Operations Shift Manager

Bensons for Beds; Huntingdon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension

Life assurance

Staff discounts

Workplace perks

Job summary

Bensons for Beds is seeking an experienced Shift Operations Manager to lead our busy distribution centre. You will take ownership of shift activity, drive productivity, quality and safety, and motivate teams to deliver high standards of service.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication, and the ability to plan workloads, manage rotas and respond to operational issues. In return, we offer a competitive salary, pension and staff benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory or management role within a warehouse/distribution centre or similar
• Ability to plan and manage shift rotas and supervise teams
• Proficiency in stock control and warehouse processes; able to use IT reporting tools
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across teams and with stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of all operational activity during shifts to meet productivity, quality and safety targets
• Plan and review daily workloads; direct operatives and temporary staff to meet demand
• Monitor KPIs, identify improvements and implement corrective actions
• Maintain high health and safety standards and ensure compliance with policies and regulations
• Coach and develop team members; support training and induction of new starters
• Coordinate with HR and recruitment for temporary or permanent cover
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and customer service
• Conduct routine inspections of the working environment, equipment and stock
• Resolve on-shift issues and communicate with senior management and stakeholders
• Complete and maintain shift records and handovers

Skills

Leadership

Team motivation

Warehouse operations

Stock control

IT systems reporting

Communication

Problem solving

Health & Safety knowledge

Shift management

Flexibility

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and dependable Shift Operations Manager to join our operations team. This role provides an excellent opportunity to lead shift-based activity within a busy distribution environment, ensuring operational targets are met while maintaining a safe, productive and supportive workplace. The successful candidate will be organised, hands-on and able to motivate colleagues to deliver high standards of performance and customer service.

Main Responsibilities for Shift Operations Manager

• Take ownership of all operational activity during allocated shifts, ensuring targets for productivity, quality and safety are achieved
• Plan, allocate and review daily workloads, directing warehouse operatives and temporary staff to meet demand
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying improvement opportunities and implementing corrective actions
• Maintain high standards of health & safety and ensure compliance with company policies and statutory regulations
• Coach, develop and provide feedback to team members; support training and induction of new starters
• Manage resource requirements, including liaison with HR and recruitment for temporary or permanent cover
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste and improve customer service
• Conduct routine inspections of the working environment, equipment and stock to ensure operational readiness
• Resolve operational issues on shift, escalating to senior management where appropriate and ensuring timely communication with stakeholders
• Complete and maintain accurate shift records, handovers and other documentation as required

Shift Operations Manager Skills and Experience Required

• Proven experience in a supervisory or management role within a warehouse, distribution centre or similar operations
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate diverse teams and manage shift-based rotas
• Good understanding of warehouse processes, stock control and equipment operation
• Competent in using IT systems for reporting and stock management; confident with Microsoft Office or equivalent
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to work collaboratively across teams
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to make effective decisions under pressure
• Knowledge of health & safety legislation and best practice in warehouse environments
• Flexibility to work across varying shift patterns, including evenings and weekends as required
• Must have a CPC transport licence / O licence

Key Benefits of Working in Our Operations Team

• Competitive salary and shift allowance where applicable
• Supportive and inclusive team environment
• Opportunities for training, professional development and career progression
• Company pension scheme, life assurance and other employee benefits
• Up to 50% staff discounts and additional workplace perks

Working Hours and Location

• Full-time role with shift working; shift patterns may include days, evenings and weekends
• Location: onsite at our well-connected distribution centre; accessible by public transport
• Occasional flexibility required for peak periods and operational cover

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process.