Operations Manager - Pallet Distribution in London

We are now recruiting for a Global Distribution company based in the Ealing borough of Greater London they are looking for an Operations Manager, The role is responsible for the day-to-day running of the depot, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations that meet service, quality, and productivity targets.

This role leads the operational teams, manages resources, and drives continuous improvement to support business growth and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Management & Performance
• Lead, manage and coordinate all depot operations (e. g. inbound, outbound, storage, picking, packing, loading, returns, recruitment, Collections & Deliveries, Commercial growth, Night contracts).
• Ensure daily, weekly and monthly operational targets (volume, service levels, accuracy, productivity) are achieved or exceeded.
• Monitor KPIs and operational dashboards; take prompt action to address performance issues.
• Optimise use of labour, equipment, space and systems to maximise throughput and minimise cost.
• People Leadership & Management
• Directly manage circa 60 staff including Shift Managers / Team Leaders / Operations and Drivers.
• Set clear objectives and expectations for staff; hold teams accountable for delivery.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews and manage absence, conduct, and capability issues in line with HR policies.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and development of team members to ensure appropriate staffing and skills.
• Promote a positive, inclusive working environment built on respect, accountability and teamwork.
• Health, Safety & Compliance
• Ensure all operations comply with health and safety legislation, company policies and industry standards.
• Champion a strong safety culture; lead by example and ensure adherence to safe systems of work and PPE requirements.
• Conduct / oversee risk assessments, audits, investigations and implementation of corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and customer requirements (e. g. handling of goods, security, quality standards).
• Customer Service & Quality
• Ensure orders are processed accurately and on time in line with customer service level agreements (SLAs).
• Monitor service performance, error rates, returns and customer complaints; implement improvements to reduce failures.
• Work closely with Customer Services / Account Management teams to resolve issues and meet customer expectations.
• Continuous Improvement & Efficiency
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, layouts and resource utilisation in the hub.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives (e. g. Lean/CI projects, standard work, visual management).
• Implement and embed new systems, tools or ways of working, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum benefit.
• Work in partnership with CI / Projects teams to deliver operational improvements and change programmes.
• Planning & Coordination
• Work with Planning, Transport and Inventory teams to align daily/weekly operational plans with demand.
• Ensure appropriate resource planning for peak periods, seasonal variations and special projects.
• Manage rota, shift patterns and overtime to balance service, cost and team wellbeing.
• Financial & Cost Control
• Manage operational budgets for labour, equipment, consumables and overtime within agreed limits.
• Track and analyse cost drivers; implement actions to improve cost efficiency without compromising service or safety.
• Provide input into budgeting, forecasting and business cases related to hub operations.
• Stakeholder Management & Communication
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders (HR, CI, Transport, IT, Finance, Customer Service).
• Provide regular performance updates and insight to senior management.
• Communicate clearly with teams on priorities, changes and performance expectations.

Working hours as required to conduct the role but a standard week based upon Monday - Friday.

Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in an operations management role within Pallet or Parcel Distribution, Llogistics, Warehousing, Distribution or a related environment.
• Proven track record of managing large teams in a fast-paced, high-volume operation.
• Strong understanding of warehouse/logistics processes (receiving, storage, picking, packing, dispatch, returns and collectiosn).
• Demonstrable experience in managing KPIs and driving performance improvement.
• Solid people management skills: coaching, performance management, handling difficult situations.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities; comfortable balancing multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels.
• Good level of IT literacy, including WMS/TMS and Excel (or equivalent tools).
• Personal Attributes
• Hands-on leader who is visible on the floor and leads by example.
• Decisive and resilient; able to manage pressure and fast-changing priorities.
• Strong problem-solver with a pragmatic, results-oriented approach.
• High level of integrity and commitment to safety, quality and fairness.
• Able to motivate and engage diverse teams through change.

Package and Benefits

• Poss Car/Allowance
• Bonus TBC after probation period
• 25 Days holiday
• Pension
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