Head of Warehouse & Distribution Operations

Department: Warehouse

Location: Chalton, Luton

Reports To: Managing DIrector

We are seeking a strategic leader to own the end-to-end performance of our warehouse and distribution function. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will drive operational excellence and transformational change, ensuring our supply chain supports business growth while delivering outstanding service, efficiency and cost performance.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the warehouse and distribution strategy, aligning operational performance with business objectives for cost, service and scalability.
• Lead all warehouse and distribution activities, including inbound logistics, stock control, order fulfilment and outbound delivery.
• Own relationships with third-party logistics providers (3PLs), parcel carriers and pallet network partners, ensuring optimal service, cost control and contractual compliance.
• Drive cross-functional change initiatives, embedding new processes, technologies and ways of working across the business.
• Deliver operational performance against key KPIs including OTIF, inventory accuracy, cost-to-serve and customer service metrics.

Operational Duties

• Hold full P&L accountability for warehouse and distribution operations, identifying opportunities to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Lead, develop and inspire warehouse management teams and frontline colleagues through effective recruitment, coaching, performance management and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with all health & safety, regulatory and quality standards while maintaining best-in-class inventory accuracy.
• Manage carrier and 3PL performance through robust governance, KPI management, service reviews and commercial negotiations.
• Lead logistics procurement and tender activities to secure the most effective transport and fulfilment solutions.

Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the implementation and ongoing optimisation of a new Warehouse Management System (WMS), including vendor management, process design, testing, training and go-live delivery.
• Act as business owner for warehouse technology platforms, ensuring effective integration between WMS, ERP, automation solutions and logistics partners.
• Identify and deliver process improvement, automation and operational excellence initiatives to enhance efficiency, service levels and scalability.
• Foster a continuous improvement culture through Lean, Six Sigma and data-driven decision-making.
• Use operational and systems data to identify opportunities, resolve bottlenecks and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior warehouse, distribution or supply chain leadership role, with responsibility for operational performance, people leadership and budget management.
• Demonstrable success leading major business transformation initiatives, including Warehouse Management System (WMS) implementation, upgrade or migration projects.
• Significant experience managing outsourced logistics operations, including 3PLs, parcel carriers, pallet networks and transportation procurement.
• Strong understanding of warehouse and fulfilment best practices, including inventory management, picking and packing, slotting, cycle counting and logistics performance management.
• Experience integrating WMS, ERP and transport management systems to support efficient, scalable operations.
• Commercially astute, with strong financial management, P&L ownership and experience negotiating supplier and logistics contracts.
• Analytical and data-driven, with expertise in KPI development, capacity planning and operational performance reporting.
• Proven change leadership capabilities, with the ability to engage stakeholders, drive adoption and deliver measurable business benefits.
• Proficient in WMS and ERP platforms (e.g. SAP, Iptor, Microsoft Dynamics) and advanced Excel; experience with warehouse automation technologies is advantageous.

Remuneration

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company profit share scheme
• Company pension scheme