Logistics Transition & Stores Manager

Logistics & Stores Manager 6 Month Contract Circa £60,000 salary equivalent (£31.25 per hour PAYE based on a 37-hour week) Based across Merthyr Tydfil and Cambridge Travel expenses available when travelling to the furthest site Purpose The Logistics Transition & Stores Manager will lead the successful relocation of logistics and stores operations from Cambridge to Merthyr Tydfil while establishing a new, high-performing logistics function to support Marshall Land Systems future manufacturing operations. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in one of the organisations most significant operational transformation projects. You will be responsible for planning and delivering the end-to-end transition of inventory, warehouse infrastructure, systems and processes, while ensuring continuity of supply to manufacturing throughout the relocation. Alongside delivering the transition programme, you will design and establish the new stores operation, recruiting, developing and leading a capable logistics team, implementing best practice processes and embedding a culture of safety, collaboration and continuous improvement. Working closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Programmes, HR, Facilities and site leadership, you will help shape a modern, efficient logistics operation that will support Marshall Land Systems for years to come. Responsibilities Lead the planning, co-ordination and delivery of the stores and logistics transition programme from Cambridge to Merthyr Tydfil Develop and maintain detailed project plans, transition schedules and resource requirements to ensure successful delivery against agreed milestones Manage the relocation of inventory, warehouse equipment, tooling and materials while maintaining stock integrity, traceability and operational readiness Ensure continuity of material supply to manufacturing throughout the transition, minimising disruption to production programmes Establish warehouse layouts, storage solutions and material flows to support efficient operations at the new Merthyr Tydfil facility Lead stock verification, reconciliation and inventory accuracy activities before, during and following the relocation Manage the day-to-day stores operation throughout the transition period, ensuring safe, efficient and compliant warehouse activities Ensure all logistics operations comply with Health & Safety, environmental, quality and security requirements Identify, manage and mitigate operational and project risks, escalating issues where appropriate Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and third-party logistics providers to coordinate relocation activities Produce regular progress reports, project updates and performance metrics for senior stakeholders Drive continuous improvement opportunities to optimise warehouse processes, inventory management and logistics performance Support internal and external audits, ensuring all transition documentation and warehouse records remain accurate and audit ready Develop the logistics and stores operating model for the new Merthyr Tydfil facility, ensuring it supports current and future business requirements Lead the recruitment, onboarding and development of the new logistics and stores team, working closely with HR and hiring managers to build the required capability Define team structures, roles and responsibilities to establish a high-performing logistics function Coach and support new team members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement Manage the transition of knowledge from the Cambridge operation to the new Merthyr Tydfil team, ensuring critical processes and expertise are effectively transferred Build workforce plans that align resource requirements with transition milestones and future operational demand Establish performance measures, KPIs and reporting to drive operational excellence within the new logistics function Work with wider business functions to embed new processes, governance and ways of working following the transition Champion employee engagement throughout the transition, supporting teams through change and ensuring clear, consistent communication Previous Experience Significant experience in warehouse, logistics or supply chain operations within a manufacturing or engineering environment Experience leading operational relocations, warehouse moves or logistics transition projects Proven experience managing stores, inventory control and warehouse operations Experience leading teams through periods of operational change Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across multiple business functions Experience working within a regulated, quality-controlled or defence manufacturing environment is desirable Demonstrable experience delivering projects against challenging timescales Technical Skills / Education Strong knowledge of warehouse management, inventory control and material planning Experience using ERP and warehouse management systems Excellent project planning and organisational skills Strong analytical and problem-solving capability Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Good understanding of Health & Safety legislation and safe warehouse practices Project management qualification (APM, PRINCE2 or equivalent) is desirable Forklift licence is desirable Dangerous Goods certification is desirable Additional Local Needs Regular onsite working is required across both the Cambridge and Merthyr Tydfil sites Travel between locations will be required throughout the transition Successful candidates will be required to complete a BPSS check Key Stakeholders Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Programme teams – to ensure continuity of material supply and alignment with production schedules throughout the transition HR and Talent Acquisition – to recruit, onboard and develop the new logistics and stores team, ensuring the right capability is in place for operational readiness Facilities, IT and Project teams – to coordinate site readiness, warehouse infrastructure, systems implementation and relocation activities External suppliers, logistics providers and contractors – to manage the safe and timely movement of inventory, equipment and warehouse assets Senior leadership and site management – to provide project updates, manage risks, support decision-making and ensure successful delivery of the relocation programme. TPBN1_UKTJ