Warehouse & Distribution Manager

D R Newitt & Associates; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job description

Warehouse & Distribution Manager
Location: East Hertfordshire
Full-time | Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (occasional weekend work required)
Salary: c£40K + Bonus + Benefits

A major UK food distribution business is currently seeking a proactive and experienced Warehouse Distribution & Facilities Manager to oversee the smooth and efficient running of a 130,000 sq. ft. distribution and office facility. This is a key leadership role reporting into the Operations Manager (Distribution), and is ideal for a forward-thinking professional with experience in large-scale logistics environments.

The successful candidate will take full ownership of contracts, compliance, space optimisation, and supplier/vendor management. They will also play a crucial part in access control, building presentation, and ensuring the office and warehouse spaces remain safe, clean, and fully operational.

This is a brilliant opportunity for a driven, solutions-focused professional to step into a high-impact role with clear responsibility and visibility across a large-scale site. The business is looking for someone who doesn't just maintain the present—but looks ahead and shapes the future of the site.

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversee the day-to-day operational readiness of a 130,000 sq. ft. distribution centre, ensuring all warehouse infrastructure, services, and workflows are fully supported from a facilities perspective.
2. Manage contracts for critical warehouse services such as cleaning, waste removal, pest control, dock door servicing, and security systems, ensuring all providers meet performance standards and compliance requirements.
3. Lead layout optimisation projects to improve space utilisation, stock flow, staff movement, and safety across both warehouse and office areas.
4. Ensure access control systems are maintained and operating correctly across the site, supporting security and operational control for both goods and personnel.
5. Monitor the condition of key warehouse assets (e.g., racking, dock levellers, floors, lighting) and coordinate planned maintenance and repair work via contractors.
6. Ensure the warehouse floor, canteens, and office areas are consistently clean, safe, and operational, supporting productivity and compliance at all times.
7. Manage and develop a team of 2 staff responsible for coordination and general upkeep across the site.
8. Proactively identify risks, inefficiencies, or potential downtime issues—implement solutions to maintain continuous distribution operations.
9. Deliver accurate reporting on building condition, contract performance, safety compliance, and facilities budgets.

The Ideal Candidate

1. Demonstrates strong experience in facilities management within warehouse/distribution or logistics environments—ideally in a large-scale operation.
2. Comfortable working strategically—focused on managing contracts, vendors, safety, layout, and general building upkeep rather than performing maintenance tasks.
3. A confident problem-solver who takes initiative and implements long-term, effective solutions.
4. Excellent communicator with strong organisational and leadership skills.
5. Technically aware of building systems (HVAC, electrical, fire safety), with the ability to oversee maintenance carried out by contractors.
6. Understands compliance, safety legislation, and sustainability goals.
7. First Aid and Fire Marshall training advantageous.

Qualifications

1. NEBOSH, IOSH or BIFM Level 4+
2. Degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Logistics, or similar (preferred)