Warehouse Operations Manager

Bidfood UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 4,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading foodservice provider in Manchester is looking for a Warehouse Operations Manager to oversee a 24-hour operation. You will be responsible for meeting KPIs, managing a team of up to 115 employees, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in fast-paced warehousing and proven leadership skills. Competitive salary and engaging work culture offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in fast-paced warehousing/distribution, preferably in foodservice.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational requirements of the Warehouse department.
• Achieve KPIs for all warehouse functions.
• Ensure operational compliance with QHSE and sustainability standards.

Skills

Strong communication

IT skills

Commercial awareness

Leadership

Team development

Job description

About the role

Job Details

• Job title: Warehouse Operations Manager
• Division/depot: Wholesale
• Reports to: Dependent on operational management structure – HOO / GM
• Subordinates: Warehouse Managers, Warehouse Team Managers, Warehouse Analysts, Warehouse Administrators, Warehouse Operatives (Day and Night Teams)
• Peer group: Transport Manager, Tele Sales Manager, Customer Service Manager, SEM

Role Purpose

To lead the operational requirements of the Warehouse department (24-hour operation), ensuring compliance with finance targets, legal standards, and delivering high service levels to internal and external customers through effective leadership.

Accountabilities

1. Achieve KPIs for all warehouse functions through guidance and coaching.
2. Lead a team and foster an engaging, collaborative culture, driving performance and standards.
3. Control resources and costs within agreed targets without compromising safety, people, or service.
4. Communicate effectively across shifts and departments.
5. Manage and deliver briefings to ensure adherence to company policies.
6. Ensure operational compliance with QHSE and sustainability standards.
7. Monitor investigations, understand root causes, and implement corrective actions.
8. Collaborate with teams to reduce damage and meet KPIs.
9. Review operations and recommend improvements.
10. Set clear expectations and objectives for direct reports, conduct reviews and appraisals.
11. Apply HR standards consistently, manage recruitment, absence, performance, and conduct in line with GDPR.
12. Ensure agency workers are recruited, trained, and compliant.
13. Utilize data from systems like WMS, One Source, and Risk Console to identify issues and drive improvements.
14. Lead change initiatives to ensure team engagement and successful implementation.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

• Implement company health and safety policies and risk assessments.
• Ensure effective deputising cover for health and safety matters.
• Support BS OHSAS 18001:2007 accreditation.
• Provide training and information for safe working practices.

Performance Measures & KPIs

• Achievement of KPIs as per warehouse manager job description.
• Conformity to audit standards.
• Cost control and efficiency metrics like Total Cost Per Item, warehouse retention, recruitment targets, and customer satisfaction scores.

Budgets & People

• Warehouse budget up to £4.5m.
• Overall warehouse headcount up to 115 employees, managed directly and indirectly.

Job Requirements

• Strong communication, IT skills, and commercial awareness.
• Experience in fast-paced warehousing/distribution, preferably in foodservice.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and influence stakeholders.

Challenges & Decision-Making

Balancing priorities across shifts, managing policies, making decisions in ambiguous situations, and influencing others for change.