Operations Manager

Whistl UK Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics and delivery management company in Bristol is seeking an experienced Operations Manager. You will drive daily warehouse operations, manage teams, maintain safety standards, and ensure cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will have a proactive leadership style, strong communication skills, and at least 3 years of experience in logistics operations management. Apply today to shape our operational success!

Benefits

Annual leave enhanced with long service

Company Pension

Career development opportunities

Health cash plan

Life assurance scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in logistics operations management.
• Proven experience in people management, including performance reviews.
• Strong commitment to Health & Safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational planning and staffing.
• Lead and support Shift Managers and Supervisors.
• Manage labour planning and monitor site costs.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Understanding of labour planning

Tools

WMS systems

MS Excel

Job description

About the Role

Lead from the front in a dynamic logistics environment where your expertise drives real results every day.

We’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join our dynamic operations team in Bristol.

In this fast‑paced role, you’ll lead day‑to‑day warehouse operations across shifts, ensuring we deliver an efficient, safe, and cost‑effective service to our clients.

If you thrive in a high‑volume logistics environment and know how to lead teams to success, we want to hear from you.

As Operations Manager, you’ll report to the General Manager and oversee the planning, staffing, and process execution across shifts in our warehouse. You’ll play a hands‑on role in managing people and performance while maintaining high standards in quality, efficiency, and health & safety.

Job Opportunity

As Operations Manager, you’ll report to the General Manager and oversee the planning, staffing, and process execution across shifts in our warehouse. You’ll play a hands‑on role in managing people and performance while maintaining high standards in quality, efficiency, and health & safety.

What You’ll Bring

• A proactive, hands‑on leadership style that motivates teams to deliver results.
• A continuous improvement mindset, always looking for better ways to operate.
• Excellent communication skills , with the ability to influence at all levels.
• A strong sense of accountability and ownership for both people and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Planning : Ensure staffing and shift plans support SLA performance across all elements within a busy sortation depot.
• Leadership : Lead and support Shift Managers, Supervisors, and Team Leaders through coaching, daily briefings, and performance management.
• Cost Control : Manage labour planning and monitor site costs against budgets, seeking continuous improvement.
• Customer Service : Build strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders to proactively manage delivery expectations.
• Compliance : Ensure warehouse operations meet HSE and security standards, with full induction for all staff and agency workers.
• Change Management : Champion and implement operational improvements and support business change initiatives.

You’ll also act as site lead in the General Manager’s absence, playing a key role in maintaining day‑to‑day site performance and long‑term operational stability.

Shift Details

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 8 : 30 AM to 5 : 00 PM.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a fast‑paced warehouse or logistics operations management role (e.g. FMCG or e‑commerce)
• Proven experience in people management, including performance reviews, staff development, disciplinary procedures, grievance handling, and absence management, with excellent communication and decision‑making skills under pressure
• Strong understanding of labour planning, SLA targets, and process optimisation
• Skilled in using WMS systems and MS Excel (pivot tables, graphs, reporting)
• Strong commitment to Health & Safety and compliance
• Experience managing third‑party carriers (e.g. DPD, DX, Royal Mail)
• Knowledge of budget forecasting and cost control at the site level
• Flexibility to work across AM / PM shifts and support weekend or off‑site operations when needed

Lead the way as our new Operations Manager in Bristol. Step into a key role where you’ll drive performance, lead teams, and shape daily warehouse operations – apply today!

About Company

We are the UK’s leading delivery management company providing efficient, high‑quality and competitively priced services across Business Mail, Parcels, Fulfilment and Door‑drop media both in the UK and internationally. Distributing more than 4 billion items annually, we are market leaders in Downstream Access Mail (DSA) services handling over 50 % of bulk business mail in the UK.

We are in the top 100 privately owned companies with 23 locations across the UK. Our success is down to our people and the values we all follow to deliver excellence to our customers.

We think as part of a team, act with a can‑do attitude and do the right thing. Following these simple values has resulted in our people delivering and exceeding both our business and personal development goals.

We are a ‘family’ of uniquely different people with strengths in the areas we work in and always have the opportunity to be curious to enhance ourselves.

We are a disability confident employer and embrace Well Being, EDI and ESG to make ourselves and our environment the best it can be.

Benefits

• Annual leave enhanced with long service.
• Company Pension.
• Long service rewards: both financial and leave‑based.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance scheme.
• Critical Illness cover.
• Access to our prestige benefits and rewards portal.
• Career development opportunities.
• Access to a well‑established Employee Assistance Programme provider.
• And other excellent benefits you’d expect from a market leader.