Warehouse Operations Manager

Morgan McKinley is partnering with a key client, part of one of Europe's leading online retail groups, to recruit an experienced Warehouse Operations Manager to take full ownership of its warehouse operation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on, commercially minded leader to shape and optimise a fast-paced eCommerce warehouse, with responsibility spanning warehouse layout, inventory management, operational systems, team structure and overall performance.

The successful candidate will have the autonomy to make a genuine impact, combining strong people leadership with a data-driven approach to operational efficiency, continuous improvement and scalability. This is a role for someone who enjoys being on the warehouse floor, challenging existing processes and building an operation that is equipped to support continued business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Warehouse Management: Take ownership of all warehouse activities, including goods-in, put-away, replenishment, picking, packing and dispatch.

• Warehouse Layout & Space Optimisation: Design and continuously improve warehouse layouts, using stock movement data and product velocity to maximise space utilisation and streamline workflow.

• Stock Control & Inventory Management: Maintain high levels of inventory accuracy, implementing robust processes and systems to minimise discrepancies and improve stock availability.

• Team Structure & Leadership: Establish and develop an effective team leader structure across all key warehouse functions, ensuring clear accountability, communication and operational oversight.

• Performance Management: Set clear expectations and KPIs for team leaders and warehouse colleagues, providing coaching, development and performance management to drive results.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Customer Service, Purchasing, Sales and Senior Management to ensure warehouse operations support wider business objectives and customer expectations.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity, streamline processes, enhance systems and introduce automation where appropriate.

• Health & Safety: Maintain high standards of workplace safety, ensuring operational risks are managed effectively and best practices are embedded throughout the warehouse.

Key Performance Areas

Success in this role will be measured against a range of operational and people performance indicators, including:

• On-Time Order Fulfilment: Ensure orders are processed and dispatched within agreed cut-off times, maintaining consistent service levels during both standard trading and peak periods.

• Warehouse Productivity: Improve throughput and efficiency across all warehouse functions as order volumes increase.

• Order Accuracy & Quality: Minimise picking and packing errors, product damage, rework and inventory discrepancies.

• Capacity & Space Utilisation: Maximise existing warehouse capacity while planning for future growth, increased volumes and range expansion.

• Workforce Performance & Retention: Build a stable, engaged and high-performing team, with a focus on staffing levels, attendance, retention, leadership development and employee engagement.

• Health & Safety Performance: Proactively manage operational risks, prevent incidents and continuously improve safety awareness and compliance.

• Automation & Scalability: Drive improvements in processes, systems and technology to reduce manual intervention, increase efficiency and support the long-term scalability of the operation.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Experience

Candidates must meet the following essential criteria to be considered:

• A minimum of 5 years' experience managing a warehouse or logistics operation, ideally within a fast-paced eCommerce or retail environment.

• Proven people management experience, with the ability to lead, develop and hold teams accountable for performance.

• A strong analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret operational data, identify trends and use insights to drive informed decisions. Training will be provided on the client's specific systems and tools.

• Demonstrable experience managing day-to-day warehouse operations and delivering against operational KPIs.

Desirable Experience & Skills

• Experience designing, reviewing or optimising warehouse layouts within a high-volume operation.

• Strong knowledge of stock control, inventory management and warehouse process discipline.

• Good working knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

• Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end warehouse process, from goods-in through to final dispatch.

• An interest in warehouse automation, emerging technologies and systems innovation, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities to improve operational performance.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a confident, hands-on warehouse leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.

You will combine strong operational expertise with a practical, data-led approach to problem-solving, alongside the ability to motivate teams and establish a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

You will be comfortable leading from the warehouse floor, making informed decisions and taking ownership of results. Most importantly, you will be someone who looks beyond day-to-day challenges, constantly seeking smarter ways to improve performance, enhance customer service and prepare the operation for future growth.

What's on Offer?

• A senior leadership opportunity with genuine ownership and the ability to influence how the warehouse operates.

• Autonomy and accountability, with the opportunity to shape warehouse layout, processes, systems and team structure.

• The support of a growing international group, with colleagues and wider business expertise across Europe.

• A dynamic and collaborative working environment that values initiative, operational excellence and work-life balance.

• Career development opportunities as the business continues to expand and evolve.