Head of Warehouse Operations - #2188888

Head of Warehouse Operations

Greater Manchester | Up to £80,000 DOE + Bonus + Benefits

Our client is a leading FMCG distributor seeking an experienced Head of Warehouse Operations to lead and optimise its high-volume warehousing and distribution centre operation. This is a senior leadership opportunity within a fast-paced environment, responsible for warehouse performance, inventory management, fulfilment, stock accuracy, labour planning, customer service delivery and operational excellence.

Reporting to the Supply Chain Director, you will lead a large operational workforce, driving productivity, service levels, people development, health & safety standards and continuous improvement across the warehouse function to support ongoing business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all warehouse operations, including inbound goods, storage, inventory control, picking, packing and dispatch activities
• Develop and implement warehouse strategies that improve operational efficiency, throughput, service levels and cost performance
• Drive productivity improvements through labour optimisation, process improvement and effective resource planning
• Ensure OTIF targets, order accuracy, stock integrity and customer service KPIs are consistently achieved
• Lead, coach and develop a large warehouse team through a structure of managers, shift leaders and supervisors
• Oversee workforce planning, shift structures and capacity management to support seasonal and fluctuating demand
• Maintain exceptional inventory accuracy through effective stock control, cycle counting and WMS utilisation
• Manage warehouse budgets, labour costs and operational expenditure while identifying opportunities for cost reduction
• Lead Lean, Continuous Improvement and operational excellence initiatives to improve warehouse performance
• Utilise operational reporting and performance metrics to drive accountability and informed decision-making
• Support warehouse automation, systems development and technology-driven improvement projects
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Customer Service and Commercial teams to ensure seamless service delivery
• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, quality, food safety and regulatory standards
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, safety and operational excellence

About You

• Proven senior leadership experience within FMCG, food & drink, manufacturing, retail, e-commerce or high-volume environments
• Strong background leading large-scale warehouse and fulfilment operations
• Experience managing warehouses of 100+ employees within a fast-moving operational environment
• Demonstrable success improving productivity, inventory accuracy, throughput and warehouse efficiency
• Strong understanding of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), inventory control and warehouse automation technologies
• Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Exceptional people leadership skills with experience developing large operational teams
• Strong commercial and analytical capability

This is an excellent opportunity for a high-calibre distribution professional to make a significant impact within a market-leading FMCG business, driving operational performance and shaping the future of a critical distribution function.

If you are keen to find out more, please contact Adam Norris at Reed or apply now.