Operations Lead (f/m/d)

Smiths News; Swindon; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics provider is seeking an Operations Readiness Lead to drive the transition for a new Transport Management System. You will ensure teams are ready for go-live, manage testing processes, and optimise operations through deep knowledge of TMS. Ideal candidates will have experience in operational change and system implementation in logistics. The role offers a competitive salary, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits package including health plans, 25 days holiday, and training opportunities.

Benefits

Car allowance

Company bonus

Health Cash Plan

25 days holiday

Training and Development

Sharesave Scheme

Private medical insurance

Colleague Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in leading operational change in logistics.
• Deep understanding of TMS and optimising transport operations.
• Confidence in project-based delivery environments.

Responsibilities

• Ensure planners, depot teams, and drivers are ready for TMS go-live.
• Lead testing and validation activities including UAT.
• Monitor post-implementation performance for continuous improvement.

Skills

Operational change leadership

Transport Management Systems expertise

Analytical insights

Training and performance improvement

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Project or change management qualification

Job description

Job Description

55,000 to 60,000 per annum plus 5,688 per annum car allowance, bonus and benefits. 2 year fixed term contract. Behind every nightly miracle is a team of dedicated people carrying out more roles than you realise were the unseen force that delivers. This isnt your typical Project Manager role.

Responsibilities

As our Operations Readiness Lead, you’ll make sure our planners, depot teams, and delivery drivers are fully prepared to hit the ground running from day one of our new Transport Management System (TMS) go‑live. You’ll be the vital link between the project team and our operational network turning agreed system designs into practical, real‑world ways of working. From testing and training to go‑live support and adoption, you’ll lead the transition that ensures the operation is confident, capable, and performing from day one.

In addition to leading readiness and adoption, you will be required to bring deep knowledge of TMS design and best practice ensuring the system is not only implemented effectively but also used intelligently to unlock operational and commercial value. Acting as both practitioner and consultant, you’ll help determine how TMS data, functionality, and workflows can be applied to optimise planning, delivery performance, and future scalability.

Lead operational readiness planning across all depots and delivery functions, ensuring the business is fully prepared for TMS cutover.

Drive testing and validation activities including User Acceptance Testing (UAT), route‑planning checks, and day‑in‑the‑life simulations. Apply expert knowledge of TMS capabilities and transport best practice to advise on how system features, data, and analytics can be used to enhance operational efficiency and decision‑making. Act as a functional consultant within the programme, helping to define how the business should use the TMS not just how to implement it to achieve measurable benefits and continuous improvement.

Ensure any current operational processes and data flows are standardised and sustainable. Act as the operational lead during go‑live and hyper‑care, coordinating issue triage, communication, and rapid resolution. Work closely with the Project Manager to align milestones, readiness checkpoints, and risk mitigations.

Monitor post‑implementation performance, capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement across teams.

Benefits

• 5,688 per annum car allowance
• Company bonus
• Company funded Health Cash Plan providing cash back for everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy
• 25 days holiday plus holiday buy scheme
• 24/7 E‑Learning modules, Training and Development opportunities
• Sharesave Scheme, Cycle to work schemes, Health cash plan
• Private medical insurance
• Colleague Assistance Programme & Colleague referral scheme

Qualifications

Experience leading operational change or system implementation within a live logistics environment. Deep understanding of Transport Management Systems and their application in optimising transport operations, data use, and reporting through analytical insights. Hands‑on approach to training, problem‑solving, and performance improvement.

Confidence operating in project‑based delivery environments. Ability to travel across the UK to support depot readiness and go‑live activities. Project or change management qualification (e.g.

Experience in coordinating large‑scale operational rollouts or training programmes.