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- Tasks: Lead and manage operations across warehousing, distribution, logistics, and customer service.
- Company: Join James Latham, a top UK timber distributor with a rich history since 1757.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible location options and extensive travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a stable, growing company with a vibrant culture and ambitious future plans.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in multi-site distribution operations; timber experience is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to evolve a successful business rather than fix a broken one.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Group Operations Director – James Latham – a leading national, multi-site distribution business.
Flexible with location – role naturally involves extensive travel
James Latham is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest independent trade distributors of timber, panels and decorative surfaces. They supply products to a broad range of customers, from contractors and merchants, through to designers and makers. The business can trace its history back to 1757.
They are stable, secure, and financially strong with long-serving staff. There is a well-invested national network of distribution facilities. Acquisitions have been successfully integrated. They have a great culture with quick decision-making and an entrepreneurial approach. The future looks very bright for this business!
They have grown significantly over the last 25 years, with a turnover in excess of £350m, trading from 17 locations. They have further ambitious growth plans. At the same time, their distribution operations have benefitted from significant investment in both technology and equipment.
As a result of growth, future development plans and succession planning, they are looking to recruit a high-calibre Group Operations Director.
The Group Operations Director will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the company's operations, including warehousing, distribution, logistics, internal supply chain, and customer service levels. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record with this level of responsibility, driving operational efficiencies, improving processes, managing all operational resources delivering exceptional service to customers.
We believe this represents one of the most attractive and important career opportunities within the UK industrial distribution sector today.
For more information please visit:
Potential candidates should have:
- A successful career history running and improving multi-site distribution operations across several industry sectors. Experience within timber and associated products is an advantage but far from a prerequisite
- Ability to quickly integrate into the culture
- High levels of credibility and gravitas
- Can operate at pace with a high level of personal energy, inspiring people to come on the journey
- The ability to take considered and rounded analytical views that result in clear and strong decision-making
- Will challenge the status quo in their drive for greater effectiveness. This a successful business, far from broken. It’s more a case of evolution than revolution
- The ability to move between strategic viewpoints and tactical action with ease
- Exceptional communication skills: the ability to relate to those in the distribution centres and be willing and able to roll sleeves up and spend time in that environment
- An empathetic coach who understands the needs of their team and strives to support them
- Excellent leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
To apply send your CV to Neil Holloway, MD of our retained consultants Wilson Brook Consulting via
Or call Neil on 07796 542641 for a confidential discussion
Group Operations Director employer: James Latham
Contact Detail:
James Latham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in managing multi-site distribution operations. This role requires a proven track record, so be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven operational efficiencies in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your ability to integrate quickly into a company's culture. Research James Latham's values and work environment, and think about how you can align your leadership style with their entrepreneurial approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your exceptional communication skills. This role involves interacting with various teams, so be ready to share how you've effectively communicated with different stakeholders in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Think about your coaching and team-building abilities. Be prepared to discuss how you've motivated and developed high-performing teams, as this is crucial for the Group Operations Director position.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in multi-site distribution operations. Emphasize any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive operational efficiencies and improve processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your leadership skills and your understanding of the timber and associated products industry. Mention how your career history aligns with the company's ambitious growth plans and culture.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with teams at various levels. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as your experience in coaching and developing high-performing teams.
Demonstrate Analytical Thinking: Include specific instances where you've made strategic decisions based on analytical views. This will show your capability to challenge the status quo and contribute to the company's evolution.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Latham
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in multi-site distribution operations. Highlight specific examples where you improved processes or drove operational efficiencies, as this aligns with the expectations for the Group Operations Director position.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Fit
James Latham values a strong company culture. During the interview, express your understanding of their entrepreneurial approach and quick decision-making. Share experiences that illustrate how you've successfully integrated into different workplace cultures.
✨Communicate Effectively
Exceptional communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain complex ideas in a way that resonates with both operational staff and senior management.
✨Emphasize Leadership Qualities
As a potential leader, it's important to convey your ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've coached team members and fostered a collaborative environment in your previous positions.
