Supervisor, Distribution - IPSUK

Company Description

Want to join a key team that helps the world read? Ingram Content Group UK Ltd, is a leader in providing a comprehensive suite of inventory‑free on‑demand print and distribution services for books to the publishing industry. Lightning Source gives the publishing community options to print books in any quantity, one to 10,000, and provides its customers access to the most comprehensive worldwide bookselling channel in the industry. The world is reading, and it is our goal to connect as many people as possible to the content they want in the simplest ways. If you want to be part of a customer‑centric team that strives for excellence, collaboration, innovation, we can’t wait to meet you!

Job Description

The Supervisor, Distribution plays a critical, hands‑on role in leading daily operations on the distribution floor assisting in training team members, and ensuring warehouse targets and turnaround times (TAT) are consistently met. The Supervisor drives performance and fosters a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. The Supervisor serves as the lead person overseeing department and workflow. Acts in leadership capacity in the absence of the Manager.

Essential Duties

• Hands‑On Distribution Leadership: Work alongside associates in Distribution, leading by example to drive high performance, quality output, and efficiency. Providing direction and leadership to associates. Organising resource when required, providing flexible working requirements to achieve KPI’s and carry out return to work discussions with team members returning from sickness.
• Performance and TAT Achievement: Monitor daily Distribution metrics, identify bottlenecks, and take corrective action to ensure Distribution schedules and turnaround time (TAT) targets are achieved. Direct work activities of associates to ensure efficient completion of assigned tasks and compliance with company policy.
• Team Support and Training: Support the onboarding and on‑the‑job training of new associates. Coach and mentor team members to build skills, improve productivity, and promote a safe work environment.
• Process Improvement: Identify areas for operational improvement and participate in initiatives to increase efficiency and enhance quality. Handles questions regarding the details of processes and procedures within a department. Assists Supervisor ensuring all quality standards are met within the departments. Identifies and communicates quality and productivity standards.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure team members follow all safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Promote a safe, clean, and organized work environment. To oversee general housekeeping requirements of the Distribution floor, ensuring high standards of hygiene and tidiness. To be responsible for your own Health and Safety and be aware of factors affecting your colleagues in order to maintain a safe environment. To report any accidents, potential hazards to the Health and Safety team immediately. Ensures compliance to all other HR Policies & Procedures.
• Communication and Reporting: Provide regular updates to the Shift Supervisor on team performance, equipment status, and any Distribution issues. Participate in shift handovers and team meetings.

Qualifications

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in a Distribution environment.
• Prior leadership or team lead experience is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of Warehouse receiving, pick pack and dispatch operations.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, physically demanding environment.
• Fork Lift Truck License Holder – VNA and Counter Balance is desirable – training can be provided.

Education

• GSCE / A level education required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to operate a personal computer effectively.
• Reading comprehension.
• Writing skills.
• Math skills – basic arithmetic, addition, subtraction.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work safely and adhere to safety guidelines in a Distribution environment.
• Ability to perform repetitive manual tasks.
• Ability to work independently or collaborate in a group environment.
• Ability to be flexible/multi‑task based on workflow demands.
• Ability to meet and maintain Distribution standards.
• Ability to maintain reasonably reliable attendance.

Essential Physical Demands

• Ability to walk and stand as needed.
• Ability to grip/grasp as needed.
• Ability to lift/carry in full range of motion as needed.
• Ability to push/pull in a warehouse environment as needed.
• Ability to bend, squat/kneel, twist/turn, reach above shoulder, and type/keyboard frequently.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which could include nights and weekends & ability to travel as needed.
• Ability to be trained and operate MHE equipment.
• Exposure to wide range of temperatures.

Additional Information

Perks/Benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• Generous holiday plus Bank Holidays.
• Company Sick Pay Scheme.
• Continuous Professional Development and Training Opportunities.
• Free onsite parking.
• Free Hot drinks.
• Snack and Drink Vending machines on site.
• Service Awards.