General Manager in England

This position is full time and based at our Hemel Hempstead Distribution Centre. As a Distribution Centre General Manager, you will be responsible for the cost effective management of all warehousing and distribution operations and associated activities. You will lead the improvement of customer service through operational efficiency and look at reduction of costs whilst ensuring that the distribution centre operates efficiently, safely and legally. Strong people leadership skills are a must. The role requires someone capable of working under pressure, displaying a good analytical approach to work to deliver business results and to achieve performance and service levels, while being open to and actively championing initiatives that foster a diverse, inclusive and engaging culture across the distribution centre. This role will have over 250 indirect reports and 2 direct reports. As the DC is a 24/7 operation, there will be a need to be flexible for occasional weekend and night work. This role has a company car allowance.

Responsibilities

• Cost‑effective management of all warehousing and distribution operations.
• Drive operational KPIs to tight deadlines and deliver performance improvements.
• Lead and develop a large team of around 250 colleagues, ensuring high engagement, inclusivity and a strong performance culture.
• Champion safety, implementing proactive controls to maintain the highest H&S practices.
• Support direct and indirect reports across Transport, Warehouse, Health & Safety, Facilities and People teams.
• Maximise depot stock‑holding capacity and ensure efficient distribution to stores.
• Champion succession and talent planning to support robust talent pipelines.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity and performance, and grow the business.
• Accountably implement and achieve new initiatives in line with company guidelines.
• Prepare, manage and control DC capital and revenue budgets, ensuring cost‑effective methods and agreed level of service to stores.
• Ensure the Receiving & Storage Capability (RSC) is adequately staffed to receive stock and manage dispatch to stores, meeting the high quality standards demanded by the business.
• Manage stocktakes and audits within agreed deadlines.
• Monitor onsite contracts to ensure high quality, cost‑effective service within budget.
• Monitor full site security operation to ensure adequate protection of property, equipment and stock.

Qualifications & Experience

• Exceptional leadership capability with extensive people‑management experience.
• Experience managing large, complex teams (c.250 people) and driving operational KPIs.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, able to deliver business results under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, influence and develop teams, fostering an inclusive and high‑performing culture.
• Experience in a 24/7 distribution centre environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Office tools.
• Familiarity with multi‑temperature warehouse and transport procedures and compliance.
• Experience in volume, cost planning and budgeting.
• Senior management experience in an FMCG environment of at least 3 years.
• Experience with unionised environments and negotiations.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (Health & Safety, Employment Law, Discrimination, etc.).

Key Capabilities

• Commitment and ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent people‑management skills, ability to develop self and others and build inclusive, high‑performing teams.
• Ability to effectively plan labour and resources to deliver operational requirements on time while meeting agreed KPIs and service levels.
• Able to identify problems and provide effective business solutions.
• Effective team worker and confident, positive communicator.
• Experience in negotiations within a unionised environment.

Essential Skills

• High levels of initiative, focus, proactive approach, commitment and flexibility.
• Excellent understanding of multi‑temperature warehouse / transport procedures and compliance.
• Experience of volume, cost planning and budgeting.
• Senior management experience in an FMCG environment of at least 3 years.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 office knowledge.

Benefits

• Booker colleague card – 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
• After 3 months’ service – Tesco colleague discount card (10% rising to 15%, plus additional discounts).
• 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile.
• Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank.
• Free eye test; 30% off glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
• 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
• Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates.
• Exclusive deals website savings on everyday purchases.
• Share scheme – buy Tesco shares at a discount after 3 months’ service.
• Retirement savings plan (pension) – up to 5% match.
• Life assurance – death in service life cover up to three times annual pay.
• Health and wellbeing support – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP.
• Great holiday package.

About Us

Booker is the UK’s leading food & drink wholesaler, serving independent retailers, caterers and small businesses. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five Best Food Logistics sites and six support centre locations. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are core values – we are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and we are committed to a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We welcome flexible working discussions and encourage candidates to discuss how we might support them throughout the application.