At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop operations teams in a dynamic logistics environment.
- Company: Join Booker, the UK's leading food and drink wholesaler.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, healthcare plans, and 34 days holiday.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; everyone is welcome here.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, flexible work culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in logistics management.
The predicted salary is between 27584 - 33714 £ per year.
What's in it for you
- Pension
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Personal Accident Scheme
- Private Healthcare
- 10% Tesco discount, which increases to 15% for 4 days every 4 weeks (all discounts apply to home delivery)
- 20% discount on F&F Clothing
- 10% discount at Tesco Café
- 10% Booker discount
- Pizza Hut Restaurants: 25% discount after 3pm, excludes buffet and deals
- 25% discount at selected Burger King restaurants
- Pensionsave up to 6% and Best will match your contribution
- 1 year life assurance for all colleagues; or 3 years if you join the pension scheme
- Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family & the opportunity to join a healthcare cash plan
- An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including cinema vouchers & a cycle to work scheme
- 34 days holiday including public holidays
About the role
We operate the UK's ONLY flexible multi-temp, shared customer delivery logistics network. We buy, warehouse, pick and distribute products to the nation's best loved food and drink brands every single day and provide the best experience to our customers. As Head of Operations for Best Food Logistics, your role is to manage, lead and develop the depot operations teams within the Warehouse, Transportation & National Facilities to ensure that the company's Health, Safety and Legal elements are upheld and that quality, services and financial targets are met. This role is working 40 hours per week. This is a national role which will require travel to all 6 sites. It also offers you the opportunity to work from any one of our 3 main locations.
You will be responsible for
- Lead a Senior Management team consisting of Seven direct reports
- Prepare, manage and control the cost, revenue and capital budgets for all sites ensuring cost-effective methods of operations are used whilst achieving both customer service and operational KPIs
- Ensure that each operation is provided up to date client volumes and promotional activities to ensure the team can effectively plan and have sufficient flexibility to control costs in periods of lower volumes
- Daily/weekly monitoring of all key KPI targets through completion of numerous metrics
- Manage the performance of all Direct Reports by setting objectives, measuring progress and feeding back on performance outcomes
- Develop the management team to ensure that the company objectives can be met and ensuring that the operation is managed in a way that the company is Health, Safe and Legal at all times
- Undertake Business tenders aligned to Booker/Tesco for the key elements of the business, Fleet, MHE, Facilities, and assist in the management of 3rd party contractors utilised by operations to ensure they provide a high-quality service in a cost-effective manner and within budget
- Engage effectively with the Unions and maintain good industrial relations through relationships with the Union reps and national Officers
- Work collaboratively with the other departments throughout the business and the Operations Director to maximise the effectiveness of the warehouse and distribution activities
- Making difficult decisions for the good of the business
- Day to day communications to senior Leadership team on operational updates
- Continuous management of performance levels aligned to the business KPIs ensuring targets are consistently met within operational efficiencies & cost parameters
- Provide support to all direct reports in achieving objectives, developing and encouraging individuals throughout the operation to obtain their full potential
- Continuous improvements in KPIs throughout the business ensuring sustainability and continuity, managing the financial, social and environmental risks, obligations and opportunities, ensuring consistency, legal compliance and best practice across the division
- Contribute to the strategic plans of the business and support in the efficiencies and effectiveness of the Best Food Logistics network
- Working closely with other departments, Transportation Planning, Procurement, Client relations, Customer services, Finance, CAD to ensure clear communication lines are maintained to achieve objectives and budgets
- Ensure consistency, Health, Safe & legal compliance and best practice across the division
You will need
- Essential: Possess excellent people management skills and the ability to influence at all levels
- Proven track record for delivering a consistently high operational performance
- Commercial awareness, finance, customer service requirements and excellent knowledge and experience of warehouse, transport and facilities operations
- Ability to negotiate and challenge the Status Quo effectively at all levels
- Experience of working with and managing unions
- Flexibility - The role covers all sites throughout the country, therefore there is a requirement to travel nationally
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Health and Safety legislation
- Understand how to implement & utilize Performance Management tools and techniques
- Desirable: A min of 5 years experience within a multi-site, fast-moving warehouse and distribution environment, having previously held a senior management position
- A Transport Manager CPC would be an advantage
- Commercial acumen, experience of negotiating contracts and tenders
About The Company
Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, 8 distribution centres, 5 Best Food Logistics sites, as well as 6 support centre locations across the UK.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we're a place where Everyone's Welcome. We know life looks a little different for each of us. That's why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers; some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.
We're proud that Booker is a Disability Confident Committed Leader and we're committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
Please note: We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles. On the occasions where we have high volumes of applicants, some roles may close earlier than the advertised end date in order for us to manage all of the applicants appropriately. We will only be able to offer individual feedback to those candidates who attend an interview.
Head of Operations in London employer: Booker
Booker is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises flexibility and employee growth. With opportunities for training and progression, our Didcot site fosters a collaborative environment where team members can thrive while enjoying weekly pay and varied shift options to suit their lifestyle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in London
✨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 Booker 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 Booker!
✨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 Booker 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 Head of Operations in London
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 Booker:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Booker. 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 Booker
✨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 Booker.
✨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 Booker 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 Booker. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
