Warehouse Operations Manager

Our well-known client is looking for a Warehouse Operations Manager who is responsible for the operational leadership and service delivery of their primary UK airfreight gateway near Heathrow. Managing a team of 6 direct reports and approximately 140 indirect reports, the role oversees all warehouse and gateway cargo activities, ensuring the safe, compliant and efficient handling of import and export airfreight. Operating within a highly regulated environment, you will ensure compliance with aviation security, dangerous goods, GDP/MHRA and health & safety requirements while maintaining high standards of operational performance and customer service.

You will lead a large operational team within a complex, unionised environment and work closely with internal departments, regulatory authorities and customers to deliver operational excellence. The role requires strong leadership, effective resource management and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Lead the operational delivery of UK airfreight gateway, overseeing all warehouse and gateway activities at the Heathrow depot.
• Ensure the efficient and compliant handling of import and export airfreight in line with regulatory, security and operational standards.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships across operational departments to support service delivery and internal and external customer satisfaction.
• Act as, or develop into, an Aviation Security Nominee joining the team for the site in accordance with CAA aviation security requirements.
• Oversee Dangerous Goods compliance and operational training in conjunction with the UK Airfreight Compliance Manager.
• Ensure full compliance with GDP/MHRA requirements in partnership with the site Responsible Person.
• Manage operational resources with 6 direct reports across a complex shift pattern consisting of approximately 140 unionised employees.
• Maintain high standards of yard and warehouse housekeeping and maintenance in collaboration with the Facilities Manager.
• Oversee the management, compliance and training related to Material Handling Equipment (MHE), including supplier management and procurement.
• Promote and drive a strong culture of Health & Safety in partnership with the National Health & Safety Manager.
• Develop and utilise operational performance metrics to drive service quality, productivity and efficiency.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives and support the implementation of new technologies as part of the First Choice programme.
• Foster an engaged and communicative working environment while maintaining clear routines, standards and operational discipline.
• Ensure all operational activities and interactions comply with the Company Code of Conduct and all relevant compliance requirements, including anti-corruption policies.
• Contribute to and support continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.

• Highly self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet operational deadlines.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience managing large teams within a unionised environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong knowledge of freight forwarding operations and airfreight import/export processes.
• Experience operating within regulated environments, including Aviation Security, Dangerous Goods by Air, ADR and GDP/MHRA requirements.
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret operational data and develop meaningful performance metrics.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing operational budgets and understanding P&L performance.
• Confidence to challenge existing processes constructively and drive operational improvements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances including 5-year referencing, DBS and Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).
• Good knowledge of Microsoft products, Cargowise, Atlas and ICE would be an advantage.