Warehouse Section Leader - (WSL.42)

Gist; Ospringe; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% M&S discount

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Healthcare discount

Pension scheme & life assurance

Perks via app with retailer discounts

Wellbeing support

Comprehensive induction and training

Cycle to work

Job summary

Gist is seeking a Warehouse Section Leader to drive the day-to-day operation at our Faversham site. You will lead a team of up to 25 operatives, ensuring the shift runs safely and efficiently, while delivering the operational plan in partnership with the Shift Manager.

You’ll need hands-on leadership, strong communication and the ability to prioritise in a busy environment. Experience in FMCG or logistics and a proactive, positive approach are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced warehouse, distribution or logistics environment.
• Previous Team Leader or Supervisor experience is beneficial.
• Ability to coordinate and direct colleagues on the warehouse floor.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage changing priorities.
• Understanding of operational KPIs and the importance of productivity, accuracy and service.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day activity of up to 25 Warehouse Operatives, ensuring priorities are understood.
• Own a specific operational area and ensure daily plan is delivered safely and efficiently.
• Provide clear direction, communication and ongoing feedback to colleagues.
• Monitor KPIs and support actions to improve performance.
• Coach and support colleagues to meet operational expectations.
• Coordinate resources across the shift for changing volumes and priorities.
• Support induction and ongoing training of new and existing colleagues.
• Identify and resolve day-to-day operational issues and escalate as needed.
• Respond to safety concerns and maintain a safe environment.
• Champion health and safety and ensure compliance.

Skills

Team Leadership

Warehouse Operations

People Management

Communication

KPIs

Coaching

Tools

WMS experience

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 team, taking a key role in the day-to-day running of our warehouse operation and supporting a team of Warehouse Operatives across your 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.

We're looking for someone with energy, drive and the confidence to take ownership. You might already be a Warehouse Team Leader or Supervisor, or you could be an experienced warehouse professional ready to take that 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, enjoy 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.

You:

• 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 daily 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 operational 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 and ensure 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.

This is a role where you'll be out in the operation, working alongside your team and making things happen.

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 ideally have:

• Proven experience working 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, energetic approach and the ability to keep people focused during busy periods.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage changing priorities.
• 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.

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

Working pattern: 4 on, 3 off rolling day shift

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

Location: Faversham-ME13 7TW

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 will 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.