National Distribution and Operations Manager

LWC Drinks; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

LWC Drinks is seeking a National Distribution and Operations Manager to oversee distribution strategies across the UK. This pivotal role involves leading operational excellence, managing a large team, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The successful candidate will drive continuous improvement and support the company's growth and sustainability targets.

Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG, drinks, or wholesale sectors.
• Strong track record of operational improvements.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimise the end-to-end distribution strategy across 18 UK sites.
• Manage a team of 5 Regional Operations Managers.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Operational Excellence

People Management

Customer Focus

Compliance & Risk Management

Cost & Budget Management

Technology & Systems

Education

Proven senior-level experience in multi-site distribution/logistics leadership

Tools

WMS

TMS

Job description

National Distribution and Operations Manager

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National Distribution and Operations Manager

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Job Title: National Distribution and Operations Manager

Reports to: Managing Director

Depot: National Role

Main Duties

As the National Distribution and Operations Manager, you will lead and optimise the end-to-end distribution strategy across our 18 UK distribution sites. This pivotal role ensures best-in-class service delivery, operational efficiency, and compliance across all LWC depots. The role is key in supporting the companys growth, customer satisfaction, and sustainability targets. You will work closely with the Regional Leadership Team to deliver strategic initiatives and drive continuous improvement in our supply chain network.

Key Skills

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a national distribution strategy aligned with business goals and customer expectations.
• Lead the transformation of distribution and warehousing capabilities to support changing business needs, including new depot openings, business acquisitions and technological advancements.
  
  

Operational Excellence

• Lead a team of 5 Regional Operations Managers who oversee the day-to-day operations of all depots to ensure service, cost, and quality KPIs are met or exceeded.
• Establish standard operating procedures and ensure consistent implementation across all depots.
• Drive continuous improvement in delivery performance and warehouse productivity.
  
  

People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop Regional Distribution Managers and depot teams, fostering a high performance and safety-first culture.
• Champion talent development and succession planning within the depot network.
  
  

Customer Focus

• Ensure efficient and responsive distribution and operations that support excellent customer service.
• Collaborate with the wider depot teams to align distribution operations with customer needs.
  
  

Compliance & Risk

• Ensure all sites operate in full compliance with health and safety, transport and environmental regulations.
• Develop robust contingency and risk management plans to mitigate supply chain disruptions.
  
  

Cost & Budget Management

• Own and manage the national distribution budget, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality.
• Own and manage the company fleet budget, circa £15 million.
• Monitor and control costs related to labour, fleet, warehousing, and third-party logistics.
  
  

Technology & Systems

• Champion the use of logistics technologies and warehouse management systems to improve operational performance.
• Lead data-driven decision making through performance analytics and reporting dashboards.
  
  

Knowledge And Experience

Proven senior-level experience in multi-site distribution/logistics leadership within FMCG, drinks, or wholesale sectors.

Strong track record of delivering operational improvements, cost efficiencies, and high service levels.

In-depth knowledge of transport and warehousing operations, including fleet and HGV logistics.

Experienced in managing large, dispersed teams and implementing national standardisation.

Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Commercially astute with strong financial and analytical capabilities.

Familiarity with WMS and TMS systems.

Willingness to travel regularly across the UK.

As the UKs largest independent drinks wholesaler, LWC has been delivering excellence in product, service, and knowledge for over 40 years. From beers to wines, soft drinks to spirits, we partner with the best to deliver the best. Serving over 15,000 customers from 18 depots, seven days a week, our aim has always been to provide the best service in the industry. With a portfolio that includes our own award-winning brands and wines, LWC was proud to place 2nd in Harpers Wine & Spirit magazines 2024 Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers List and to be named Value Merchant of the Year at the 2024 Sommelier Wine Awards. We also received the title of Best Distribution Company, as voted for by The Drinks Business. Employing over 1,600 colleagues across the country, LWC takes its responsibility to both people and the planet seriously. Were committed to creating a better future for all. From our Womens Network to our Sustainability Committee and National Charity Committee, LWC colleagues regularly connect around shared passions and valuessomething our leadership team proudly supports. The growth and success of LWC are deeply intertwined with the growth and success of our customers and our team.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage

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