Operations Team Leader

Smiths News; Crawley; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Cash Plan

Pension 5% match

25 days holiday + buy scheme

E-Learning & Training

Sharesave & Cycle to work

Colleague Assistance & referrals

Job summary

Smiths News is seeking an Operations Team Leader to oversee a dedicated warehouse team, ensuring smooth, safe and efficient daily running of night shift operations. You’ll lead by example, motivate the team, and drive performance through training, attendance and performance monitoring, while maintaining housekeeping and safety standards.

This role suits a decisive, people-focused leader comfortable in a fast-paced 24/5 logistics setting.

Qualifications

• Although a track record in warehouse management would be desirable, people management experience gained in other sectors would be considered.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment, preferably from a 24/5 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.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing a dedicated warehouse team to ensure smooth, safe and efficient operations.
• Lead training sessions, monitor attendance and performance, and drive continuous improvement.
• Communicate between team members and managers; maintain high housekeeping and safety standards.
• Motivate the team, balance priorities, and adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Develop and implement plans to improve productivity and overall performance.

Skills

People management

Warehouse operations

Communication skills

Planning & prioritisation

Leadership

Job description

Night shift 40 hours a week Thurs and Fri days off 10pm start

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 24/5 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.