Head of Logistics Systems & Projects

Encirc; Chester; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave package

Free onsite gym

Mybenefits Reward Platform with100s of

Social Club

Employer Funded Health cash plan

Health Insurance Options

Dental Insurance Options

Critical Illness Insurance

Life cover for self and partner

Professional Development Planning with

International organisation with plenty

Job summary

Encirc, part of the Vidrala group, seeks a Head of Logistics Systems & Projects to shape technology-led logistics across three UK production sites from Elton, Cheshire. You will own the 5–10 year technology roadmap, drive automation, AI and digital solutions, and lead major capital projects to deliver measurable efficiency and service gains.

You will report to the Logistics Director, lead cross-functional teams, and partner with IT, Finance and senior stakeholders to ensure governance, risk

Qualifications

• Degree-level education in IT, Automation, Engineering or Business Applications.
• Significant experience with logistics systems in a high-volume manufacturing or supply chain environment.
• Strong experience with automated warehousing operations (WMS/WCS).
• Proven track record delivering complex systems projects and technology strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership across logistics technology, systems and projects.
• Lead development, optimisation and lifecycle management of logistics systems (WMS/WCS) and related applications.
• Drive major logistics technology and transformation projects with effective change management.
• Develop business cases, budgets and long-term investment plans for capital expenditure.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and service across sites.
• Collaborate with Logistics Leadership, IT, Finance and Vidrala colleagues to align investments with priorities.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget with robust governance.
• Build and develop high-performing, cross-functional project teams.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

Delivery of complex projects

Investment & ROI

Supply chain understanding

Leadership experience

Problem solving

Education

Degree-level education in IT/Automation/Engineering or Business Applications

Tools

WMS

WCS

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Elton, Cheshire

Head of Logistics Systems & Projects | £85,000 - £90,000 | Elton, Cheshire

We're looking for an ambitious and strategically minded Head of Logistics Systems & Projects to shape the future of our logistics operations through technology, innovation and continuous improvement.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to influence how we operate across our three UK production sites, driving forward our long-term logistics technology strategy and delivering transformational projects that enhance efficiency, productivity, safety and customer service.

Our logistics operation supports the production of over 750,000 tonnes of glass containers annually, alongside the filling of 340 million litres of beverage products. With two automated warehouses, including our Elton facility, which can accommodate 250,000 pallets and handles more than 10,000 pallet movements every day, technology and automation are central to our success.

Reporting to the Logistics Director and sitting within the Logistics Leadership Team, you'll take ownership of our logistics systems strategy, leading investment, innovation and major transformation programmes that will shape our operations for years to come.

What you'll be doing

You'll provide strategic direction and leadership across logistics technology, systems and projects, ensuring our capabilities continue to evolve in line with business needs and future opportunities.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Technology Leadership: Develop and own a rolling 5–10-year Logistics Technology & Systems roadmap, identifying opportunities to introduce new technologies, automation, robotics, AI and digital solutions.
• Systems & Innovation: Lead the development, optimisation and lifecycle management of logistics systems, including Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) and wider supply chain applications.
• Business Transformation: Lead major logistics technology and transformation projects, ensuring successful implementation, effective change management and long‑term adoption across the business.
• Capital Investment: Develop business cases, annual budgets and long‑term investment plans, ensuring capital expenditure delivers measurable operational improvements and strong returns on investment.
• Operational Excellence: Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, resilience and service through smarter systems, streamlined processes and greater alignment across our sites.
• Stakeholder Leadership: Work closely with the Logistics Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team, IT, Finance and wider Vidrala Group colleagues to ensure technology investments support business priorities.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget, maintaining robust project governance, risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Team Development: Build and develop high‑performing project management capabilities, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

What we're looking for

We're looking for an experienced logistics technology leader who can combine strategic thinking with the ability to turn ideas into practical, measurable improvements.

You'll ideally bring:

• Degree‑level education, preferably in IT, Automation, Engineering or Business Applications.
• Significant experience working with logistics systems and technology within a complex, high‑volume manufacturing or supply chain environment.
• Strong experience of automated warehousing operations, including WMS and WCS.
• A proven track record of developing and delivering complex systems projects, technology strategies and business transformation programmes.
• Experience developing business cases, managing capital investment and demonstrating return on investment.
• A strong understanding of supply chain operations, logistics processes and the opportunities technology can bring to operational performance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively at all levels of an organisation.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to develop and motivate high‑performing, multi‑functional teams.
• Strong change management capabilities and the confidence to challenge existing ways of working to deliver better outcomes.

It would also be advantageous to have

• Experience within the glass manufacturing or beverage filling industries.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and environments, including BRC, ISO and HACCP.
• Experience working within HMRC‑regulated environments.
• An understanding of emerging technologies, including AI‑driven planning and warehouse optimisation.

The person we're looking for

You’ll be a forward‑thinking and commercially aware leader who is passionate about technology and its potential to transform logistics operations.

You’ll be comfortable operating at a strategic level while maintaining an understanding of operational realities. You’ll have the confidence to influence senior stakeholders, make informed investment decisions and lead change in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Above all, you’ll be results‑driven, collaborative and motivated by delivering meaningful improvements that make a lasting difference.

At Encirc, we make, fill and move glass

Part of the Vidrala group, we are a market leader in glass container design, manufacturing, bottling and logistics solutions for the UK, Irish and European food and beverages industries. With over 2,000 employees, we operate from our three purpose‑built sites: Derrylin, Co Fermanagh; Elton, Cheshire and Bristol. We produce around 3 billion glass bottles and other containers annually and can fill up to 500 million litres of bulk shipped beverages every year. Our collective purpose is to deliver and uphold world‑leading sustainable innovation, with great people and a great workplace collaborating on a great future.

Joining Encirc means you will be joining a business with a bespoke, 360‑approach to the beverage supply chain, spanning filling, warehousing, and logistics. Reducing the road miles and carbon footprint of our customers' products, we are conscious disruptors prioritising sustainability and modern technology. As a forward‑thinking and sustainable business, we are committed to achieving zero emissions by 2030.

The Benefits and Perks

• Annual leave package
• Free onsite gym for all employees
• Mybenefits Reward Platform with100s of discounts at restaurants and retailers
• Social Club
• Employer Funded Health cash plan for claiming back money on routine treatments
• Health Insurance Options
• Dental Insurance Options
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life cover for self and partner
• Professional Development Planning with onsite HR team
• International organisation with plenty of opportunities

Encirc is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Every applicant will be evaluated according to skills regardless of age, gender, identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion.

We also want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. That’s why we have partnered with Recite Me to offer an accessibility toolbar on our job search page, recruitment application system and website. The toolbar includes screen reading functionality, multiple reading aids, customisable styling options and an on‑demand live translation feature that boasts over 100 languages including 65 text‑to‑speech and styling options.

PLEASE NOTE:We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.