Warehouse Section Leader in Hemel Hempstead

At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food.

From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time.

As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Warehouse Section Leader to join our team in Hemel Hempstead (Foods). Working closely with the Warehouse Shift Manager, you'll play a key role in supporting the day to day running of the operation and helping drive operational success across the shift.

This is a hands-on operational role where you'll help coordinate warehouse activity, support resource planning, monitor performance, and ensure the team has the tools and support needed to deliver safely and efficiently throughout the day.

While this position does not have direct line management responsibility, you will be an important presence on shift, supporting colleagues, assisting with attendance and people-related processes, helping resolve operational challenges, and providing clear direction to ensure the smooth running of the operation.

What you'll be doing

Reporting into the Warehouse Shift Manager, you’ll support the smooth running of the warehouse operation across your shift. Within this role you will:

• Support daily resource planning to ensure the right people are in the right areas to meet operational demand
• Coordinate warehouse and outbound activity, helping ensure products move through the operation safely, accurately and on time
• Monitor operational and picking KPIs, highlighting issues and supporting actions to improve performance
• Produce and maintain operational reports using systems and Microsoft Office packages
• Support the management of sickness, holidays and colleague availability across the shift
• Assist the Warehouse Shift Manager with people-related activity, including return-to-work conversations and other employee relations processes where required
• Provide clear communication and direction to colleagues across the operation, helping teams understand priorities and expected standards
• Support the induction and development of new starters and help ensure operational training requirements are completed
• Identify operational issues or risks and work with the wider team to resolve them quickly and effectively
• Champion health and safety, ensuring colleagues are working in a safe and compliant environment
• Support wider warehouse activity and additional operational requirements as priorities change throughout the shift
• Work closely with other areas of the site to maintain strong communication and effective handovers

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being at the heart of an operation, understands how a warehouse works and wants to build their experience in operational leadership.

What we're looking for

We’re looking for someone with proven experience working within a warehouse, logistics or fast-paced operational environment who is confident coordinating activity and supporting others.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Previous warehouse, logistics or operational experience, ideally within FMCG or another high-volume environment
• A good understanding of warehouse operations and the ability to manage changing priorities
• Confidence using Microsoft Office packages, particularly when working with reports and operational information
• Experience using a Warehouse Management System, SAP or similar operational system
• An understanding of operational KPIs and performance measures, or a willingness and ability to learn
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to provide clear direction to colleagues
• Good organisational and problem-solving skills
• The confidence to support employee relations activity, including attendance, return-to-work conversations or other people processes when required
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and managers
• A strong focus on safety, accuracy and operational standards
• The flexibility to respond to changing operational requirements throughout the shift

Role details:

Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum (DOE)

Working pattern: 4 ON, 4 OFF

Hours: 40.45 per week | 06:00 AM TO 18:00 PM

Location: Gist Limited, Hemel Hempstead (Foods), HP2 7PZ

What’s in it for you?

As well as a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:

• 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
• Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
• Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4 times salary)
• Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme
• A first-class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
• Cycle to work scheme

Why Gist?

When you join Gist, you're joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group.

You'll have the opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced operation, work alongside experienced colleagues and play an important part in one of the UK's leading food supply chains.

Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow.

Whether you're coordinating a warehouse operation, supporting your team or helping improve the way we work, your contribution makes a real difference.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger.

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.

Our Internal Recruitment Team fulfil all vacancies on a direct basis. Unsolicited contact by unapproved agencies (sharing speculative CVs) will not be accepted and introductory fees will not apply.

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