Head of Warehousing and Distribution

Michael Page (UK); Essex; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Head of Warehousing and Distribution. This role involves overseeing warehouse operations, leading teams, and managing logistics. The successful candidate must demonstrate extensive experience in omni-channel logistics operations and effective leadership skills. A competitive salary package is offered, along with bonuses, pension contributions, and private healthcare.

Benefits

Bonus opportunity

5% employer pension contribution

Private healthcare

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in overseeing omni-channel logistics operations.
• Proven leadership skills with experience in managing large scale warehouse operations.
• Excellent understanding of warehouse layout optimisation and e-commerce fulfilment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee warehouse operations including inventory management and order fulfilment.
• Lead distribution centre strategies and engage with senior management.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

Inventory control principles

Change management

Commercial skills

Relationship building

Agile mindset

Tools

ERP systems

WMS systems

Job description

• An exciting opportunity to join a leading FMCG organisation.
• Senior warehousing leadership experience required.

About Our Client

Our client is a leading organisation within the FMCG sector.

Job Description

The Head of Warehousing and Distribution oversees all warehouse operations including order fulfilment, inventory management and distribution activities. Based at our clients operation in Essex, the role is responsible for driving operational efficiency, maintaining high levels of quality control and creating a safe, organised and customer-focused logistics environment.

Leadership & Team Management

• Create and lead distribution centre strategies for the warehousing, transport, H&S and facility teams.
• Deliver key strategies, goals and action plans that contribute to the achievement of business objectives within a fast-paced, collaborative and highly complex environment.
• Engage with senior management to deliver strategic business projects.
• Provide coaching and development opportunities to build a high-performing team.
• Promote diversity and inclusion initiatives and support business CSR objectives.

Warehouse Operations & Inventory Management

• Oversee daily warehouse activities including inbound, outbound, replenishment, picking, packing, kitting and shipping.
• Ensure all products are shipped, handled, stored and packaged according to legislation and company quality standards.
• Develop and maintain warehouse layout and storage systems to maximise efficiency and product protection.

Distribution & Order Fulfilment

• Optimise workflows to meet service-level agreements (SLAs) with retail partners and e-commerce customers.
• Own and lead relationships with Transportation carriers, ensuring best-fit cost/service contracts are in place and consistent with business expectations.

Budget & Procurement

• Accountable for budget management and control, headcount, temporary labour requirements and direct purchasing for the distribution operation (packaging, accessories, engineering, consumables).

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Identify opportunities to improve warehouse processes, reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency.

Safety & Security

• Foster a culture of behaviour-based safety, quality, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and maintain safety metrics to ensure safety and wellbeing that is best in class.

The Successful Applicant

The successful Head of Warehousing and Distribution will live within a commuting distance of our client's operation in Essex and be able to demonstrate the following experience:

• Extensive experience in overseeing omni-channel logistics operations.
• Proven leadership skills, with experience of managing large scale warehouse operations.
• Good commercial skills and previous budget management experience.
• Excellent understanding of inventory control principles, warehouse layout optimisation and e-commerce fulfilment.
• Good communicator with proven change management skills.
• Ability to forge relationships and collaborate with team members at all levels.
• Ability to lead from the front and influence cross-functionally.
• Awareness of latest industry trends, best practices and legislation.
• Passion for CSR and sustainable practices.
• Agile mindset in order to meet operational needs.
• High level of computer literacy and experience of ERP and WMS systems.

What’s on Offer

A competitive package will be on offer to the successful candidate with a salary ranging from £80,000 to £90,000 per annum. Some of the key additional benefits include:

• Bonus opportunity
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Private healthcare