Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise final mile delivery operations across multiple sites.
- Company: Join the UK's largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, health cash plan, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site operations management and strong leadership abilities required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. £55,000 to £60,000 Per annum plus £5,688 car allowance and bonus. Field-based - (Barnstaple/Bodmin/Exeter/Plymouth/Redruth/Yeovil).
Our reputation as the UK's largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler speaks for itself. Every day, we serve more than 22,400 customers from 33 distribution centres across the country. Behind every nightly miracle is a team of dedicated people carrying out more roles than you realise - we're the unseen force that delivers. So when we say we're excited for what the future holds for our customers and colleagues, you can trust we're as good as our word.
As the Regional Operations Manager in Final Mile at Smiths News, you will be responsible for overseeing the efficient and compliant execution of final mile delivery operations across sites within your assigned patch. Your key responsibility will be to ensure that all operational processes meet the company's standards for productivity, cost control, People Management, service level agreements, and health & safety compliance. This field-based role requires hands-on leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication with Depot Managers & LSM's, central support teams, and senior management. You will oversee site teams, support their development, and drive continuous improvement while ensuring alignment with Smiths News' vision of operational excellence.
About the role
- Key Focus Areas
- Operational Efficiency: Ensure all final mile delivery operations are optimised for service quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.
- Compliance: Maintain full compliance with health & safety regulations and company policies across all sites.
- People Development: Lead and develop LSM's, Depot Managers and their teams ensuring high standards of performance and engagement.
- Problem Solving: Address operational challenges quickly to minimise any negative impact on service delivery.
- Standardisation: Implement standardised processes to ensure consistent final mile operations across all sites using OE methodology.
ROM Deliverables
- Weekly Performance Reports: Providing an overview of operational KPIs (cost, delivery success, and compliance) across sites within your region.
- Operational Improvement Plans: Proposing action plans for under-performing sites, including timelines for improvement.
- Health & Safety Audits: Monthly reports detailing the compliance status across sites and identifying any safety issues that need addressing.
- Strategic Alignment Reports: Tracking and ensuring that each site is aligned with broader company goals and initiatives.
- Project Updates: Reporting progress on the implementation of major initiatives, including key milestones and obstacles encountered.
- Financial Performance Summaries: Monthly summaries of cost management and budget adherence, identifying risks and opportunities for savings.
What we can offer you
- £5,688 per annum car allowance
- Company bonus
- Company funded Health Cash Plan - providing cash back for everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy
- 25 days holiday plus holiday buy scheme
- 24/7 E-Learning modules, Training and Development opportunities
- Sharesave Scheme, Cycle to work schemes, Health cash plan
- Private medical insurance
- Colleague Assistance Programme & Colleague referral scheme
About you
- Proven experience in multi-site operations management within logistics, delivery, or final mile sectors.
- Strong leadership skills with demonstrated success in managing and developing high-performing teams.
- Deep understanding of health & safety regulations and compliance in logistics and final mile operations.
- Financial management experience, including budget oversight, cost control, and P&L analysis.
- Proficient in logistics management software, including WMS, TMS, and real-time delivery tracking systems.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills with a focus on operational efficiency.
- Outstanding communication skills for managing teams and engaging with senior leadership.
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is advantageous.
- Degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or related field is advantageous.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CILT, PRINCE2, ILM, CMI, Lean Six Sigma, NEBOSH) are an advantage.
Please note: you must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position. A career with us is a career filled with people, pride, and passion. We rely on each other to get the job done, and we deliver what we say we will. Let's see if we can rely on you, too. Apply now.
Regional Operations Manager in Exeter employer: Instore
Contact Detail:
Instore Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Operations Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the logistics and operations field. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help solve them. This shows you're not just interested in any job, but specifically in making a difference at Smiths News.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've developed teams and improved operational efficiency. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our vision of operational excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Operations Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Regional Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in multi-site operations management and any relevant achievements that showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our vision at Smiths News. Be sure to mention your understanding of health & safety regulations and your problem-solving skills.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your operational efficiency and financial management skills. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, do it! It helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Smiths News!
How to prepare for a job interview at Instore
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the logistics and final mile delivery operations. Familiarise yourself with the company's operational standards, compliance requirements, and key performance indicators. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing and developing high-performing teams. Think of specific situations where you successfully led a team through challenges or implemented improvements. This will demonstrate your capability to lead Depot Managers and their teams effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Compliance
Since health and safety compliance is crucial in this role, brush up on relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles. Bring examples of audits or compliance checks you've conducted, as this will showcase your attention to detail and commitment to safety.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Anticipate questions about operational challenges and how you've addressed them in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you articulate your problem-solving skills and your ability to minimise negative impacts on service delivery.
