Morgan McKinley is delighted to be partnering with a key client to recruit an experienced Warehouse Operations Manager to lead and optimise a fast-paced warehouse and distribution function. This is an exciting opportunity for a high-calibre operational leader to play a pivotal role in driving daily performance while supporting the implementation of a new Warehouse Management System (WMS) and future automation initiatives.
The Role
Reporting into senior leadership, the successful candidate will be the operational heartbeat of the warehouse, taking ownership of all day-to-day warehouse and distribution activities. Leading a team of 20+ colleagues, you will ensure the accurate and timely dispatch of 300+ daily orders while building a high-performing culture focused on accountability, development, and continuous improvement.
This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance pace and productivity with long-term people development and strategic operational planning.
Key Responsibilities
Warehouse & Distribution Operations
- Oversee the full outbound order cycle, ensuring 300+ B2B orders are dispatched daily in line with service level expectations.
- Maintain exceptional order accuracy standards through robust picking, packing, and verification controls.
- Manage shift planning and labour allocation to meet daily demands, seasonal peaks, and urgent customer requirements.
- Drive warehouse efficiency through process improvement initiatives and best-in-class operational practices.
Systems & Continuous Improvement
- Play a key role in the implementation of a new Warehouse Management System (WMS).
- Identify and deliver automation opportunities to enhance efficiency and scalability.
- Use operational data and reporting to monitor trends, improve workflows, and reduce bottlenecks.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 20+ employees in a fast-paced environment.
- Implement a cross-training framework to ensure employees are multi-skilled across key warehouse functions.
- Deliver structured training and development plans for all team members.
- Conduct regular one-to-ones, performance reviews, and succession planning activities.
- Identify high-potential talent and create clear internal progression pathways.
Performance & KPI Management
- Deliver strong OTIF (On-Time In-Full) performance.
- Maintain high levels of stock accuracy through disciplined cycle counting and inventory control processes.
- Manage absenteeism, retention, productivity, and labour efficiency metrics.
- Provide regular performance updates to senior stakeholders.
Culture, Safety & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build a positive, ownership-led culture where employees feel empowered and engaged.
- Foster an open environment where issues and errors are raised constructively and resolved quickly.
- Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation and warehouse safety procedures.
- Manage equipment maintenance schedules and safe working practices.
- Build strong relationships across operations, commercial, finance, and supply chain functions.
- Resolve team issues professionally and lead with emotional intelligence in high-pressure situations.
The Ideal Candidate
Experience & Qualifications
- 3-5+ years' experience in a Warehouse Manager / Operations Manager role.
- Background in wholesale, FMCG, logistics, or high-volume B2B distribution environments.
- Proven experience supporting or leading a WMS implementation or systems transformation project.
- Strong IT and systems capability across WMS, ERP platforms, and advanced Excel.
- Experience managing transport operations, internal fleet activity, and/or third-party logistics providers.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety regulations and Irish workplace compliance standards.
Personal Attributes
- Strong people leader with a hands-on, floor-based management style.
- Commercially aware with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Analytical problem-solver with the ability to remove operational bottlenecks.
- Comfortable leading teams through change, growth, and transformation.
- Strong communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Empathetic leader capable of developing and motivating a diverse workforce.
