At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate a team to ensure smooth transport operations and high customer service.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, John Lewis Partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, evening and night premiums, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of kindness, respect, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Transport management experience and knowledge of EU regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 36600 - 57600 £ per year.
As a Transport First Line Manager, you'll be managing Partners and agency across the Transport operation, helping to maintain the smooth running of our distribution centres. This is a 24/7 operation where you will ensure productivity and key customer service levels are met within budget. You'll play an active role in motivating and leading your team.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 18:00 - 22:00 will attract an Evening Premium at a rate of £3.75 per hour, and any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract a Night Premium at a rate of £4.75 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing the performance, wellbeing and development of all Partners in your team.
- Maximising productivity and managing the usage of overtime and agency to improve costs.
- Implementing new projects to improve the efficiency of the operation.
- Supporting a culture of continuous improvement across the department.
- Ensuring the safety of yourself and others by following all Legal, Health, and Safety procedures, EU Driving Regulations, and Operational procedures.
- Deputising for the Transport Shift Manager in their absence.
Essential skills/experience you'll need:
- Excellent Transport knowledge of current EU and Working Time regulations.
- Experience of working in a management role in a Transport / Distribution environment.
- A good understanding of Health and Safety legislation.
- Experience of dealing with full disciplinary procedures according to ACAS guidelines.
Desirable skills/experience you may have:
- Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
- Confident using Google Sheets and Google Docs.
Location: Aylesford Regional Distribution Centre (Waitrose & Partners), Beddow Way, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7AT
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.
Transport First Line Manager employer: John Lewis plc
John Lewis Waitrose & Partners is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and customer service. With flexible part-time hours and a night premium for late shifts, employees enjoy a balanced work-life experience while contributing to a community-focused environment in Locks Heath. Opportunities for personal growth and development are encouraged, making it a rewarding place to build a career in retail and delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport First Line Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like John Lewis plc, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport First Line Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to John Lewis plc specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis plc
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with John Lewis plc, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like John Lewis plc value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
