Section Manager in Milton Keynes

Section Manager in Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
John Lewis & Partners

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and motivate your team to ensure smooth supply chain operations.
  • Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a potential annual bonus of up to £7,280.
  • Other info: Apply early as vacancies may close quickly due to high interest.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values your input and personal development.
  • Qualifications: Experience in logistics/supply chain and managing stakeholder relationships is essential.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

About the role

As a Section Manager in one of our National Distribution Centres (NDCs), you\'ll have an important role of leading and motivating your team of Partners and ensuring the smooth running of the supply chain operation within your area of the site. You\'ll ensure the right stock in the right place at the right time for our shops and, ultimately, our customers, helping to drive sales and profitability for the Partnership.

At a glance

Role Title: Section Manager, National Distribution Centre

Position: Permanent

Hours of Work: Full Time, 37.5 hours a week, 5 days out of 7 with rotational weekends. Working alternative shift patterns of 06:00 to 14:00 and 14:00 to 22:00.

Shift Premium: 20% with an additional potential earning of up to £7,280 annually.

Location: Magna Park, Milton Keynes

Key Responsibilities

  • Managing your team\'s development, ensuring they have the tools and time they need to thrive.
  • Aligning Partner resource with the expected demand, maintaining a smooth operation.
  • Identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing them with your team.
  • Liaising with other departments and Partners to deliver site KPIs.
  • Developing and maintaining communication between key stakeholders to ensure effective communication across teams.
  • Building solid relationships with Partners and empowering them to take ownership of their operational success and personal development.

Essential skills/experience you\'ll need

  • Previous experience working within a logistics/supply chain environment.
  • Managing stakeholder relationships.
  • Managing a change agenda in a logistics environment.
  • Working knowledge of IT systems (MS Excel, MS Word, Warehouse Management Systems, DLx, email).

Desirable skills/experience you may have

  • Flexibility to cover other parts of the operation as required.

About The Partnership

We\'re the largest employee-owned business in the UK and home to 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 focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt, and diversify. We are committed to offering price, quality, and service excellence in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.

As Partners, we share the responsibility of ownership and its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviors and treating everyone with kindness and respect.

We all own making the Partnership a place where we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we\'re free to be ourselves and thrive. Growing individually and collectively.

As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.

Important points to note:

Some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks for successful candidates. You will be informed and provided with details about vetting during the recruitment process. We encourage you to complete any vetting documents promptly to avoid delays. DBS checks will be conducted by a registered third-party body, and financial probity checks may also be required for some roles.

We recommend applying early, as vacancies can close quickly if there is high interest.

We support flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts. Please discuss this during your interview with the hiring manager.

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Section Manager in Milton Keynes employer: John Lewis & Partners

As a Section Manager at our National Distribution Centre in Magna Park, Milton Keynes, you will be part of the UK's largest employee-owned business, where your leadership will directly contribute to our mission of creating a happier world. We pride ourselves on a supportive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth, offering competitive benefits including a shift premium and opportunities for flexible working arrangements. Join us to empower your team, drive operational success, and enjoy the unique advantage of being a Partner in a company that values kindness, respect, and collaboration.

John Lewis & Partners

Contact Details:

John Lewis & Partners Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Section Manager in Milton Keynes

Get Involved in Industry Events

Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like John Lewis & Partners and learning about the latest trends in the industry.

Leverage Online Communities

Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at John Lewis & Partners!

Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio

Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like John Lewis & Partners keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.

We think you need these skills to ace Section Manager in Milton Keynes

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Logistics and Supply Chain Knowledge
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Change Management
Operational Efficiency
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to John Lewis & Partners:This is your chance to really connect with the team at John Lewis & Partners. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis & Partners

Know Your Logistics Tools

Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with John Lewis & Partners.

Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.

Show Your Team Spirit

Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show John Lewis & Partners that you're a team player!

Understand the Big Picture

Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at John Lewis & Partners. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!