Distribution Manager in Milton Keynes

A leading distribution and fulfilment operation is investing heavily in its operational leadership structure and is seeking an experienced Distribution Manager to lead a large warehouse team through its next phase of growth and development. This is a business that recognises the importance of strong leadership and is looking for a manager who can drive performance through people, culture and operational excellence.

You will lead a team within a modern distribution environment, ensuring operational performance across quality, turnaround times, and safety. This is a highly visible leadership position with responsibility for driving operational performance across a busy distribution function. Managing a team of supervisors and colleagues, you will be responsible for creating a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and high performance whilst ensuring service, quality and safety standards are consistently achieved. The successful candidate will be a genuine people leader who enjoys developing teams, improving performance and building capability within an operation. Whilst operational knowledge is important, the key focus of the role is the ability to lead, motivate and develop people.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, managing and developing frontline supervisors and operational teams.
• Driving a culture of accountability, ownership and continuous improvement throughout the operation.
• Setting clear performance expectations and ensuring robust KPI management across all areas.
• Monitoring operational performance, productivity, quality and service levels, implementing corrective action where necessary.
• Coaching and mentoring managers, supervisors and team members to improve capability and performance.
• Identifying skills gaps and implementing effective training and development plans.
• Managing employee relations matters including attendance, absence management, performance management and disciplinary processes.
• Driving employee engagement and developing an environment where individuals are motivated to achieve their full potential.
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, efficiency and quality standards.
• Ensuring compliance with all health & safety, operational and company policies.
• Taking a hands-on approach, maintaining visibility within the operation and leading by example.
• Acting as the senior operational lead in the absence of the senior manager.

What you'll need to succeed:

• To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced operational leader with a proven track record of managing teams, developing people and improving performance within a warehouse, logistics, manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Strong leadership and people management experience within a fast-paced operational environment.
• Proven success leading supervisors and larger teams through performance improvement initiatives.
• Experience creating high-performing, engaged and accountable teams.
• Strong knowledge of KPI management, productivity measurement and operational performance.
• A track record of coaching and developing managers, supervisors and frontline colleagues.
• Experience managing complex people matters including absence, conduct, capability and disciplinary issues.
• The ability to challenge underperformance whilst maintaining positive employee engagement.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• A hands-on and visible leadership style.
• A passion for developing people and creating a culture of continuous improvement (lean experience desirable).

What you'll get in return:

• Salary of £45,000 - £50,000.
• Opportunity to join a business committed to strengthening its leadership capability and operational performance.
• A role with significant influence over team culture, engagement and performance.
• Genuine career development opportunities within a growing operation.
• The chance to make a lasting impact through leadership, coaching and team development.

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.