Senior Operations Manager

Morgan McKinley is exclusively representing a key client in the search for an experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead and develop its European warehouse and fulfilment operation, based in Dublin.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded, hands-on operations leader to take full ownership of a multi-client warehouse and fulfilment environment, overseeing day-to-day operations while driving service excellence, operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

The operation supports a diverse client base, managing goods receiving, inventory storage, kitting, rework and outbound distribution across the EU and international markets. The successful candidate will have responsibility for the overall performance of the site, encompassing people leadership, operational processes, systems, compliance and financial performance.

We are looking for someone who combines strong operational management experience with a practical, solutions-focused approach. You will be equally comfortable leading and developing a warehouse team, improving processes, analysing operational data and leveraging technology to create efficiencies and improve performance.

Key Responsibilities

Warehouse & Fulfilment Operations

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of the 16,000 sq. ft. European warehouse and fulfilment operation, working through the Warehouse Lead and wider team.

• Oversee all inbound activities, including purchase order receiving, goods inspection, discrepancy resolution and accurate inventory records.

• Manage outbound fulfilment, ensuring efficient sales order processing, shipment documentation, same-day and urgent dispatches, and effective backorder management.

• Oversee kitting, rework and value-added service projects, ensuring work is accurately planned, delivered and signed off.

• Develop, implement and maintain robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, accountability and operational resilience.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Manage the commercial aspects of rework and value-added services, preparing quotations in line with agreed pricing structures and securing appropriate approvals before work commences.

• Coordinate monthly European invoicing data, including client shipment volumes and stock-on-hand reporting.

• Monitor and analyse carrier expenditure and operational costs, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce spend.

• Identify additional revenue opportunities, chargeable services and pricing improvements to strengthen the commercial performance of the operation.

• Ensure operational resources and processes are aligned with business requirements and financial objectives.

Shipping, Customs & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage key carrier relationships, primarily DHL Express, overseeing service levels, commercial agreements, rates and operational issues.

• Ensure the correct application of Incoterms and the accurate preparation of customs documentation for both EU and international shipments.

• Oversee dangerous goods shipping requirements, including lithium battery products (e.g. UN3481), ensuring appropriate documentation, waybill checks and suitable carrier arrangements.

• Take ownership of site Health & Safety, ensuring relevant policies, procedures and documentation are maintained and adhered to.

• Maintain high standards of regulatory compliance and operational governance across all warehouse and shipping activities.

Systems, Data & Continuous Improvement

• Act as the European operations super-user for the ERP system, developing reports, dashboards and generic enquiries to provide visibility of open orders, backorders and receiving performance.

• Own and develop the EMEA Operations service desk through Jira Service Management, managing request intake, workflows, forms, queues, automations and approval processes.

• Identify opportunities to streamline operations through technology, building and maintaining practical tools using Google Sheets, Apps Script and other low-code automation solutions.

• Drive a data-led approach to operational management, producing accurate weekly and monthly reporting covering shipments, receiving, inventory and backorders.

• Continuously review existing processes, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, accuracy, service levels and scalability.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, motivate and develop the warehouse team, taking responsibility for recruitment, onboarding, performance management and ongoing development.

• Establish a high-performance culture focused on accountability, service delivery, collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Act as the primary operational point of contact for Client Success, Sales and the wider EMEA leadership team.

• Build effective working relationships across the business, ensuring operational requirements and priorities are clearly communicated.

• Develop clear process documentation, internal guidance and regular operational updates to support effective collaboration across teams.

Candidate Requirements

Experience & Technical Skills

• A minimum of five years' experience within warehouse, logistics, fulfilment or third-party logistics (3PL) operations.

• At least two years' experience managing and developing operational teams.

• Proven experience within a multi-client warehouse or fulfilment environment, ideally involving kitting, rework or other value-added services.

• Good working knowledge of international shipping, customs procedures and Incoterms.

• Experience managing carrier relationships and international express distribution.

• Awareness of dangerous goods regulations and shipping requirements. IATA/ADR Dangerous Goods certification would be advantageous.

• Strong ERP and/or WMS experience, with the ability to develop reporting, dashboards and operational insights.

• Advanced Excel and/or Google Sheets skills.

• Experience configuring and managing workflow platforms such as Jira Service Management would be beneficial.

• Exposure to process automation, scripting or low-code solutions such as Google Apps Script, n8n or similar platforms would be a distinct advantage.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to extract, interpret and present operational and commercial data to support business decisions.

Personal Attributes

• A hands-on and pragmatic leader who is comfortable being close to the day-to-day operation while maintaining a strategic overview.

• Highly organised and process-driven, with a natural ability to identify inefficiencies and address root causes.

• Commercially astute, with the confidence to challenge costs, evaluate pricing and identify opportunities to improve profitability.

• A proactive problem-solver who enjoys building, implementing and improving processes.

• An effective communicator who can engage confidently with operational teams, senior stakeholders and cross-functional colleagues.

• Self-motivated and comfortable working autonomously in an evolving operational environment.

• Adaptable, resilient and able to balance competing priorities while maintaining high service standards.

Key Performance Measures

Success in this role will be measured against a range of operational, commercial and people-related KPIs, including:

• Order fulfilment: Order accuracy, service levels and on-time dispatch performance.

• Goods receiving: Receiving turnaround times, accuracy and inventory control.

• Value-added services: Accuracy of quotations, commercial approvals and timely delivery of kitting and rework projects.

• Cost management: Carrier expenditure and overall operating costs against budget.

• Compliance & governance: Customs and dangerous goods compliance, alongside up-to-date Health & Safety policies and documentation.

• People & performance: Team engagement, retention, productivity and individual performance.