Distribution Centre Team Leader in Tonbridge

Monkhouse Schoolwear Specialists, established in 1938, is one of the country’s largest multi-channel retailers of school uniforms and is part of Banner Ltd, the largest manufacturer of school uniforms.

We are creating a new Team Leader role to support the growing needs of the business. As Team Leader, you will lead and support a flexible, multi-skilled team of 4 to 8 colleagues, ensuring warehouse functions are delivered efficiently and accurately, with no responsibility for people-related decisions such as performance and pay. The role supports operational demands, stock accuracy, and customer service through cross-training and adaptability. You will allocate work, train and coach colleagues, monitor KPIs, and act as the first point of escalation for operational issues. The position requires flexible hours and days to support peak trading and business priorities, and willingness to work across multiple functions. There will be an opportunity for a salary increase subject to a 6 month review at the company's discretion.

Key responsibilities:

• Open and close the Distribution Centre as required, following security, safety, and operational procedures.
• Allocate daily tasks and priorities across the Multi-Skilled Operative team.
• Monitor team performance, ensuring KPIs (accuracy, timeliness, compliance) are achieved.
• Act as a first escalation point for operational, supplier, or system issues.
• Conduct on-the-job training, inductions, and cross-training for new and existing colleagues.
• Provide constructive feedback and support colleague development.
• Communicate operational updates and expectations clearly to the team.
• Contribute to performance reviews and provide input and support to the Warehouse Manager.
• Act as designated First Aider and Fire Warden for the Distribution Centre (training provided).

Core Warehouse Functions:

• Deliveries in/out: Oversee and participate in receiving inbound deliveries, verifying goods, QC/supplier compliance checks, escalating discrepancies, returning stock to suppliers, and managing store/DC deliveries.
• Stock Control: Lead stock control activities, including stocktaking, cycle counting, investigating variances, location mapping, and managing dead/dying/faulty stock. Ensure accurate processing of inter-branch transfers.
• Replenishment: Ensure timely replenishment of pick-faces and internal stock movements between areas.
• Picking, Packing, Dispatching: Oversee accurate picking, packing, and dispatch of customer/store/wholesale orders, ensuring SLAs are met and issues escalated and tracked.
• Returns: Supervise the processing of all returns within SLA timeframes, ensuring e-com and stock control systems are updated accurately.
• Safe Movement of Stock and Equipment: Ensure safe movement of pallets, cages, and bulk stock within the warehouse using appropriate equipment (e.g., pump trucks), including safe loading/unloading of vehicles.
• Health & Safety: Role model H&S standards by ensuring safety checks, training, and reporting are up to date. Promote a culture of safety and maintain housekeeping standards across all areas.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Manual handling – Advanced
• Microsoft Office – Advanced
• E-comm platforms – Intermediate
• Inventory accuracy & stock control – Advanced
• Use of scanning & Stock Control technology – Advanced
• Communication skills – Advanced
• Teamwork & collaboration – Advanced
• Leadership, training & coaching – Advanced
• Health & Safety awareness – Advanced
• Flexibility & adaptability – Advanced
• Problem-solving, decision-making & issue escalation – Advanced
• Safe movement of pallets, cages, and bulk stock – Intermediate
• Vehicle loading/unloading – Intermediate

The Working Environment:

• Physically demanding, fast-paced work.
• Balance leadership with hands-on operations.
• Prolonged standing/walking and repetitive tasks.
• Shifts may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• PPE & uniform mandatory.
• Variable warehouse temperatures.
• Moderate to heavy lifting.

Qualifications:

• Minimum: GCSE or equivalent literacy and numeracy.
• Preferred: 2+ years warehouse experience, including some supervisory responsibilities.
• Mandatory: Manual Handling Certification.
• Additional training provided for leadership, safe movement, and loading/unloading tasks.
• Desirable: Team Leader/Leadership qualification (e.g., ILM Level 2/3).

Roles that involve direct contact with schools will require an enhanced background check (including criminal record history) as part of our standard hiring procedure. Do you consent to this background check: [y/n] Please note: applicants who do not consent may not be eligible for roles requiring this check.

Social Environmental Responsibility (SER)

We take our sustainability responsibility extremely seriously, and it is only with the full cooperation of every one of us, that will ensure we deliver on our sustainability objectives. Below are 5 things we want you to build into your day-to-day responsibilities:

• Switch off lights when the space is not being used.
• Switch off computers at the end of every day.
• If possible, avoid bringing in one-use plastic water bottles.
• Only fill up the kettle for the number of cups of hot drinks you are making.
• Dispose of waste responsibly by using our recycling processes.

What are my hours?

This is a 40 hours a week, working on a monthly rota system across Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm. During our peak season (June to September) we require some flexibility on supporting with additional hours depending on the business's needs.

When can I start?

Immediately!

What’s our location?

We are located in Paddock Wood, Kent, with plenty of free parking and good transport links.

Other things you might like to know:

• During our winter hours, you get to go home at 2.30 pm on a Friday.
• You get one day off to celebrate any day of your choice.
• You get a company pension.
• And so much more.