Operations Manager in Sidcup

Salary: £70,000 - £80,000

Location: Sidcup, Kent

Hours: 7am - 4pm

Benefits: Bonus | 25 days' holiday + bank holidays | Free food & drink | Free fuel for electric vehicles | 10% matched pension

Role Purpose

The UK Operations Manager will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day leadership, performance and continuous improvement of the Sidcup warehouse and logistics facility. This is a broad operational leadership role covering production, warehouse, logistics, planning, quality and HSE. The successful candidate will ensure the site operates safely, efficiently and cost-effectively while delivering against customer, quality and business KPIs and developing a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the safe, efficient and profitable running of the site, delivering the operational strategy and business objectives.
• Lead, coach and develop managers, supervisors and team leaders across production, warehouse, logistics, planning and quality.
• Oversee production and warehouse operations, ensuring customer, quality and delivery targets are consistently achieved.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, 5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis and KPI data to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Own production, warehouse and labour planning, balancing demand, capacity and resource requirements.
• Oversee the safe and efficient handling, storage and movement of goods, ensuring stock accuracy and effective use of warehouse space and MHE.
• Lead site quality, maintaining appropriate Quality Management Systems, monitoring KPIs and driving corrective action.
• Take overall responsibility for HSE, ensuring legislative compliance, effective risk management and a strong safety culture.
• Manage the operational budget, controlling costs and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Work closely with Commercial, Procurement and Customer Service to align operational planning with customer and business requirements.
• Monitor and report on key operational, production, quality, HSE, warehouse and service KPIs, providing insight to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and company requirements, supporting internal and external audits.
• Manage employee relations alongside HR, including performance, absence, disciplinary and grievance matters, while promoting a positive and inclusive culture.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior Operations, Warehouse, Logistics or Manufacturing Management role within a manufacturing, warehousing, distribution or FMCG environment.
• Strong experience across production, warehouse/logistics, quality, HSE and planning/scheduling.
• Experience leading and developing multi-disciplinary operational teams.
• Experience managing budgets and delivering cost, productivity and efficiency improvements.
• Experience working with Quality Management Systems, ideally ISO 9001, and CAPA processes.
• Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and warehouse operating standards.
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related discipline.
• NEBOSH/ IOSH Certificates or working towards.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate, develop and empower teams.
• Data-driven, with experience using WMS/ERP systems and KPI reporting.
• Hands-on, resilient and comfortable working in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Full UK driving licence where travel between sites is required.