Senior Operations Manager

Portwest; Thurnscoe; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Portwest, a leading global safety wear and PPE manufacturer, seeks a Senior Operations Manager UK to lead the Thurnscoe warehouse and distribution operations. The role focuses on service excellence, transportation efficiency and continuous process improvements across the UK/Global network.

You will report to the Regional Head of Warehousing and Logistics. Requirements include a Bachelor’s in Warehousing and Logistics (or related field) with MBA or equivalent, plus 10+ years of senior operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Warehousing and Logistics or related field; MBA or advanced degree.
• Minimum of 10 years in progressive operational leadership roles in FMCG/retail/e‑commerce or 3PL logistics.
• At least 5 years as Head of Department or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for warehousing, distribution, strategy, continuous improvement and projects.
• Lead UK/Global operational team of 200+ employees through managers and Heads Of.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships to ensure satisfaction.
• Develop and manage operational budget in excess of £20m with focus on service and quality.
• Drive KPI alignment, standardisation, and cost efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, safety standards and industry best practice.
• Champion process improvement, automation, and adoption of new technologies.

Skills

Operational leadership

Team management

Budget management

UK logistics knowledge

Automation awareness

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in warehousing and logistics

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

AS/RS systems

Job description

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of Senior Operations Manager UK in Thurnscoe, UK on a permanent basis reporting to Regional Head of Warehousing and Logistics. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 6,000 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.

Job Summary

The Senior Operations Manager UK Operations plays a crucial role in managing and supervising the warehouse at Thurnscoe. This position focuses on creating and executing strategies to enhance customer service, facilitating smooth transportation and distribution processes, and promoting ongoing improvements in logistics operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and direction for all operational activities, including warehousing, distribution, strategy, continuous improvement and projects.
• Team Management: Lead and develop a high-performing, collective UK/Global operational team (200+ employees) through manager and Heads Of as direct reports. An awareness of the potential challenges new site start up launches can have on collective culture is important to this client.
• Client Relationships: Build and maintain an already impressive, strong customer relationship base, ensuring satisfaction.
• Commercial Responsibility & Budget Management: Develop and manage the operational budget in excess of £20m, ensuring financial objectives are achieved while maintaining service & quality.
• Performance Metrics: Continue to evolve the organisational approach to targets and KPI’s, whilst ensuring existing and new site standardisation.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, safety standards, and industry best practice.
• Process Optimisation: Continuously evaluate and improve operational processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Innovation: Drive innovation, Automation & Robotics along with the adoption of new technologies to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Supplier Relationships: Manage UK/Global commercial relationships with customers, suppliers and third-party service providers to ensure timely and cost-effective services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Warehousing and Logistics, or a related field, MBA or Advanced Degree equivalent.
• Proven experience in operational leadership positions within the FMCG / Retail / E-Commerce or 3PL Logistics & Supply Chain industry, with a minimum of 10 years of progressive responsibility
• A minimum of 5 years' experience operating at a Head of Department.
• Previous budgetary responsibility across multi-site operations more than £50m.
• Exposure to Automation & Robotics – ASRS systems.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Prior commercial knowledge of the UK logistics and warehousing

Company Awards

• Great Place To Work 2024
• Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
• Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025

Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.

Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.