Operations Manager

Advanced Supply Chain Group offer a complete end-to-end supply chain service, from source to shelf, covering all aspects of supply chain management, global logistics, fulfilment, and value-added services, allowing our customers to maximise the opportunities that exist in today’s technology-enabled marketplace. Using our unique intelligent supply chain model, we design innovative solutions to complex challenges, unlock new opportunities, and speed up and streamline existing processes by removing complexity from the supply chain. It all adds up to providing a service that is “Better, Faster, Cheaper” than our competitors.

Our core values drive everything we do. We believe in promoting a supportive environment for our colleagues, delivering exceptional service to our customers, contributing to the community, and working towards a more sustainable environment. If you share these values and are passionate about making a positive impact, we'd love to have you on our team.

About the role

This is a big, high-profile leadership role at the heart of a fast-moving, automated returns operation. As Operations Manager, you’ll take full ownership of our returns operation for a major customer at our Sheffield site — leading the teams, driving the performance and making sure we deliver a reliable, customer-focused service every single day.

You’ll be accountable for the whole picture: core returns processing, salvage, administration and the additional operational streams that come with a busy, high-volume site. From hitting service, quality and budget targets to keeping everything fully compliant with legal and company standards, the buck stops with you — and you’ll have a talented team of Operations Team Managers around you to make it happen.

If you’re an operational leader who thrives on scale, loves getting the best out of automation and technology, and gets a genuine kick out of developing high-performing teams, this is a role with real impact and real visibility.

• Shifts: AM & PM — 6am–2pm / 2pm–10pm
• Shift pattern: 5 days out of 7, including at least one weekend day

Keeping our people safe — health & safety is always the priority, with every activity run in line with company policy.

Owning the day-to-day operational costs, managing departmental budgets and contributing to the daily P&L.

Leading, developing and managing your Operations Team Managers — driving engagement, accountability and genuinely high performance.

Overseeing stock control and resolving warehouse queries to keep inventory accurate and the operation running smoothly.

Managing planning and production, getting the best out of machine utilisation and labour resource.

Providing leadership to the Administration and Account Management teams, keeping service excellence front and centre.

Developing, embedding and continuously improving SOPs across every operational function.

Maintaining quality standards and accreditations, including ISO 9001.

Leading all people management — recruitment, induction, training, performance, succession planning and development.

Monitoring, analysing and reporting performance against KPIs, and stepping in with corrective actions when needed.

Working hand-in-hand with other departments and group businesses to share best practice and lift overall performance.

Driving operational excellence, continuous improvement and efficiency gains across the board.

The experience we really need

• Extensive experience managing automated apparel returns processing operations.
• Proven leadership of large-scale operations — ideally a 24/7, 7-days-a-week operation — consistently delivering operational excellence.

The rest of your track record

• Experience of working in a stockless or fast-moving processing environment.
• A strong record of using automation and technology to lift productivity, efficiency and service levels.
• A proven ability to run high-volume operations while protecting quality, compliance and customer satisfaction.
• Experience leading multi-functional teams across Operations, Warehouse, Planning, Administration and Account Management.
• Strong commercial awareness, with real ownership of operational costs, productivity and profitability.

Your knowledge & qualifications

• A solid understanding of finance, and a track record of delivering financial targets.
• Excellent functional knowledge of warehousing and clothes processing, plus H&S in a warehouse and distribution setting.
• Knowledge of Lean Sigma manufacturing, and a good handle on Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook plus WMS scanners.
• NEBOSH qualified.

The kind of leader you are

• Enthusiastic, self-driven and determined, with a real desire to make a difference.
• People- and team-focused, with the leadership and influencing skills to create a dynamic, high-performance workplace.
• Analytical, organised and motivational, with the ability to develop others through coaching.
• Someone who embraces change and stays laser-focused on the KPIs.

What we need from you

• A proven ability to create a dynamic, high-performing team environment.
• Strong coaching and development skills, with a passion for helping others grow.
• Effective people management, leadership, and influencing skills.
• A proactive mindset that embraces change and drives improvement.
• A good knowledge of Health and Safety in a warehouse and distribution environment.
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma principles and how to apply them in practice.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft packages.

What we offer

At Advanced, your journey begins with a warm welcome and a comprehensive onboarding experience designed to set you up for success from day one. But it doesn't stop there—we’re committed to your continuous growth, offering ongoing training and development to help you sharpen your skills and reach your full potential.

We understand the significance of maintaining a healthy work/life balance, which is why we offer a hybrid working model for our office staff.

We know that time to recharge is essential for your wellbeing. That’s why, in addition to your 25 days annual leave, we offer the option to purchase additional days—giving you flexibility to take the breaks you need.

We believe that family matters, our enhanced maternity package offers six months of full pay, giving you the time and peace of mind to focus on your growing family. New dads and partners also receive two weeks full paternity pay, so you can be there for those important first moments.

Planning for your future has never been easier—or more rewarding. Through our salary sacrifice pension scheme, meaning you pay less tax overall, while still investing in your future.

You’ll be joining a team where collaboration, openness, and support are part of everyday life—because great work happens when people feel connected and inspired.