Warehouse Shift Supervisor

Trades Workforce Solutions; Thrapston; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK distribution center is seeking an experienced Warehouse Shift Supervisor to manage and lead operations during the AM shift. The role requires a hands-on leader to ensure safety, efficiency, and performance, promoting a coaching culture among team members. Responsibilities include supervising all operations, maintaining compliance with health and safety standards, and driving continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a similar role and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in a warehouse or distribution environment is essential.
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation is critical.
• Must demonstrate leadership and coaching abilities.

Responsibilities

• Open and close the distribution center safely.
• Supervise all operational areas and staff.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies.
• Promote continuous improvement and collaboration.

Skills

Proven experience supervising teams

Strong working knowledge of health & safety

Clear communication skills

Commercial awareness

Hands-on leadership

Job description

Warehouse Shift Supervisor - AM

Location: Thrapston, Northants

Hours: Monday–Friday, 06:30–14:30

Salary - £32-40k

We’re recruiting an experienced Warehouse Shift Supervisor to support day-to-day operations at a busy UK distribution centre. This is a hands-on leadership role with shared responsibility for site operations, safety and performance, including taking operational ownership when senior management is not on site.

You’ll lead teams across inbound, outbound, returns and quality, ensuring work is carried out safely, accurately and efficiently, while promoting a modern, coaching-led culture.

Key Responsibilities

Site & Shift Management

• Open and close the distribution centre safely and securely when required
• Supervise all operational areas, people and equipment
• Maintain site security and manage access for drivers, visitors and contractors
• Escalate significant operational issues via agreed routes

Operational Leadership

• Lead daily activity across:
• Goods In & Putaway
• Loading & Despatch
• Returns Processing
• QA/QC & Rework
• Shipping Office administration
• Deploy labour effectively against daily plans
• Monitor accuracy, productivity, OTIF and KPIs
• Stay close to the operation and raise risks or inefficiencies early
• Support correct system use and adoption of modern tools

People Leadership

• Lead by example with clear expectations and consistent behaviours
• Coach, support and develop team members
• Support onboarding, training and succession planning
• Promote continuous improvement and modern ways of working

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all H&S legislation and company policies
• Carry out daily safety checks and address hazards immediately
• Ensure correct use of PPE and safe systems of work
• Support risk assessments, incident reporting and investigations
• Deliver and monitor mandatory H&S training and toolbox talks

Continuous Improvement

• Use data, KPIs and feedback to improve flow and reduce defects
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, especially around labour efficiency
• Champion simple, effective ways of working without compromising safety or service

Collaboration & Flexibility

• Work closely with the wider DC management team to ensure smooth handovers
• Communicate risks, capacity constraints and priorities clearly
• Provide flexibility during peak periods, holidays and absences
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve stock, service or system issues

What Success Looks Like

• Safe, compliant and well-organised operations
• Strong KPI ownership with visible leadership on the floor
• Low error rates and consistent OTIF performance
• Engaged, empowered teams with clear development support
• Effective collaboration across shifts and functions
• Proactive cost control and early escalation of risks

About You

• Proven experience supervising teams in a warehouse or distribution environment
• Strong working knowledge of health & safety
• Confident, calm and practical leader with a hands-on approach
• Clear communicator who can coach, challenge and support
• Commercially aware with the confidence to question unnecessary cost
• Flexible, reliable and comfortable supporting the operation during peak demand

Interested?

Apply today to discuss this opportunity confidentially with our recruitment team.