At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations to ensure seamless parcel delivery from dispatch to customer.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the Home Delivery Department of a leading logistics company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a focus on sustainability.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on delivery performance and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in operations with strong analytical and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Carrier Operations Manager sits within the Home Delivery Department, which brings together several teams responsible for key operational areas, including:
- Carrier Management
- Warehouse Fulfilment
- Own Fleet
- 2‑Person Deliveries
The Carrier Operations Manager ensures a reliable, seamless end‑to‑end parcel journey, moving shipments efficiently from despatch locations to customers’ homes or out‑of‑home collection points. The role focuses on delivering in line with the Customer Promise while optimising cost and sustainability performance. Success relies on close collaboration with fulfilment sites to understand forecasted volumes and operational needs, alongside proactive engagement with carrier partners to secure timely collection, processing, and delivery.
The role works across a wide stakeholder group to enhance delivery performance and strengthen the customer proposition, including partnering with Digital teams on delivery improvements and with Returns teams to support smooth, timely refunds. The core purpose is to ensure a seamless operational handover from fulfilment centres through to final‑mile delivery, achieving both Perfect Delivery and Perfect Order standards.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead daily/weekly collection planning with carriers and fulfilment centres, aligned to volume forecasts
- Run daily operational reviews with sites, focusing on sales trends and channel‑split performance
- Manage final‑mile carrier performance to maximise first‑attempt success and on‑time delivery
- Own peak and promotional planning to ensure carrier network readiness
- Improve cost efficiency through optimised parcel allocation across sites and carriers
- Partner with Returns teams to ensure effective web‑returns handling and timely refunds
- Oversee resolution of high‑value or escalated customer orders and Click & Collect store deliveries
- Lead logistics projects, operational improvements, and delivery‑proposition changes
- Ensure operational compliance and provide daily customer‑facing issue reporting
- Analyse operational data and Perfect Delivery metrics to drive service, cost, and performance improvements
What we'll look for in you:
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car
- Minimum five years’ experience in analytical, planning, or operational roles, including 3PL management
- Strong business acumen with advanced analytical skills and a process‑improvement mindset
- Advanced Excel capability (pivot tables, lookups, IF logic, multi‑dataset handling)
- Excellent organisation, planning, and prioritisation skills
- Clear, confident communicator able to influence internal and external stakeholders
- Proven leadership, adaptability, and strong decision‑making in operational environments
- Experience with carriers or Carrier Management Systems, plus understanding of warehouse operations
- Strong problem‑solving skills and experience using BI tools such as Power BI
- High ownership mindset, meticulous attention to detail, and a customer‑first approach
Carrier Operations Manager in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Dunelm
As a Carrier Operations Manager within our Home Delivery Department, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises innovation and sustainability. We offer competitive benefits, including opportunities for professional development and growth, ensuring that you can advance your career while contributing to a seamless delivery experience for our customers. Join us in a location that values teamwork and excellence, where your expertise will directly impact our commitment to delivering on our Customer Promise.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Carrier Operations Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 Dunelm 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 Dunelm!
✨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 Dunelm 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 Carrier Operations Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
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 Dunelm:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Dunelm. 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 Dunelm
✨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 Dunelm.
✨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 Dunelm 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 Dunelm. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
