Section Manager - Outbound & Returns

Very Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential (performance)

LinkedIn learning access

22 days holiday + bank holidays

Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk

Matched pension up to 6%

Job summary

The Very Group is seeking a Section Manager to lead large operational teams within our fulfilment operation, across Outbound and Returns, while ensuring safety, quality and performance targets are met. You will own your area end to end, creating a supportive environment and driving continuous improvement.

You will be a cultural ambassador, modeling our values and building strong relationships across the site, with a focus on development and delivering site-wide performance gains.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large teams in a fulfilment or manufacturing environment.
• Strong track record of delivering departmental and site KPIs.
• Experience coaching, developing and engaging teams, with teamwork as the norm.
• Passion for colleague engagement and creating inclusive, high performing cultures.
• Deep operational knowledge within an automated fulfilment centre.
• Understanding end-to-end fulfilment processes and how areas fit together.
• Confident deputising for senior leaders when required.
• Strong stakeholder management and influence at all levels.
• Experience using Continuous Improvement tools to drive results.
• A data-led mindset with commercial decision-making awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead large operational teams to deliver and exceed site KPIs.
• Collaborate with Operations Managers to create and deliver improvement plans across shifts.
• Identify, plan and implement operational and process improvements with stakeholders.
• Set departmental targets to drive productivity, quality and process adherence.
• Maintain understanding of end-to-end fulfilment and how your area fits in.
• Develop a flexible, multi-skilled team and grow skills base.
• Optimise storage, conveyor usage and resource deployment for productivity.
• Drive cross-functional working to improve site performance.
• Ensure stock accuracy through robust process management.
• Keep Health and Safety front of mind; participate in SOP and risk reviews.
• Act as subject matter expert while understanding wider site operations.
• Champion open, two-way communication in a performance-driven environment.

Skills

Large team leadership

Fulfilment/Manufacturing experience

KPIs delivery

Stakeholder management

People development

Process improvement

Safety and compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Ambitious & resilient mindset

Job description

Shift Pattern – 4 on 4 off | 10am to 10pm | Across 7 days

About us.

We’re the team behind digital retailer Very.

Our purpose, helping families get more out of life, powers everything we do.

And we want our people to get more out of life too! If you’re high-performing, ambitious and make the most of every opportunity, we want to hear from you. In return, you’ll enjoy heaps of flexibility, great perks and benefits, and the freedom to be yourself, keep learning and take your career wherever you want it to go.

If you love making a difference, you’ll love making it sparkle for millions of Very customers.

About the role.

This is a big, fast-moving role at the heart of our fulfilment operation. As a Section Manager, you will lead large operational teams across Outbound and Returns, keeping our customers front of mind while hitting performance, safety and quality targets.

You will own your area end to end. That means creating an environment where people feel supported, processes work smoothly, and performance keeps improving shift after shift.

You will also be a key cultural ambassador for The Very Group, setting the tone, role modelling our values and building strong, open relationships across the site.

What you will be doing

You will lead from the front, balancing people leadership with operational excellence. Day to day, you will:

• Lead large operational teams to deliver and exceed site KPIs

• Work closely with your Operations Managers to create and deliver improvement plans across all shifts

• Identify, plan and implement operational and process improvements, engaging stakeholders every step of the way

• Set clear departmental targets that drive productivity, quality and process adherence

• Maintain a strong understanding of the end to end fulfilment process and how your area fits into the bigger picture

• Develop a flexible, multi skilled team by actively managing and growing the skills base

• Optimise storage, conveyor usage and resource deployment to maximise productivity

• Drive effective cross functional working to deliver overall site performance

• Ensure stock accuracy through robust process management and strong operational discipline

• Keep Health and Safety front of mind, participating in SOP and risk assessment reviews

• Act as a subject matter expert in your area while understanding wider site operations

• Champion open, two-way communication in a performance driven environment

About you.

This role suits a confident, resilient leader who thrives in a fast paced, automated environment and genuinely enjoys developing people.

You will bring:

• Proven experience leading large teams in a fulfilment or manufacturing environment

• A strong track record of delivering departmental and site KPIs

• Experience coaching, developing and engaging teams, with teamwork as the norm

• A passion for colleague engagement and creating inclusive, high performing cultures

• Deep operational knowledge within an automated fulfilment centre

• A clear understanding of end-to-end fulfilment processes

• Confidence deputising for senior leaders when required

• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at all levels

• Experience using Continuous Improvement tools to drive results

• A data led mindset, with commercial awareness in decision making

• The ability to delegate effectively and develop future talent

• A flexible, proactive approach with a genuine desire to exceed targets

• The resilience to handle challenges, especially in a growing or start up environment

Some of our benefits

• Inclusive culture and environment, check out our Glassdoor reviews

• 22 days holiday + bank holidays

• LinkedIn learning access.

• Bonus potential (performance and business-related)

• Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk

• Matched pension up to 6%

• More benefits can be found on our career site