Morgan McKinley is proud to partner with a key client in the search for an experienced Warehouse Operations Manager to lead a high-volume, fast-paced logistics operation. This is a critical leadership role, requiring a proven operator with experience managing a large-scale distribution centre, driving operational excellence, and leading high-performing teams.
Role Overview
The Warehouse Operations Manager will hold full responsibility for the leadership, performance, and continuous improvement of a major distribution facility. The successful candidate will ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective warehousing and distribution operations, while consistently delivering best-in-class service levels to support business growth.
This role requires a strong leader with demonstrable experience overseeing complex, high-volume DC environments, with full accountability across operations, people, safety, inventory, and financial performance.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead all day-to-day warehouse and distribution operations, including inbound, storage, picking, packing, and outbound logistics.
- Deliver consistent on-time, in-full (OTIF) performance aligned to customer expectations.
- Translate strategic business goals into clear operational plans and measurable KPIs.
- Ensure operational scalability to support future growth and evolving customer demands.
People Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leaders, and large operational teams within a high-volume environment.
- Foster a high-performance, safety-first culture.
- Oversee workforce planning, scheduling, and productivity optimisation.
- Manage performance, employee relations, and succession planning.
- Drive employee engagement and continuous development across the operation.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Take full accountability for Health & Safety across the site, ensuring compliance with all legislation and best practice standards.
- Lead risk assessments, audits, and incident investigations.
- Champion a proactive and visible safety culture across all levels of the organisation.
Inventory & Asset Management
- Ensure high levels of inventory accuracy, stock integrity, and traceability.
- Oversee cycle counting and stock control processes, driving root cause analysis of discrepancies.
- Maintain warehouse infrastructure, equipment, and automation systems.
- Minimise shrinkage, loss, and damage across the operation.
Financial & Cost Management
- Manage the operational budget, including labour, transport, and overheads.
- Identify and deliver cost efficiencies without compromising service or safety.
- Monitor and report on key operational and financial KPIs.
- Support capital investment initiatives and business case development.
Systems & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure optimal use of WMS, ERP, and reporting systems.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
- Leverage data to drive performance improvements and operational efficiencies.
- Support transformation initiatives including system upgrades and process redesign.
Stakeholder Management
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Transport, Customer Service, Sales, Procurement, and Finance.
- Act as the primary operational contact for audits and compliance reviews.
- Manage third-party providers, including transport and labour partners.
- Provide clear reporting and updates to senior leadership on performance and risks.
Key Requirements
- Proven track record managing a large-scale distribution centre in a high-volume environment (essential).
- Experience within FMCG, wholesale, or B2B distribution environments highly desirable.
- Strong leadership experience managing large teams and multiple layers of supervision.
- Deep understanding of warehouse operations, inventory control, and transport coordination.
- Strong working knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and operational best practices.
- Experience with WMS/ERP systems and data-driven performance management.
Competencies
- Strong leadership presence with decisive decision-making capability.
- Results-driven with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
- High levels of accountability, integrity, and ownership.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to lead through change in complex environments.
- Lean / Continuous Improvement certification (desirable).
