At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large distribution centre, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
- Company: Join a leading logistics firm with a focus on people and performance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £75,000 and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, unionised setting with a culture of continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics management and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 € per year.
Location: South West
Salary: up to £75,000
Role: Permanent – Full time
The Opportunity
Are you an experienced Distribution Manager or senior logistics leader with a proven background in managing large‑scale warehouse and transport operations? This is a high‑impact leadership opportunity to take full operational ownership of a major distribution centre, balancing service, cost, safety and people priorities in a fast‑paced, unionised logistics environment. You’ll lead senior teams across warehouse and transport, ensuring the depot operates safely, compliantly and efficiently so products reach stores on time, every time. This role will suit a commercially minded, people‑centred leader who thrives on operational accountability, delivers through others and is motivated by continuous improvement, stability and performance excellence.
The Role
As Distribution Manager, you will:
- Take full accountability for the end‑to‑end operational performance of a large distribution depot
- Lead senior warehouse and transport management teams to deliver safe, compliant and on‑time operations
- Balance service delivery, cost control, safety and people priorities in a complex logistics setting
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, operational discipline and colleague engagement
Key Responsibilities
Depot Leadership & Operational Delivery
- Own the day‑to‑day performance of warehouse and transport operations
- Ensure service levels, productivity and cost targets are delivered consistently
- Translate operational plans into clear actions and priorities across leadership teams
- Maintain strong operational control across resource planning, labour, fleet and equipment
People Leadership & Culture
- Lead, coach and develop senior and operational leadership teams
- Deliver the people plan, building engagement, capability and accountability
- Foster a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues feel supported and set up to succeed
- Work constructively with trade union partners on operational change and workforce planning
Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Take ownership of health & safety, compliance, security and operational risk
- Ensure robust controls are in place and standards are clearly understood and embedded
- Identify operational issues and inefficiencies, implementing practical, sustainable improvements
- Share best practice and collaborate with peers across the wider logistics network
About You
Essential
- Proven experience leading large‑scale teams within distribution, logistics or a similarly complex operational environment
- Strong operational judgement with the ability to balance service, cost and people impact
- Experience translating operational strategy into clear execution on site
- Confident, decisive leadership style with the ability to manage risk and drive standards
- Pragmatic, coaching‑led approach focused on developing capability and performance
Desirable
- Experience operating within a unionised environment
- Background in multi‑site or network‑based logistics operations
- Track record of delivering sustainable operational change
This Distribution Manager opportunity is managed by McCarthy Recruitment, a specialist, award‑winning recruitment consultancy supporting senior appointments across operational, logistics and leadership functions. Apply today to take the next step in your logistics leadership career.
Distribution Manager in Tavistock employer: McCarthy Recruitment
As a Distribution Manager with us, you'll join a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises safety, compliance, and continuous improvement. We offer competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive environment where your leadership can truly make an impact in a fast-paced logistics setting. Located in the South West, our major distribution centre is committed to operational excellence and employee engagement, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Distribution Manager in Tavistock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the logistics and distribution sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their operational challenges and think about how your experience can help them overcome these. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams to success in previous roles. Highlight your ability to balance service, cost, and people priorities – that’s what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Distribution Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Distribution Manager in Tavistock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Distribution Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing large-scale warehouse and transport operations, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and operational achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've balanced service, cost, and people priorities in previous positions.
Showcase Your People Skills:As a people-centred leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams. Share experiences where you’ve fostered a positive culture or worked with trade unions to drive operational change.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at McCarthy Recruitment
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the operational aspects of a distribution centre. Familiarise yourself with key metrics like service levels, productivity targets, and cost control measures. This will help you speak confidently about how you can drive performance in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, especially in managing large teams. Share specific examples of how you've developed talent and fostered a positive culture in previous roles. Highlight your experience in coaching and engaging teams, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of health and safety in logistics, be ready to talk about your experience with compliance and risk management. Discuss any initiatives you've led to improve safety standards and how you ensure that operational controls are effectively implemented.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. Think of examples where you've identified inefficiencies and implemented sustainable improvements. This will demonstrate your ability to balance service delivery with operational excellence.
