At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise shift operations in a fast-paced logistics environment.
- Company: Join Relay, a rapidly scaling logistics startup backed by top investors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in reshaping e-commerce delivery experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in fast-paced operations; no prior logistics experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Relay is fundamentally reshaping how goods move in an online era. Backed by Europe's largest‐ever logistics Series A ($35M), Relay is scaling faster than 99.98% of venture‐backed startups. We envision a world where more goods move more freely between more people, making the online shopping experience seamless and accessible to everyone.
THE TEAM
- 110 people, more than half in engineering, product and data
- 45+ advanced degrees across computer science, mathematics and operations research
- Thousands of data points captured, calculated, analysed and predicted for every single parcel we handle
- An intellectually vibrant culture of first‐principles thinking, tight feedback loops and relentless experimentation
The Role
This role is the pathway to becoming a General Manager of your own Hybrid Sort Centre with up to 1 Million parcels a day capacity. You will own an entire shift at one of our fulfilment sites; the people, the throughput, the quality, and the continuous improvement of all three. You will lead 50–100+ operatives through high‐volume, time‐pressured operations where minutes matter and small deviations cascade quickly into missed deadlines and customer impact.
What You Will Do
- Run shift operations end‐to‐end: people deployment, throughput targets, quality standards, and health & safety compliance
- Lead, motivate, and develop a frontline team of 50–100+ operatives; including onboarding, coaching, and managing performance
- Use dashboards and KPIs to identify problems early, make decisions quickly, and track whether the changes you make are actually working
- Build and improve SOPs, controls, and feedback loops that keep your shift running safely and efficiently
- Own the end‐of‐shift handover; what happened, what’s at risk, what the next shift needs to know
- Collaborate across shifts with engineering, data, and ops leadership to solve problems that cross boundaries
- Stay calm and decisive during peak periods, outages, and labour gaps - triaging, containing impact, and restoring flow
Who You Are
- Proven leadership of large teams (50+) of front line workers in fast‐paced, physical operations — logistics, distribution, manufacturing, transport, military, or similar environments where on‐time delivery and compliance are non‐negotiable
- Reasoning ability — you think through problems methodically rather than relying on "how we’ve always done it."
- Resilience — when things break, you get calmer and more structured, not flustered.
- Metrics obsessed — you need to be able to look at a metric and decide what to do about it.
- Clear, direct communication — you can brief a team of 80 operatives at shift start and then present a problem to senior leadership in the same day.
- Ownership mindset — you want to help build something meaningful, not just complete a shift and move on.
Backgrounds That Translate Well
- Logistics & distribution
- Manufacturing & production operations
- Startups with a primary focus on operations
- Transport & fleet management
- Aviation operations & air traffic control
If you’re reading this thinking 'I’ve never considered sortation but this sounds like what I do and am good at' — that’s exactly who we’re looking for. We are looking for people that will continuously seek improvement and have the bias to action to execute the improvements.
Relay is an equal‐opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and fostering a workplace where everyone thrives.
Operations Manager - Nottingham Sort Centre employer: relaytech.co
Relay is an exceptional employer, offering top-of-market salaries and equity in a rapidly scaling logistics startup. With a vibrant culture that prioritises intellectual growth and continuous improvement, employees are empowered to lead large teams and make impactful decisions in a dynamic environment. Located in Nottingham, the Operations Manager role provides unique opportunities for career advancement, including the potential to become a General Manager of a Hybrid Sort Centre, all while contributing to a mission that enhances the e-commerce experience for everyone.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Nottingham Sort Centre
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the logistics and operations field on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and problem-solving. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to manage large teams and handle high-pressure situations. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your metrics obsession! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Relay loves candidates who can think analytically and act decisively based on performance indicators.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to free commerce from friction. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Nottingham Sort Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant metrics you've managed, as we love a data-driven approach!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about logistics and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and resilience.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of how you lead teams. Share examples of how you've motivated large groups in high-pressure environments, as this is key to succeeding in our fast-paced operations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our mission to free commerce from friction!
How to prepare for a job interview at relaytech.co
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Relay's mission and values. Understand how they aim to reshape logistics and what their goals are. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led large teams in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop team members, as well as how you've handled operational challenges. This is crucial for the Operations Manager role.
✨Be Metrics-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to logistics and operations. Be ready to discuss how you've used metrics to identify problems and implement solutions in previous roles. This will demonstrate your analytical mindset and ownership approach.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Think of scenarios where you've had to manage crises or high-pressure situations. Be prepared to share how you maintained composure and made structured decisions during those times. This quality is essential for managing shifts effectively at Relay.
