Warehouse Section Leader - Nights - (WSL.39)

Gist; Ospringe; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% M&S discount on most items

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Healthcare cash plan discounts

Pension (Auto Enrolment) or Defined DC

Job summary

Gist is hiring a Warehouse Section Leader for the night shift to oversee the operation on the warehouse floor and support up to 25 operatives. You will work closely with the Shift Manager to deliver the plan, taking ownership of your area and driving safety, accuracy and efficiency.

The role suits experienced warehouse professionals with leadership potential who can stay calm, set expectations and coach others during busy periods. Night-shift experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Proven experience within a fast-paced warehouse, distribution or logistics environment.
• Previous Team Leader, Supervisor or similar experience is beneficial, or readiness to step up.
• Strong focus on health, safety and operational standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the day-to-day activity of up to 25 Warehouse Operatives, ensuring priorities are understood.
• Take ownership of an operational area and ensure plan is delivered safely, accurately and efficiently.
• Provide clear direction, communication and ongoing feedback to colleagues.
• Monitor KPIs and support actions to improve performance.
• Coach colleagues to meet operational expectations and high standards.
• Support induction and ongoing training of new and existing colleagues.
• Identify and resolve day-to-day operational issues and escalate when needed.
• Respond to safety concerns and ensure a safe, compliant environment.
• Collaborate with other Section Leaders and Shift Managers to deliver a strong shift.

Skills

Leadership experience

Team coordination

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Health & safety focus

Tools

Warehouse Management Systems

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.

Ready to take the next step in your warehouse career and make an impact in a fast-paced operation?

We're looking for a Warehouse Section Leader to join our night team, taking a key role in the day-to-day running of our warehouse operation and supporting Warehouse Operatives across the shift.

This is a hands-on, front-line operational role. While you won't have formal direct reports, you'll be a visible presence on the warehouse floor, helping organise the team, setting clear expectations, monitoring performance and making sure the operation delivers safely and efficiently throughout the night.

We're looking for someone with energy, drive and the confidence to take ownership. You might already be working as a Warehouse Team Leader or Supervisor, or you could be an experienced warehouse professional ready to take the next step and build your leadership experience.

You don't need to come from food logistics. What matters is that you understand a fast-paced warehouse environment, are confident working with people and have the ambition to develop and progress.

What you’ll be doing

As a Warehouse Section Leader, you'll work closely with the Warehouse Shift Manager to deliver the operational plan for your area throughout the night.

You’ll:

• Coordinate the day-to-day activity of up to 25 Warehouse Operatives, ensuring everyone understands the priorities for the shift.
• Take ownership of a specific operational area and help ensure the plan is delivered safely, accurately and efficiently.
• Provide clear direction, communication and ongoing feedback to colleagues.
• Monitor operational and service KPIs, identifying where performance is off track and supporting action to improve.
• Coach and support colleagues to achieve operational expectations and maintain high standards.
• Help coordinate resource across the shift, responding to changing volumes and priorities.
• Support the induction and ongoing training of new and existing colleagues.
• Undertake Return to Work conversations and support other people processes where required.
• Identify and resolve day-to-day operational issues, escalating more complex challenges appropriately.
• Respond to safety concerns, hazards and near misses, ensuring these are dealt with or escalated quickly.
• Champion health and safety and ensure colleagues are working in a safe and compliant environment.
• Encourage colleagues to share ideas and contribute to improvements across the operation.
• Work collaboratively with other Section Leaders, Shift Managers and teams to deliver a strong overall shift.

Working nights means priorities can change quickly, so you'll need to be comfortable making decisions, solving problems and keeping people focused when the operation gets busy.

What we’re looking for

We're open to candidates from a range of warehouse and logistics backgrounds. You don't need to have worked within FMCG before, but you will need experience of working within a busy, fast-paced warehouse operation.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who brings the right attitude, energy and potential.

You’ll ideally have:

• Proven experience within a fast-paced warehouse, distribution or logistics environment.
• Previous Team Leader, Supervisor or similar experience would be beneficial, although we'd also consider experienced warehouse colleagues ready to take their next step.
• The confidence to coordinate and provide direction to colleagues on the warehouse floor.
• A positive and energetic approach with the ability to keep people focused during busy periods.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to balance several priorities at once.
• An understanding of operational KPIs and the importance of productivity, accuracy and service.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A practical approach to problem-solving and the confidence to take ownership when issues arise.
• A strong focus on health, safety and operational standards.
• Experience using Warehouse Management Systems would be beneficial.
• A genuine desire to learn, develop and progress your career within operations.

Previous night-shift experience would be beneficial, but we're more interested in finding someone with the right operational experience, leadership potential and approach.

If you're an experienced warehouse professional looking for greater responsibility, or an existing team leader looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Step up. Take ownership. Support the team. Drive performance.

Role details

Salary: £37,471.08 per annum + £4,500 shift allowance

Working pattern: 4 on, 3 off rolling night shift

Hours: Starting at either 6pm or 8pm and finishing at 4am or 6am, depending on the rolling shift pattern

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
• 20 days' annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
• Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
• 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 support 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 contribute to a fast-paced operation, work alongside experienced leaders and play an important part in one of the UK's leading food supply chains.

For someone looking to build their operational career, this role offers the opportunity to take on greater responsibility, develop your leadership skills and gain experience within a large-scale logistics operation.

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.

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.

Recruiter: Brown, Lucy (People)