At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily warehouse operations and oversee installation teams for high-end furniture.
- Company: Fast-growing UK startup revolutionising the furniture industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual leave, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a digital transformation in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join at an exciting growth phase and shape the future of warehouse operations.
- Qualifications: Proven warehouse experience with strong leadership and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
My client is a fast‑scaling UK startup on a mission to make furnishing effortless. They furnish residential properties for agents, investors, property developers, and build‑to‑rent operators – at speed, at scale, and with a level of service the industry hasn't seen before. Operating at the intersection of B2B service, B2C product, and tech‑enabled operations, they've been growing rapidly since 2021 and are investing heavily in their people, processes, and infrastructure – including a major step‑change in how the warehouse runs. This is a brilliant time to join, with the business currently going through another funding round to support its next phase of growth.
The Role
As Warehouse Operations Lead, you'll own the day‑to‑day running of the warehouse operation across two sites. You'll supervise the warehouse and installation teams, set the standard for how things get done, and make sure every product that moves through the operation is handled correctly, tracked accurately, and dispatched on time. You’ll also be a key player in a major warehouse digitalisation programme that is being launched – helping shape and embed the systems and processes that will take the operations to the next level. This is a hands‑on, high‑ownership role that sits at the heart of the operation. You’ll report to the Head of Operations and work closely with the wider ops, scheduling, and project teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Supervision
- Support the Head of Operations in the daily management of the warehouse and installation team
- Champion Health & Safety, maintaining a safe and healthy workplace in line with company policy
- Act as deputy Person in Control (PIC) in the absence of the PIC, including security and lock‑up
- Projects & Installation Loading (Outbound)
- Oversee and coordinate the loading process, ensuring items are loaded correctly per loading sheets, minimising missing items and QC issues
- Conduct final QC checks before loading and ensure items are loaded safely and securely for transit
- Liaise with the Head of Operations and Design team on missing items and re‑selections
- Maintain stock organisation (5S standards) and the Picking Bays board
- Work with the Head of Operations on installation schedules and resourcing; liaise with Scheduling on pre‑loading vans
- Support the damage reporting process and root‑cause investigation with Procurement
- Conduct daily area‑readiness checks and support customer issue investigations
- Collections – Goods Returning
- Maintain the collections area, ensuring returns are processed back into stock in a timely, organised manner
- Act as SME for collection materials; ensure sufficient materials are ready for next‑day loading
- Run a thorough QC and labelling process for all returns; report discrepancies promptly
- Manage the damage assessment and write‑off process, and promote sustainable packing materials
- General Warehouse Operations
- Receive and check courier/out‑of‑hours deliveries; ensure goods‑in process and PO discrepancies are handled correctly
- Support quarterly stocktakes and daily cycle counting
- Responsible for site opening and security; keep containers and stock movement sheets up to date
- Warehouse Digitalisation (Key Growth Responsibility)
- Play an active role in the transition to a new Warehouse Management System (WMS) — planning, testing, and training
- Champion digital working practices and embed new processes across the team
- Feed back practical, on‑the‑ground insight during implementation
- Proactively identify opportunities to reduce errors and improve efficiency through digital tools
About You
Essential
- Proven warehouse experience, with supervisory or team‑lead experience
- Strong attention to detail and high standards of accuracy – particularly around loading, stock management, and QC
- Physically fit and comfortable in a hands‑on, fast‑paced environment
- Clear, confident communicator, able to give direction and liaise across teams
- Reliable, takes ownership, and leads by example
- Comfortable with technology and keen to learn new digital systems
Desirable
- Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or inventory/stock software
- Experience in furniture, homeware, or a similar mixed‑SKU, high‑volume environment
- Forklift or other materials handling qualifications
- Good understanding of health & safety regulations in warehouse settings
What’s On Offer
- A central role in a fast‑growing startup at a genuinely exciting moment
- Real ownership and a direct line to the leadership team
- The chance to help shape how the operations scale, including leading the warehouse digitalisation programme
- Competitive salary, annual leave, and benefits package
- Clear progression opportunities as the warehouse and wider business grow
Warehouse Operations Lead - High End Furniture employer: Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and fast-scaling startup in South London, where you'll play a pivotal role in revolutionising the furniture industry. As a Warehouse Operations Lead, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, and the opportunity to lead innovative digitalisation projects. With a focus on teamwork and operational excellence, this is an exciting chance to make a meaningful impact in a company that values its people and is committed to providing exceptional service.
Contact Details:
Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Warehouse Operations Lead - High End Furniture
✨Get to Know Local Distribution Centres
Start hanging around local distribution centres and warehouses, like the ones that might belong to Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd. Many times, they have sign-up sheets for job openings or even informal meet-ups that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Talk to Recruiters and Employment Agencies
There are loads of recruitment agencies that specifically focus on warehouse and logistics roles. Get in touch with them and let them know you’re looking for full-time work. They often have inside info on openings before they're advertised!
✨Brush Up on Your Skills
Think about the specific skills that are hot in the warehouse sector right now, like inventory management software or health and safety protocols. We can help you find resources to polish up your abilities, which can make you stand out when you're looking at those full-time gigs.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don't forget to keep an eye on our website for any full-time listings at Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in logistics and warehousing!
We think you need these skills to ace Warehouse Operations Lead - High End Furniture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Inventory Management:When you're whipping up your CV, make sure to spotlight any experience you've got in inventory management or warehousing. We love to see proficiency in stock control systems or previous roles where you've managed inventory levels. Show us how you can keep things organised and running smoothly!
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail:In the warehouse and logistics field, attention to detail is key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you've caught mistakes or streamlined processes in the past. Let us know how your precision can contribute to our team at Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd.
Get Familiar with Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to warehousing or logistics—like health and safety or forklift operation—make sure they shine on your CV! We appreciate all the qualifications that show you're serious about the role and keeping a safe, efficient workspace.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:Logistics can be unpredictable, so if you've tackled any significant challenges in previous positions, tell us all about it! Use your cover letter to highlight how you've adapted to situations, such as changes in supply or unexpected delays. We want to see your resourcefulness in action for this full-time role at Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Warehouse Systems
Familiarise yourself with popular warehouse management systems like SAP or Oracle. If you have experience using these or similar tools, be prepared to discuss how you utilised them to improve efficiency or accuracy in inventory management.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the logistics arena, unexpected challenges pop up all the time. Be ready to share some examples of when you faced a logistical hiccup and how you tackled it. This shows you can think on your feet and keep things running smoothly.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Since it’s a full-time position, expect questions about your ability to work in a team in a busy warehousing environment. Share experiences where you collaborated with others, maybe to meet tight deadlines or manage large shipments, ensuring you showcase your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Safety First! Talk About Protocols
Logistics roles require a real understanding of safety protocols. Brush up on basic safety guidelines and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented or adhered to these in past roles. This shows that you’re serious about your role in maintaining a safe working environment.