Operations Manager

Whistl; Catbrain; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics company in Bristol is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee warehouse operations. In this role, you will lead teams, ensure efficient service delivery, and manage all aspects of operational planning and performance. The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of experience in logistics management, excellent people management skills, and a strong commitment to health and safety compliance. Competitive benefits and career development opportunities are included.

Benefits

Annual leave enhanced with long service

Company Pension

Long service rewards

Health cash plan

Life assurance scheme

Critical Illness cover

Access to benefits portal

Career development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in warehouse or logistics operations management.
• Proven experience in people management with excellent communication skills.
• Strong understanding of labour planning, SLA targets, and process optimisation.
• Commitment to Health & Safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Ensure staffing and shift plans support SLA performance in the depot.
• Lead and support Shift Managers and team leaders.
• Manage labour planning and site costs against budgets.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure warehouse operations meet HSE and security standards.
• Champion operational improvements and support business initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Continuous Improvement

Accountability

Tools

WMS Systems

MS Excel

Job description

Overview

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.

Role Summary

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

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.

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.

Shift Details

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

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.

Requirements

• 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.