Head of Logistics

Avara Foods Ltd; Telford, Brackley, Hereford; Remote; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary sacrifice car allowance

33 days annual leave

Private healthcare for you and family

Matched pension contribution up to 6%

Job summary

Avara Foods Ltd is recruiting a Head of Logistics to lead our national logistics network from strategy through to execution. You will drive transformation across fleet, warehousing, distribution and third-party partners, ensuring safe, compliant, cost-efficient operations with strong governance and performance management.

You will shape the future operating model, build capability in the central Logistics function and across sites, and champion continuous improvement and innovation to deliver

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience within complex multi-site logistics operations.
• Experience in manufacturing, FMCG, food manufacturing or similar fast-paced environment.
• Experience across network planning, warehousing, transport and third-party logistics.
• Proven delivery of large-scale logistics transformation and operational change.
• Strong commercial acumen with ownership of significant operational budgets.
• Knowledge of transport compliance, fleet management and Operator Licence requirements.
• Proven ability to lead through direct and matrix management structures.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead logistics strategy, network planning and transformation across the business.
• Oversee fleet, compliance, risk management and health and safety requirements.
• Manage external warehousing, transport and logistics partners effectively.
• Develop and lead the central Logistics function and site teams.
• Drive continuous improvement and data-driven performance enhancements.
• Provide clear reporting and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Senior leadership

Stakeholder management

Logistics strategy

Budget management

Change management

Cross-site leadership

Education

Degree in Logistics or Supply Chain

CILT membership (or equivalent)

Job description

About the Role:

Head of Logistics

Do you have a passion for transforming logistics operations and delivering outstanding service across a complex supply chain? Are you an inspiring leader who can turn strategy into action, drive operational excellence, and build high-performing teams across a national network?

As an inclusive, forward-thinking business, we take pride in our approach to supplying quality food to millions of consumers every week and are looking for a highly capable and ambitious Head of Logistics to join our Supply Chain Leadership Team.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Logistics will lead Avara's group logistics strategy and provide functional leadership across our end-to-end logistics network. This role is responsible for shaping the future operating model, overseeing network planning, third-party logistics, distribution, warehousing, compliance and fleet strategy, while ensuring safe, resilient and cost-effective operations across multiple sites.

Ideally based in Telford, Brackley or Hereford (although flexibility can be considered), this is a highly visible leadership role that requires regular travel across Avara sites, logistics hubs, suppliers and third-party partners.

Your Key Responsibilities as Head of Logistics Will Include:

1. Logistics Strategy & Transformation

• Develop and implement Avara's long-term logistics strategy and operating model.
• Establish central network and capacity planning capabilities that support future growth and operational resilience.
• Lead transformational change programmes, including network optimisation, standardisation and systems implementation.
• Create clear accountability and consistent execution across the logistics function.

2. Operational Leadership & Performance

• Set logistics standards, governance and KPIs across transport, warehousing, distribution, live haul and raw material movements.
• Ensure safe, reliable and cost-effective service delivery across the network.
• Partner closely with site operational teams to translate strategy into practical and sustainable solutions.
• Drive exceptional customer service through effective planning and execution.

3. Commercial & Supplier Management

• Own logistics budgets, forecasts and performance reporting.
• Lead strategic management of external warehousing, transport and logistics partners.
• Work with Procurement teams on tenders, supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Drive efficiencies through cost-to-serve analysis and strong commercial decision-making.

4. Fleet, Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead fleet strategy and logistics compliance across the business.
• Ensure robust controls relating to transport regulations, Operator Licence requirements, health and safety, food safety and biosecurity.
• Build effective governance processes to identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Ensure logistics operations remain compliant, resilient and audit-ready.

5. Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and develop the central Logistics function, including direct leadership of key logistics managers.
• Build capability across site logistics teams through coaching, support and shared best practice.
• Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Inspire teams through visible and authentic leadership.

6. Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Use operational and financial data to identify opportunities and drive performance improvements.
• Implement new technologies, processes and ways of working that enhance service, compliance and efficiency.
• Lead root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives across the network.
• Provide clear reporting and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Proven senior leadership experience within complex multi-site logistics operations.
• Strong background in manufacturing, FMCG, food manufacturing or another fast-paced operational environment.
• Experience across network planning, customer distribution, warehousing, transport, fleet strategy and third-party logistics.
• Demonstrable experience delivering large-scale logistics transformation and operational change.
• Strong commercial acumen with ownership of significant operational budgets.
• In-depth knowledge of transport compliance, fleet management and Operator Licence requirements.
• Proven ability to lead through both direct and matrix management structures.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.

Desirable

• Degree or professional qualification in Logistics or Supply Chain Management.
• Membership of CILT or a relevant professional body.
• IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
• Experience within chilled food distribution or short shelf-life supply chains.
• Knowledge of livestock transportation and animal welfare regulations.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic yet hands-on in approach.
• Commercially astute and highly analytical.
• Resilient, adaptable and results-focused.
• A visible leader who thrives on building high-performing teams.
• Naturally collaborative and able to influence at all levels.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and delivering sustainable results.

What's in it for You?

As Head of Logistics, you'll have a unique opportunity to shape the future of logistics across one of the UK's leading food businesses. You'll be joining a business that is investing in its supply chain, technology and operational capabilities, whilst giving you the scope to deliver meaningful transformation and long-term value.

Alongside a competitive reward package, you'll benefit from:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Salary sacrifice car allowance
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Private healthcare for you and your family
• Matched pension contribution up to 6%
• Employee Benefits Platform including unlimited remote GP appointments, physiotherapy support, mental health support and wellbeing services
• Ongoing development and career progression opportunities

Who Are We?

You may not have heard of us, but there's a good chance you've enjoyed our products.

Avara Foods is one of the UK's leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to major supermarkets and well-known restaurant brands. We own and manage our supply chain from farms to factory and all the way through to our customers, giving us a unique opportunity to deliver quality, innovation and sustainability at scale.

With processing sites across England and Wales and a network of more than 350 farms, we're committed to building a safe, sustainable and successful future for our colleagues, customers and consumers.