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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the inbound network solutions, driving efficiency and profitability while managing the Admin Team.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be part of a purpose-driven team focused on innovation and sustainability in logistics.
- Qualifications: Full UK Driving Licence and experience in transport and logistics required.
- Other info: Apply early as roles may close quickly due to high demand.
The predicted salary is between 36800 - 53600 £ per year.
About the role
As Distribution Backhaul and Admin Manager, you will play a key role in driving efficiency across the inbound network solutions, actively seeking opportunities to increase profitability and enhance client relationships.
You will consistently explore new business opportunities as part of an ongoing efficiency drive, while maintaining control of budgets and working closely with both clients and in-house operational teams.
The role also involves developing and implementing new inbound initiatives that deliver positive business outcomes, alongside leading the Admin Team, to deliver accurate data and insight, and reporting to support informed decision-making and strategic growth.
Location: Magna Park
Hours: 37.5, Mon – Fri
Salary range: £44,800 – £67,200
Contract type: Permanent
Define and lead the development of the Primary Transport strategy for inbound network solutions, working cross-divisionally and externally to identify opportunities that deliver growth in profit and revenue. Account manages all inbound network solutions and improves network efficiencies through analysis and continual review, ensuring all key performance indicators are achieved. Optimise operational efficiency and reduce CO emissions by minimising empty running.
Oversee operational performance, ensuring all key KPIs are met, while managing the Admin Team to deliver accurate data, insight, and reporting to support informed decision-making and strategic growth.
You will be responsible for:
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Develop and execute the backhaul strategy to drive profit and operational efficiency.
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Liaise, both internally and cross divisionally, to work collaboratively in the best interest of the Partnership
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Negotiate with and influence all key stakeholders on inbound delivery solutions.
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Develop relationships between Primary Transport and all relevant internal and external stakeholders through regular visits and meetings.
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Lead the Admin Team, ensuring accurate data, timely reports, and robust administrative processes.
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Use analysis to support the wider Transport Team to make efficiency gains.
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Constant review of the Admin process to ensure alignment with the wider business.
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Responsible for Team Manager and Admin Assistants
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Develop relationships between Primary Transport and all relevant internal and external stakeholders through regular visits and meetings.
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Support the Leadership Team with budget setting, forward planning, and performance tracking
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Monitor and improve network performance through analysis, reporting, and continual review
Essential skills you\’ll need
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Full, valid UK Driving Licence
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Knowledge of transport and logistics
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Proven negotiation skills and strong stakeholder management experience
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Computer Skills Literate – data analysis & presentation
Desired skills you\’ll have
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Management CPC qualification
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Experience in managing inbound transport networks across retail
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Familiarity with sustainability practices and CO2 initiatives in logistics
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Experience with transport management systems (TMS) and analytics platforms such as Tableau
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Understanding of cross-docking and consolidation centre operations
About The Partnership
We\’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We\’re not just employees, we\’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there\’s never been a more exciting time to join us.
We\’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.
We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we\’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.
As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note:
It\’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you\’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.
We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
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Distribution Backhaul and Admin Manager employer: John Lewis & Partners
Contact Detail:
John Lewis & Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Distribution Backhaul and Admin Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in transport and logistics, especially regarding sustainability practices. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the company's values.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the logistics sector, particularly those who have experience in inbound transport networks. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in previous roles. Highlighting your negotiation skills and ability to influence key stakeholders will be crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current initiatives and performance metrics related to their inbound network solutions. Being well-informed about their operations will allow you to ask insightful questions during the interview and show your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Distribution Backhaul and Admin Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in transport and logistics, particularly any roles where you've managed inbound networks or developed strategies for operational efficiency. Use specific examples to demonstrate your negotiation skills and stakeholder management experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Distribution Backhaul and Admin Manager position, particularly your experience with data analysis and reporting to support decision-making.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills that match the job description, such as your knowledge of transport management systems and sustainability practices. Mention your full UK driving licence and any relevant qualifications like Management CPC, as these are essential for the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Since the role involves leading the Admin Team, include examples of your leadership experience. Describe how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on how you ensured accurate data delivery and effective administrative processes.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis & Partners
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations of the Distribution Backhaul and Admin Manager role. Familiarise yourself with key terms like 'inbound network solutions' and 'operational efficiency' to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves negotiating with stakeholders, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced decisions or improved relationships. This will highlight your ability to manage key stakeholder interactions effectively.
✨Highlight Data Analysis Experience
Given the emphasis on data accuracy and reporting in this position, be ready to discuss your experience with data analysis tools and how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. Mention any familiarity with platforms like Tableau if applicable.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As you'll be leading the Admin Team, it's crucial to convey your leadership style and how you motivate teams. Prepare to share specific instances where you've led a team to achieve goals, especially in a logistics or transport context.
