Section Manager, Nights

John Lewis Partnership; Monkston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent retail company is looking for a Section Manager at their National Distribution Centre in Milton Keynes. The role involves leading a team to ensure smooth supply chain operations, managing stakeholder relationships, and fostering employee development. Ideal candidates have management experience in fast-paced environments, along with knowledge of relevant IT systems. This permanent, full-time position offers a night premium for late shifts.

Qualifications

• Previous experience managing a team and empowering employees.
• Experience working in a fast paced environment.
• Knowledge of IT systems relevant to the role.

Responsibilities

• Manage team’s development and ensure they have the tools needed.
• Align Partner resources with expected demand.
• Build relationships with Partners to enable operational success.

Skills

Team management

Stakeholder relationship management

Fast-paced environment experience

IT systems knowledge

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Warehouse Management Systems

Job description

About the role

As a Section Manager in one of our National Distribution Centres (NDCs), you'll have an important role of leading and motivating your team of Partners and ensuring the smooth running of the supply chain operation within your area of the site. You'll ensure the right stock in the right place at the right time for our shops and, ultimately, our customers, helping to drive sales and profitability for the Partnership.

At a glance

Role title: Section Manager, National Distribution Centre - Nights

Contract type: Permanent role

Location: Manga Park NDC, Milton Keynes

Hours of work: Full Time 37.5 Hours, 22:00-06:00, working 5 out of 7 nights a week.

Please note: In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract a Night Premium at a rate of £4.50 per hour. This can be discussed further at the interview stage.

Once you've submitted an application the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a face-to-face interview, commencing week 20/10/25.

Key Responsibilities

Working in one of our NDCs is fast paced. Your daily responsibilities will include:

• Managing your team’s development, ensuring they have the tools and time they need to thrive.
• Aligning Partner resource with the expected demand, maintaining a smooth operation.
• Identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing them with your team.
• Liaising with other departments and Partners to deliver site KPIs.
• Developing and maintaining communication between key stakeholders to ensure communication across teams remains effective.
• Building solid relationships with Partners and empowering them to take ownership of their operational success and personal development.

Essential skills/experience you'll need

• Previous experience managing a team and empowering employees
• Managing stakeholder relationships
• Experience working in a fast paced environment
• Previous Experience supporting and managing employees through a change agenda.
• Working knowledge of IT systems (MS Excel, MS Word, Warehouse Management Systems, DLx, email).

Desirable skills/experience you may have

• Flexibility to cover other parts of the operation as required.
• Previous experience of working within a logistics/supply chain environment.
• Experience of dealing with full disciplinary procedures according to ACAS guidelines

The partnership

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.

As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.

We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.

As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.

Important points to note: It’s essential to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process. We occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability which means you may need longer to complete your application please contact us as soon as possible. We support flexible working and want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance.