At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large distribution operation, driving performance and team engagement.
- Company: Market-leading UK distribution business known for excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, 33 days holiday, and private medical care.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with significant growth opportunities and autonomy.
- Why this job: Take ownership of operations and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in distribution and strong people management skills.
Head of Operations + £70-75k + £8350 car allowance + 33 days holiday (inc BH) + Private medical and dental
Are you an experienced operations leader looking for the opportunity to take full ownership of a large, fast-paced distribution operation?
Our client is a market-leading UK distribution business with a reputation for operational excellence, customer service and continuous improvement.
They are seeking an exceptional Head of Operations to lead a high-performing site in Liverpool, overseeing warehouse, transport, customer service and site operations while driving commercial performance, service excellence and employee engagement.
This is a senior leadership role with full operational accountability for a significant regional distribution centre, managing a large workforce and working closely with the senior leadership team to deliver ambitious business objectives.
The Head of Operations role
Reporting to the Business Unit Director, you will lead the operational function of the depot, ensuring the safe, efficient and profitable delivery of products to customers while continually improving service levels, productivity and cost performance.
You will be responsible for leading a team of departmental managers across warehouse operations, transport, customer services and site services, creating a culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement and exceptional customer service.
Key Responsibilities for the Head of Operations
- Lead all operational functions across the distribution centre.
- Deliver operational and financial performance against budget and agreed KPIs.
- Drive productivity, efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop and inspire a large management team, creating a high-performance culture.
- Work closely with the commercial and sales teams to support customer growth and retention.
- Ensure outstanding service levels across warehousing, transport and customer operations.
- Maintain full compliance with Health & Safety, legal and company standards.
- Build strong relationships across the wider business to improve collaboration and operational performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs and enhance customer experience.
About You
We're looking for a commercially minded operational leader who thrives in fast-moving distribution environments.
You will bring
- Significant senior leadership experience within a large-scale distribution, logistics, wholesale or supply chain operation.
- A proven track record of managing complex, multi-functional operations.
- Strong commercial awareness with responsibility for budgets, operational performance and profitability.
- Experience leading large teams through departmental managers.
- Excellent people leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop and engage teams.
- A passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Strong knowledge of Health & Safety, compliance and operational best practice.
- Confidence influencing stakeholders across multiple business functions.
- Good IT and systems capability.
- The Operation
- Large-scale regional distribution centre
- Approximately 190 employees
- Multi-functional operation including warehouse, transport and customer service
- Fleet of around 70 commercial vehicles
- Full operational responsibility with significant commercial accountability
- What's on Offer
- £70-75k car allowance
- Performance-related bonus
- £8350.00 car allowance
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Genuine autonomy and influence
- Opportunity to join an established market leader with ambitious growth plans
If you're an experienced operational leader ready to make a significant impact within a nationally recognised distribution business, we'd love to hear from you
Head Of Operations employer: Distinct Consultancy
Join a leading engineering business based in Leeds, where you will enjoy a dynamic field-based role as a Field Service Pipefitter/Coded TIG Welder. With a focus on work-life balance, our 36-hour week, excellent pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities ensure that you can grow your career while delivering high-quality hydraulic systems across the UK. Experience a supportive work culture that values your skills and fosters professional development in a stable and expanding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Operations
✨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 Distinct Consultancy 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 Distinct Consultancy!
✨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 Distinct Consultancy 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
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 Distinct Consultancy:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Distinct Consultancy. 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 Distinct Consultancy
✨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 Distinct Consultancy.
✨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 Distinct Consultancy 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 Distinct Consultancy. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
