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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our distribution network and optimise operations for Waitrose.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be part of a purpose-driven team that values innovation and inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale operations, budget management, and team leadership required.
- Other info: This is a homeworker role with national travel expected.
The predicted salary is between 113600 - 151600 £ per year.
About the role
As Head of Distribution, you will be responsible for leading our distribution network, navigating the challenges of a large-scale, fast-paced operation. Our network is a blend of in-house and third-party logistics operated sites. The Head of Distribution will set the future vision and direction for the Distribution Team, ensuring fully optimized, future-proof operations that enable the Waitrose and Partnership business plans. The role will also focus on ensuring excellent productivity and effective cost control, while achieving the optimal balance between service levels and efficiency of people, systems, and processes, always considering changes in trading performance, emerging business strategies, external influences, and industry best practices.
You will lead the teams to achieve operational excellence and deliver against targets within an extremely volatile, demand-driven environment across a 24/7 operation. You will have operational responsibility for two Partner-run Regional Distribution Centres and oversee the performance of external 3PL operations, including two further Regional Distribution Centres, the National Distribution Centre, and additional operations led by GXO, Wincanton, and Lenham, supporting a Waitrose £10bn retail operation.
Salary: £133,000 - £181,000.
Contract type: This position is a Permanent contract.
Location: This is a homeworker role with expected national travel.
Interviews: Likely to take place the week commencing 16th June.
Essential skills/experience you’ll need
- Experience leading large-scale, fast-paced operations, ideally in grocery/Retail, with a budget accountability of approximately £300m pa.
- Experience managing performance to meet key KPIs, managing large budgets, and delivering financial targets.
- Experience managing 3PLs, including performance management, contract negotiations, and tender renewals. Experience working directly for a 3PL is advantageous.
- Good knowledge of safety and legal compliance in large-scale transport and warehouse operations, ideally with previous O licence responsibility and Manager CPC qualification.
- Proven experience creating diverse and inclusive cultures, supported by effective development and talent mapping.
- Effective stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate and influence internal and external groups.
- Understanding of the grocery market and its demands, especially in volatile conditions.
- Experience creating motivated, high-performing teams.
- Experience leading large teams through change and transformation.
- People-focused leadership with the ability to inspire others.
The partnership
We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home of John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees; we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. We focus on being brilliant at retail, continuously innovating, adapting, and diversifying. We uphold our values of price, quality, and service in John Lewis and passionately serve food lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners, we share ownership and the rewards, contributing to our success through our voices, working together through all challenges, and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We aim to create an environment where everyone belongs, embracing differences and fostering growth both individually and collectively. As Partners, we make a difference, and we own it.
Important points to note:
- Some roles require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks if applicable. You will be informed and provided with details during recruitment.
- Apply promptly, as vacancies may close early if many applications are received.
- We support flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance, including flexible hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts. Discuss options with the hiring manager during the interview.
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Distribution, Waitrose
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in grocery retail and distribution. Understanding the current challenges and innovations in the industry will help you speak confidently about how you can lead Waitrose's distribution network effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the logistics and grocery sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing large budgets and KPIs in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in past roles, as this will demonstrate your capability for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and how it aligns with Waitrose's values. Think about how you can illustrate your ability to create inclusive cultures and motivate teams, as these are key aspects of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Distribution, Waitrose
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Distribution position at Waitrose. Make sure you understand the responsibilities, required skills, and the company's values to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in leading large-scale operations, particularly in grocery or retail. Include specific examples of how you've managed budgets, KPIs, and 3PLs to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role requires people-focused leadership, provide examples of how you've created motivated teams and led them through change. Highlight any initiatives you've implemented that fostered diversity and inclusion within your teams.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the listing to ensure your application resonates with the hiring team and showcases your alignment with their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Distribution role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around managing large-scale operations and 3PLs. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your people-focused leadership style. Discuss how you've inspired teams through change and transformation, as this is crucial for the role. Highlight any experience in creating diverse and inclusive cultures.
✨Be Ready to Discuss KPIs and Budgets
Since the role involves managing performance against key KPIs and large budgets, be prepared to discuss your past experiences in these areas. Bring specific examples of how you've successfully met financial targets and managed operational efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Expertise
Effective stakeholder management is key for this position. Prepare to share instances where you've collaborated with internal and external groups, influencing outcomes positively. This will show your ability to navigate complex relationships within the business.
