Business Support Manager in Kettering

Business Support Manager in Kettering

Kettering Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
American President Lines

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across multiple distribution centres.
  • Company: Join CEVA Logistics, a top global supply chain solutions provider with a diverse team.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, pension, and discounts on various brands.
  • Other info: Be part of a culture that values growth, innovation, and teamwork.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in logistics and continuous improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

CEVA Logistics provides global supply chain solutions to connect people, products, and providers all around the world. Present in 170+ countries and with more than 110,000 employees spread over 1,500 sites, we are proud to be a Top 5 global 3PL.

We believe that our employees are the key to our success. We want to engage and empower our diverse, global team to co-create value with our customers through our solutions in contract logistics and air, ocean, ground, and finished vehicle transport. That is why CEVA Logistics offers a dynamic and exceptional work environment that fosters personal growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.

At CEVA Logistics, we rise in motion. Your career is always on the move, growing as fast and as far as your ambition takes you. Join a global team of nearly 200 nationalities, shaping the future of global trade, moving essential goods, forging new paths, and pushing boundaries to serve an ever-changing world. The pace is fast, the challenges are real, but the rewards are greater: growth, purpose, and the chance to make a meaningful impact. This is more than a job. It’s a journey on which you rise.

YOUR ROLE

We are seeking a Business Support Manager to play a pivotal role within CEVA’s Consumer & Retail Contract Logistics Business Unit, driving operational excellence, innovation and continuous improvement across a multi-site distribution network. Reporting directly to the Business Unit Director, you will work closely with Site Leadership and Contract Management teams to review operational performance, identify improvement opportunities and deliver transformational projects that enhance productivity, quality, service and profitability.

Operating across a business generating approximately £60 million in annual revenue and employing around 700 colleagues across six distribution centres, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on both operational performance and customer experience. This is a highly visible role for a continuous improvement professional who thrives on turning ideas into measurable results, influencing stakeholders at all levels and driving meaningful change in a fast-paced logistics environment.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

  • As a Business Support Manager, you will drive continuous improvement across multiple distribution centres, partnering with site and contract leaders to identify opportunities that enhance productivity, efficiency, quality and customer service.
  • You will lead improvement initiatives from concept through to implementation, building strong business cases, delivering measurable results and ensuring lasting operational benefits.
  • Working at the heart of the Business Unit, you'll use data, insight and operational expertise to challenge existing ways of working and uncover smarter, more effective solutions.
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement, supporting Kaizen activities, operational audits and customer reviews, while coaching teams to embed Lean thinking and best practice across the network.
  • You'll also explore emerging technologies, automation and innovative approaches that support future growth and strengthen CEVA's competitive advantage.
  • Working closely with Operations, Solution Design, Finance, IT, Business Development and Business Process Excellence teams, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of our operations and delivering meaningful change across the business.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

To be successful in this role, you will have a strong operational background within warehousing, distribution, supply chain or logistics, combined with a proven track record of delivering continuous improvement initiatives from concept through to implementation. You will have experience applying Lean, Six Sigma or similar improvement methodologies to deliver measurable operational benefits, with the ability to build compelling business cases and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.

Strong project management skills are essential, along with the ability to balance multiple priorities, manage change effectively and drive projects through to completion. You will be highly analytical and commercially aware, with the ability to interpret operational performance data and identify opportunities to improve productivity, service and profitability. Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills are critical, as you will regularly engage with site leadership teams, customers and support functions across the business. Experience within a multi-site logistics operation, customer-facing environment and exposure to quality management systems would be highly advantageous.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO OFFER?

With a genuine culture of reward and recognition, we want our employees to grow, develop and be part of our journey. We offer a benefits package that includes competitive annual leave entitlement with a fantastic holiday buy scheme, pension and life assurance along with access to an employee benefits platform that offers discounts on gym memberships and money off vouchers for a diverse range of retail, travel and hospitality brands. There’s no doubt that you will be compensated for your hard work and commitment.

ABOUT TOMORROW

We value your professional and personal growth. That’s why we share plenty of career opportunities for you to thrive within CEVA. Join CEVA for a challenging career. CEVA Logistics UK&I is committed to attracting, acquiring and retaining the best possible candidates in an equal and inclusive way that is consistent with employment legislation and best practice. We aim to select the best available person for every vacancy irrespective of age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, political beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and marital or civil partnership status.

Please note that candidates will be subject to the necessary right to work checks for the UK and Ireland.

Business Support Manager in Kettering employer: American President Lines

American President Lines in Ashby-de-la-Zouch is an exceptional employer, dedicated to nurturing future talent in the logistics sector through its innovative Early Careers strategy. With a strong focus on inclusivity and professional development, employees benefit from a competitive package that includes generous annual leave, pension contributions, and exclusive discounts, all within a supportive work culture that values growth and collaboration.

American President Lines

Contact Details:

American President Lines Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Support Manager in Kettering

Get Involved in Industry Events

Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like American President Lines and learning about the latest trends in the industry.

Leverage Online Communities

Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at American President Lines!

Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio

Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like American President Lines keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Manager in Kettering

Operational Excellence
Continuous Improvement
Lean Methodologies
Six Sigma
Project Management
Data Analysis
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to American President Lines:This is your chance to really connect with the team at American President Lines. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at American President Lines

Know Your Logistics Tools

Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with American President Lines.

Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.

Show Your Team Spirit

Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show American President Lines that you're a team player!

Understand the Big Picture

Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at American President Lines. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!