Area Manager in Northampton

The Area Manager is responsible for leading a designated operational area to ensure the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of services that meet customer expectations and business objectives. The role focuses on driving operational excellence, embedding continuous improvement initiatives, achieving key performance indicators (KPIs), and creating a positive and engaging workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Take overall responsibility for Health & Safety within the assigned operational area, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory, customer, and company requirements.
• Promote a proactive safety-first culture by identifying, reporting, and addressing potential risks and hazards.
• Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and training sessions to maintain a safe working environment.
• Ensure all colleagues adhere to safe working practices and company policies.
• Work closely with security providers to ensure operational procedures and site standards are consistently maintained.
• Work collaboratively with fellow Area Managers and operational leaders to share knowledge, best practice, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Provide clear, accurate, and timely updates to the Senior Leadership Team on performance, operational risks, achievements, and future plans.
• Actively contribute to operational leadership meetings and provide expert support on operational matters.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with customers, stakeholders, and support functions to ensure seamless communication and service delivery.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and collaboration across the operation.

Operational Performance

• Maximise warehouse efficiency through effective space utilisation, layout optimisation, and resource management.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure high levels of stock integrity and accuracy.
• Implement and maintain robust stock control procedures and systems.
• Monitor, analyse, and improve operational KPIs, including Safety, Service, Productivity, Quality, Engagement, and Performance.
• Produce and review operational reports, performance data, and statistical information to support decision-making.
• Plan labour and resources effectively using forecasts, historical trends, and customer demand requirements.
• Develop and implement plans for peak trading periods and increased activity levels, ensuring sufficient resource availability.
• Track productivity, accuracy, and performance trends, sharing insights and recommendations with the Operations Manager.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and KPIs and drive performance to exceed customer expectations.
• Manage consumable stock levels within the designated area, working closely with the Purchasing Team to maintain availability and cost control.
• Lead, motivate, engage, and develop a diverse team, creating a high-performing and inclusive working environment.
• Ensure teams are organised and resourced effectively to meet operational and customer requirements.
• Create a values-driven culture where colleagues feel supported, recognised, and empowered to succeed.
• Coach and develop leadership capability within Shift Managers and Team Leaders.
• Identify and nurture future talent, creating succession plans to support long-term business objectives.
• Partner with HR to develop meaningful development plans and career pathways for colleagues.
• Deliver effective performance management, including objective setting, regular performance reviews, and documented one-to-one meetings.
• Support the delivery of the site's People Plan and colleague engagement initiatives

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Resolve operational issues quickly and effectively, ensuring minimal impact on service delivery.
• Identify root causes of operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Encourage innovation and a culture of continuous learning across the operation.
• Seek opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and add value to the customer and business.

Quality, Standards & Stock Integrity

• Support and maintain compliance with ID Logistics standards, including SIM, 5S, and audit requirements.
• Ensure regular operational audits are completed, and corrective actions are implemented promptly.
• Champion operational excellence and best practice across all areas of responsibility.
• Maintain accountability for the overall management, accuracy, and integrity of stock within the assigned area.
• Ensure all operational activities are conducted in line with company policies, procedures, and customer requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Education & Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
• ILM, CMI, or equivalent Management Qualification.
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
• Qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver results through effective workload and resource management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Excellent coaching, mentoring, and people development capabilities.
• Results-oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and consistently achieve operational targets.
• Customer-focused approach with strong decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions and departments.
• Strong leadership skills with experience driving operational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of Health & Safety and promoting a safety-first culture.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify performance trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to create and maintain a positive working environment that promotes colleague engagement and retention.
• Strong performance management skills, including conducting regular one-to-one meetings, setting objectives, and supporting colleague development.
• Experience interpreting operational data, KPIs, and performance metrics to drive business improvements.
• Proficient in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Microsoft Office applications, and operational reporting tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, planning, and organisational skills.

Experience

• Previous experience in a warehouse, logistics, distribution, or supply chain environment.
• Experience managing operational teams within a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of delivering against KPIs, operational targets, and service level agreements.
• Experience in workforce planning, resource allocation, and performance management.
• Experience leading and developing teams to improve engagement and productivity.
• Strong stakeholder management and customer relationship skills.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing large operational teams across multiple shifts.
• Experience working within a customer-focused contract logistics environment.

Experienced operational leader responsible for driving safety, performance, productivity, and service excellence within a warehouse environment. Accountable for leading and developing teams, managing resources, optimising operational performance, maintaining inventory accuracy, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Focused on continuous improvement, stakeholder collaboration, and delivering customer and business objectives through effective leadership and operational planning.