Operations Manager

JD-Sports-Fashion; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

JDSports is recruiting an experienced Distribution Centre Operations Manager to lead a team of managers and drive the delivery of the distribution business plan within budget. The role emphasises safety, efficiency, and high performance across all site operations.

You will collaborate with Planning, Head Office, and Stores to optimise headcount, capacity, and stock. The position requires strong leadership, data interpretation, and a proven track record of managing large teams in a distribution

Qualifications

• Experience managing a distribution/ manufacturing or processing operation.
• Proven knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and compliance.
• Experience leading large and diverse teams across shifts.
• Ability to interpret operational data to drive decisions and improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example to ensure work aligns with company standards and safety policies.
• Maintain a safe working environment and escalate safety breaches promptly.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, quality, and efficiency across site.
• Support planning and execution of operational strategy to meet KPIs and budgets.
• Collaborate with peers across Distribution, Head Office and Stores.
• Maximise productivity and deliver plans through direct reports management.
• Work with Planning to define headcount, capacity and stock needs.
• Ensure effective people strategy including succession planning and development.
• Coach and develop teams; manage performance and conduct issues as required.
• Identify reward opportunities to boost engagement and consistency.

Skills

Managerial experience

Automation experience

Large team leadership

Multi-Channel experience

Health & Safety knowledge

Data interpretation

Budgeting

Communication at all levels

Job description

Role Purpose:

Integral part of an Operational Management team that are responsible for the safe and efficient execution of all core Distribution Centre activities. You will lead and develop your team of Managers by setting and regularly reviewing objectives aimed at delivering the Distribution business plan within the agreed budget. You will work with a group of Operations Managers, creating a One Team approach, ensuring consistency and high performance across all elements of the Operation

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• To lead by example and ensure that all colleagues work in line with required Company Standards and all Health and Safety measures, creating and maintaining a safety first culture
• Comply with all company Health and safety policies and procedures, ensuring a safe working environment for all and always work within defined safety areas.
• Ensure you elevate any safety breaches or potential risks to relevant site Management and/or the H&S team.
• Leading a safety-first culture across site, challenge unsafe working in a value led manner and actively seek to improve H&S procedures in across site.
• Support your line manager in the planning and execution of the operational strategy, ensuring the site delivers against defined KPIs whilst being able to meet and support the changing business needs
• partner with peers and other key contacts throughout Distribution, Head Office and Stores
• Maximise productivity, efficiency and quality and deliver operational plans through the effective management of direct reports
• Partner with the Planning team to define headcount requirements in line with the business plan in addition to the management of capacity and stock issues
• Work with key business partners to ensure the site has an effective people strategy including succession planning and team development at all levels
• Identify, facilitate and implement initiatives for continuous improvements in methodology, quality, effectiveness and consistency of process
• Support the Lead Operations Managers in the development of budgets and forecasts for both capital and revenue expenditure
• Develop all colleagues through appropriate interventions, such as probationary reviews, appraisals, PDP's and frequent and candid conversations in order to drive high performing individuals and teams.
• Adhere to performance, conduct and absence management processes to ensure underperformance of individuals and teams is managed appropriately. Analyse trends where appropriate, coach and where necessary follow the disciplinary processes.
• Identify appropriate reward and recognition opportunities to drive engagement on site, ensuring a consistent approach is achieved.
• Ensure that all employee relations issues are managed in line with Company Policy and legal requirements
• Undertake any other reasonable duties in line with the needs of the business

Values/Behaviours

• Integrity - Consistently demonstrates integrity and high standards of work; Acts professionally with an honest and fair approach
• Teamwork - Communicates effectively at all levels; Responds to internal / external customer needs in a timely and effective manner; Works collaboratively, showing respect to colleagues at all times
• Entrepreneurial approach - Is bold and passionate about the organisation, its products, services and its people; Experiments, takes risks and makes it happen; If there's a better way, find it
• Accountability - Is responsible for their actions; Takes ownership of decisions and outcomes

Skills/Experience/Knowledge Needed:

• Managerial experience within a similar size manufacturing, processing or distribution environment
• Automation experience
• Worked with large teams and large scale operations
• Multi-Channel experience
• Proven working knowledge of Health & Safety and legal requirements within a distribution environment
• Ability to interpret data and effectively apply outcome to the needs of the business
• Knowledge of team dynamics and the effects of a positive working environment
• Demonstrate the ability to coach, lead and motivate large teams to deliver results.
• Experience of working within set budgetary and performance targeted workplace
• Able to clearly communicate at all levels (direct and indirect reports) delegating to the appropriate level