Head of Logistics Operations

Oak Furnitureland; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading furniture retailer is seeking a Head of Logistics Operations in Swindon. This senior role is responsible for managing Transport, Home Delivery, and Warehouse Operations. Ideal candidates will bring leadership experience in logistics, strategic planning abilities, and a track record of achieving business objectives. This position offers diverse benefits, including hybrid working options and employee discounts.

Benefits

Employee discount

Life assurance

25 days holiday

Hybrid working

Car Allowance

Pension contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

My Rewards Programme

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience in managing budgets and KPIs in logistics.
• Strong analytical skills and decision-making capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead Transport operations and maintain compliance.
• Shape strategic network plans for business growth.
• Manage contracts and supplier negotiations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Contract management

Risk management

Analytics

Education

National CPC

Tools

WMS

TMS

Job description

Overview

Head of Logistics Operations

ROLE PURPOSE: The Head of Logistics Operations is a pivotal senior leadership role at the heart of Oak Furnitureland's ambitious growth journey. Accountable for Transport, Home Delivery, Trunking, Depot Operations and Warehouse Operations, this role is about more than running a network - it's about shaping and refining it to deliver outstanding service, sustainable change and long-term value. Reporting to the Group Supply Chain Director, you will ensure the safe, efficient and customer-focused delivery of products through a high-performing, compliant and cost-effective operation. With full budgetary and KPI accountability, you will lead strategic operational and tactical planning to align network capacity, infrastructure and resources with business growth, seasonal peaks and long-term objectives. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven logistics leader to make a real impact in growing business. You will bring energy, vision and hands-on expertise to instil a right first time culture, champion continuous improvement, and evolve a logistics function that consistently delivers for our customers. With Home Delivery acting as a key customer touchpoint, you will ensure that every interaction reinforces our reputation for quality and service excellence. Crucially, you will also be passionate about people - developing, inspiring and empowering teams to perform at their best. By building capability and embedding a culture of accountability and growth, you will ensure the logistics function continues to evolve with the needs of the business and its customers. As part of a collaborative senior team, you will work closely with the Head of Supply Chain Strategy, the Head of Freight, your immediate team and other stakeholders to orchestrate activity across the end-to-end supply chain. At an Executive level, you will contribute through clear reporting, insight and recommendations that shape investment, influence long-term operational strategy, and drive the business forward.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead all Transport operations, including Trunking, Depots, Home Delivery, Collections and Returns.
• Provide leadership and accountability for a 24 hour multi-shift Warehouse Operation, ensuring efficiency, stock accuracy and exceptional service consistency.
• Orchestrate activity across the logistics network, aligning resources, planning and performance to deliver a seamless end-to-end operation.
• Shape and deliver strategic and tactical network plans that support business growth, seasonal peaks and long-term objectives.
• Identify and deliver strategic projects to enhance service, improve efficiency and reduce cost, embedding sustainable change.
• Prepare and present at Executive level, influencing investment decisions and long-term operational planning.
• Ensure full compliance of fleet, drivers and warehouse operations with all legal and regulatory requirements, embedding a strong culture of safety and accountability.
• Oversee driver training, infrastructure, MHE, packaging and facilities to maintain safe, compliant and effective operations.
• Manage contracts and supplier negotiations to secure value, resilience and commercial advantage.
• Own and deliver weekly, monthly and seasonal KPIs and budgets across cost, service, productivity and waste.
• Drive risk management and contingency planning to safeguard service during peak and disruptive events.
• Champion system and technology improvements (WMS, TMS, telematics etc) to strengthen data, compliance and operational performance.
• Lead, coach and develop management teams, embedding Partnering 4 Performance to build capability, succession and a high-performance culture.
• Ensure operational and customer data is processed accurately, securely and in line with GDPR.
• Senior leadership experience in multi-site logistics, covering national transport fleets (100+ vehicles) and large-scale, 24 hour multi-shift warehouse operations (300,000+ sq ft).

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading and mentoring geographically dispersed teams at multiple levels.
• Demonstrated success in delivering budgets, KPIs and cost control within complex logistics environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in contract management and supplier negotiations.
• Skilled in strategic planning, seasonal peak management, risk mitigation and operational resilience.
• Knowledge of WMS, TMS and telematics, with a track record of driving process and digital improvements.
• Strong analytical and decision-making capability, with experience embedding sustainability practices such as waste reduction, recycling and energy efficiency.
• National CPC (essential) with deep knowledge of Transport and Health & Safety compliance.
• Full UK driving licence (no more than six points) with flexibility to travel.
• Experience in home delivery of large or complex items (desirable).

Benefits

• Employee discount: amazing discounts available on all Oak Furnitureland products after successful completion of probation
• Life assurance: free cover of a minimum of two times your annual salary up to the age of 65
• 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
• Birthday: an additional day off for you to celebrate your birthday
• Hybrid working - 3 days in office/ 2 days working from home or in the field
• Car Allowance
• Pension: 4% employee contribution matched by the company
• Employee Assistance Programme: gives all employees access to both telephone and face-to-face counselling services
• My Rewards Programme: offers discounts on everything from restaurants and supermarkets, to entertainment and holidays
• Free on-site parking