Zone Manager

Dunelm; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Dunelm is recruiting a Zone Manager for the Stoke Distribution Centre. You will lead a fast-paced operational zone, ensuring safety, productivity and quality standards while developing a high-performing team that delivers outstanding service to stores and customers.

You will own planning, resource management and continuous improvement initiatives, working with Shift Managers to optimise service levels and colleague engagement in a dynamic distribution environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in a warehouse/logistics environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in using KPIs to drive performance improvements.
• Excellent communication with stakeholders at all levels.
• Commitment to health and safety standards.
• Organised with the ability to plan multiple activities.

Responsibilities

• Own and optimise your operational zone to meet targets and service requirements.
• Plan staffing, processes and resources to hit performance targets.
• Collaborate with Shift Managers to drive service levels and improvements.
• Coach and develop Team Leaders to build a high-performing team.
• Foster accountability and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Set clear objectives and align with wider business goals.
• Drive communications, training and engagement across the area.
• Maintain housekeeping, safety and operational standards.
• Monitor performance metrics and address issues to improve results.
• Champion policies and values and ensure compliance across the zone.
• Support change projects to enhance efficiency and colleague experience.

Skills

Team leadership

Operational excellence

KPIs & performance

Stakeholder management

Health & safety mindset

Planning & organisation

Job description

Overview

As the UK's leading home furnishings retailer, Dunelm continues to grow, and so do our teams. We have an exciting opportunity for a Zone Manager to join our Stoke Distribution Centre, playing a key role in delivering outstanding service to our stores and customers.

This is a fast-paced leadership role where you'll be responsible for the performance, engagement and continuous improvement of your operational zone. You'll lead by example, ensuring safety, productivity and quality standards are achieved while developing a high-performing team culture that supports Dunelm's continued success.

What you'll be doing

• Taking ownership of your operational zone, ensuring it consistently delivers against business objectives and service requirements.
• Planning effectively to ensure the zone has the people, processes and resources required to meet performance targets.
• Working closely with Shift Managers to understand service levels, identify opportunities and implement improvement plans.
• Leading, coaching and developing Team Leaders and colleagues to create a motivated, engaged and high-performing team.
• Creating a culture of accountability, recognition and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring colleagues have clear objectives and understand how their role contributes to the wider business goals.
• Driving effective communication, team engagement, training and development initiatives across your area.
• Maintaining exceptional housekeeping, health & safety and operational standards.
• Monitoring performance metrics and taking proactive action to address challenges and improve results.
• Championing company policies, processes and values, ensuring they are understood and consistently followed.
• Supporting operational change and improvement projects that enhance efficiency, productivity and colleague experience.

What we'll look for in you

• Proven experience leading teams within a warehouse, logistics, distribution or fast-paced operational environment.
• A strong people leader who can motivate, coach and develop others to achieve their full potential.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships at all levels.
• A proactive and resilient approach, with the ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively.
• A continuous improvement mindset and a passion for driving operational excellence.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, plan and manage multiple activities.
• Experience using performance data and KPIs to drive results and improve team performance.
• A positive, hands-on leadership style with a genuine desire to create an engaged and high-performing team culture.
• A "can do" attitude that embraces challenge, change and new opportunities.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health & safety, quality and operational performance.