Warehouse Operations Manager

Gist Limited; Crewe; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% M&S discount

Healthcare cash plan discounts

Annual bonus scheme

Pension (auto-enrolment)

Life assurance (up to 4x salary)

Employee wellbeing support

Training and development schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Gist Limited, part of the M&S Group, is recruiting a Warehouse Operations Manager to lead a high‑volume, 24/7 operation. You will manage front-line teams, drive safety and efficiency, and work with union representatives to sustain performance.

Reporting to the Assistant General Manager, you will own shift performance, collaborate across shifts, and shape the operation through continuous improvement initiatives to meet customer needs and cost targets.

Qualifications

• Proven experience at Warehouse Operations Manager level in a fast-paced FMCG/distribution environment.
• Lead large teams with a focus on safety, efficiency and cost targets.
• Experience managing unionised environments and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, engage and develop front-line management and teams to deliver a safe, efficient and high-performing operation.
• Own shift performance and contribute to site performance across a 24-hour operation.
• Collaborate with other Warehouse Operations Managers to standardise processes.
• Ensure robust handovers between shifts to maintain continuity.
• Deliver against customer requirements, targets, service, productivity and costs.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, compliance and best practice.
• Build relationships with stakeholders including customers and union reps.
• Support development of the operation and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Union experience

People management

FMCG / retail logistics

Job description

At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food.

From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time.

As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a proven and experiencedWarehouse Operations Managerto take a senior leadership role within a fast‑moving FMCG or retail warehouse operation. The successful Warehouse Operations Manager will be leading large teams, managing complexity and helping shape a growing and evolving site. This role is ideally suited to a proven warehouse leader with union experience gained within FMCG or retail logistics, supply chain or distribution environments.

What you'll be doing

Reporting to the Assistant General Manager, your key duties will include:

• Lead, engage and develop front-line management and operational teams to deliver a safe, efficient and high-performing warehouse operation
• Take ownership of shift performance, while contributing to overall site performance across the full 24-hour operation
• Work collaboratively with fellow Warehouse Operations Managers to ensure consistency in standards, processes and decision-making across all shifts
• Ensure robust communication and structured handovers between shifts to maintain operational continuity
• Deliver against customer requirements, ensuring service, productivity and cost targets are consistently achieved
• Maintain high standards of health & safety, compliance and operational best practice
• Build strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including colleagues, customers and union representatives, within a heavily unionised environment
• Support the ongoing development of the operation, embedding best practice and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives

This is an opportunity to make a real impact within a great team at an exciting time of growth and development. You'll play a key role in driving operational excellence, leading and developing your team, and helping shape the future of the operation as the business continues to evolve.

What we're looking for

• Proven experience operating at Warehouse Operations Manager level (or equivalent) within a fast‑paced warehouse, distribution, or logistics environment
• Strong operational leadership experience within a warehouse setting, with accountability for end‑to‑end shift performance and delivery
• Demonstrable experience of leading large teams in a high‑volume, heavily unionised environment, including effective engagement with union representatives
• Experience gained within the FMCG and/or retail sector, ideally supporting complex supply chain or distribution operations
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to engage teams and drive performance through others
• Experience of working within a growing or evolving operation, with the ability to implement structure, consistency, and scalable processes
• Strong operational awareness, with the ability to make effective decisions in a fast‑paced and complex environment
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a wider management team across a 24/7 operation
• Good understanding of warehouse processes, health & safety standards, and operational compliance

Salary: £45,000 to £59,000 per annum (dependant on experience) + Unsocial Hours Premium
Hours: 4 on, 4 off - 12 hour shifts (3 Month Days & 3 Month Nights)
Location: Crewe Limited, Quakers Coppice, Crewe, CW1 6FB

What’s in it for you?

As well as a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:

• 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
• Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
• Attractive annual bonus scheme, based on M&S performance and personal objectives
• Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4 times salary)
• Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme
• A first-class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
• Cycle to work scheme

Why Gist?

When you join Gist, you're joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group.

You'll have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, work alongside experienced leaders and contribute to one of the UK's leading food supply chains.

Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow.

Whether you're leading a site operation, delivering transformation or shaping future strategy, your work will make a real difference.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger.

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.

Our Internal Recruitment Team fulfil all vacancies on a direct basis. Unsolicited contact by unapproved agencies (sharing speculative CVs) will not be accepted and introductory fees will not apply.