Operations Team Lead

Smiths News plc; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Cash Plan

Pension 5% match

Holiday 25 days

E-Learning

Sharesave Scheme

Cycle to work

Colleague Assistance

Referral scheme

Job summary

Smiths News plc is seeking an Operations Team Leader for the night shift. You will oversee a dedicated warehouse team, ensuring operations run safely, smoothly and efficiently while driving productivity and adherence to standards.

You’ll lead training, monitor attendance and performance, communicate across shifts, and motivate the team to hit targets. The role suits a proven people manager who thrives in a fast-paced logistics environment and cares about quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage performance and attendance across shifts.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with all levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a dedicated warehouse team to ensure safe, smooth and efficient operations.
• Lead training sessions and monitor attendance and performance.
• Motivate and develop the team, balancing priorities to hit targets and improve productivity.
• Collaborate with managers to maintain high housekeeping standards and effective communication.

Skills

People management

Warehouse leadership

Communication skills

Planning & organising

Job description

Operations Team Leader

Full Time - Night Shift

£32825.52 per annum

Our reputation as the UK’s largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler speaks for itself. Every day, we serve more than 22,000 customers from 34 distribution centres across the country. Behind every nightly miracle is a team of dedicated people carrying out more roles than you realise – we’re the unseen force that delivers. So when we say we’re excited for what the future holds for our customers and colleagues, you can trust we’re as good as our word.

About the role

As Operations Team Leader, you’ll be behind the success of our warehouse operations. Overseeing a dedicated team, you’ll make sure everything runs smoothly, safely and efficiently. You’ll be who we look to for keeping the team motivated, organised, and performing at their best through training sessions, monitoring attendance/performance and more. Whether you’re handling communication between team members and managers, maintaining high standards of housekeeping, or getting hands‑on yourself, your leadership will make a direct impact on productivity and safety. You’re the kind of person who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, balancing priorities and adapting to changing needs. If you’re a natural leader with a passion for achieving targets, improving performance, and developing your team, this is the role for you.

What we can offer you

Not only do we offer free onsite parking and competitive salary but you’ll also have access to:

• Company funded Health Cash Plan – providing cash back for everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy
• 5% match pension
• 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
• Colleague Assistance Programme & Colleague referral scheme

About you

Although a track record in warehouse management would be desirable, people management experience gained in other sectors would be considered. You’ll ideally have:

• Experience of working in a fast paced environment, preferably from a 24/7 logistics, warehouse, FMCG or similar industry background
• Experience managing a large operation and the ability to liaise at all levels
• Outstanding communication skills and the credibility to effectively build relationships with all team members and management
• Experience of planning and effectively executing a warehouse operation. Dealing with all issues and challenges as they arise

Don’t just take us at our word – experience it for yourself. We’re a business built on support, opportunities, loyalty and care. Let’s make the most of today’s opportunities and look to the future, together.

Please note: you must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.