At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure smooth global exam operations and high-quality delivery.
- Company: Join Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world-leading academic publisher.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, private medical insurance, and a discretionary bonus.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in managing teams and procedures.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you ready to lead a team that keeps our global exam operations running smoothly? Every year, Cambridge University Press & Assessment supports millions of learners worldwide - and our Distribution teams at Group Print and Operations play a crucial role behind the scenes. Join us and help shape the quality, accuracy and care that define our global operations.
About the role
Have you ever wondered how an exam paper is created and processed? At Group Print and Operations, we securely print over half a billion A4 pages each year and deliver them to millions of learners across more than 170 countries. Once completed, centres return the papers to our distribution centre, where our scanning team digitises scripts so examiners can mark them electronically.
As a Distribution Supervisor, you will oversee the processing of assessment materials and guide a team responsible for delivering high‑quality, secure, and accurate operational work. You will lead daily activities, support continuous improvement, and help maintain the strong operational standards that ensure exam materials reach learners safely and on time.
Responsibilities
- Supervising and supporting a team, including acting as deputy in your supervisor's absence
- Coordinating daily activities to ensure procedures and SLAs are met
- Maintaining secure handling of all physical and digital materials
- Monitoring productivity, analysing performance data and addressing issues promptly, escalating where necessary
- Leading one‑to‑one meetings, providing feedback, and identifying training needs
- Supporting the review, development and continuous improvement of departmental procedures
- Encouraging innovation, recognising team achievements and promoting best practice
- Building collaborative relationships across teams and escalating complex issues appropriately
This is a varied role, where you will complete tasks that could be desk‑based or involve walking/standing for a long period of time. We encourage development, and there will be many opportunities for progression and growth in your career here at our distribution centre. This role will require shift work (including night shift) for peak parts of the year, depending on organisational need. The standard working hours are 8.30am – 4.15pm Monday – Friday (3pm finish on Fridays). Shift times are a rotation of early shift (6am – 1.30pm), late shift (1.45pm – 9.15pm) and night shift (9:15pm – 6:30am) Monday – Friday (early finishes on both shifts on Fridays) and you will receive a shift premium of 20% (nights 30%).
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel)
- Strong attention to detail and time‑management skills
- Experience working with procedures and maintaining clear documentation
- Confident communicator with the ability to build strong working relationships
- Ability to lead, motivate and support a team
- Comfortable working under pressure and meeting SLAs
Desirable Criteria
- Knowledge of a production or distribution environment
- Full understanding of SLAs and benchmarks
Interview Process
We aim to support candidates by making our interview process clear and transparent. The closing date for all applications will be 8th February 2026. We will review applications on an ongoing basis, and shortlisted candidates can expect interviews to take place from week commencing 9th February and week commencing 16th February 2026.
A 45 minute in person interview at our offices in Whittlesford.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process due to a disability or a long‑term health condition, there will be an opportunity for you to inform us via the online application form. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Please note that successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks including DBS due to working in a regulated industry. We are committed to an equitable recruitment process. As such, applications must be submitted via our official online application procedure. Please refrain from sending your CV directly to our recruiters. If you experience technical difficulties or require additional support with submitting your online application, contact the Recruiter.
Why join us
You will belong to a collaborative team that is exploring new and better ways to serve students, teachers and researchers across the globe – for the benefit of individuals, society and the world. Sharing our mission will inspire your own growth, development and progress, in an environment which embraces difference, change and aspiration. Cambridge University Press & Assessment is committed to being a place where anyone can enjoy a successful career, where it is safe to speak up, and where we learn continuously to improve together. We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of demographic characteristics (age, disability, educational attainment, ethnicity, gender, marital status, neurodiversity, religion, sex, gender identity and sexual identity), culture, or social class/background. We believe better outcomes come through diversity of thought, background and approach. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities, actively seeking to employ people from a wide range of different communities.
Rewards and Benefits
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Group personal pension scheme
- Life assurance up to 4× annual salary
- Green travel schemes
Careers Distribution Supervisor in Stapleford employer: Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Contact Detail:
Cambridge University Press & Assessment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Distribution Supervisor in Stapleford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Cambridge University Press & Assessment's mission and values. This will help you connect your experience with what they stand for, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills in team leadership and operational management can shine in the role of Distribution Supervisor.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! During the interview, highlight your ability to build strong relationships and motivate a team. These are key traits for a Distribution Supervisor, so make sure to share relevant examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics and operational challenges at the distribution centre. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Distribution Supervisor in Stapleford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Distribution Supervisor. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and help maintain those high operational standards.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: Since this role involves supervising a team, don’t forget to share examples of your leadership experience. We love to see how you've motivated and supported others in previous roles, so let that shine through!
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in this position. When filling out your application, double-check for any typos or errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to ensure their submissions are polished and professional.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our official website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. So, head over there and submit your application today!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge University Press & Assessment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Distribution Supervisor. Familiarise yourself with the processes involved in exam paper creation and distribution. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams. Think of specific examples where you've motivated your team or improved processes. Highlight how you can support continuous improvement and maintain high operational standards.
✨Master the Tech
Since proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential, brush up on your skills in Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles to manage documentation and communication effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and opportunities for growth. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team and the organisation as a whole.