.
• Drive productivity improvements and support business growth; implement initiatives in line with company guidelines.

Qualifications and Skills

• Commitment and ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent people management skills; ability to build inclusive, high-performing teams and foster belonging.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation (Health & Safety, Employment Law, Discrimination, etc.).
• Ability to plan labour and resources to meet KPI and service level requirements.
• Problem-solving skills with creative thinking and input from diverse teams to drive continuous improvement.
• Effective team player and communicator, capable of engaging a wide range of colleagues and promoting open dialogue.
• Experience negotiating within a unionised environment.
• Senior management experience in a FMCG environment (at least 3 years).
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Office tools.