At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and design a brand-new distribution operation for a fast-growing food business.
- Company: Join a dynamic food company at a pivotal growth stage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy, and a chance to shape the future of logistics.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and influence within the organisation.
- Why this job: Create impactful logistics strategies and build strong partnerships in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in distribution or logistics management, especially in the food sector.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced
Distribution Manager to join a fast-growing food business at a pivotal stage of its development.
This is a genuine greenfield role , offering the chance to design, implement and lead the distribution operation from scratch.
Working closely with the leadership team, you will establish the processes, partnerships and performance measures needed to create a scalable, customer-focused distribution network.
With a strong emphasis on transport and third-party logistics management , you'll be responsible for ensuring products are delivered efficiently, cost-effectively and on time across a growing customer base.
The Role
As Distribution Manager, you'll take ownership of all outbound logistics activities, managing relationships with external transport providers and building a best-in-class distribution operation capable of supporting ambitious growth plans.
Key responsibilities will include
- Developing and implementing the company's distribution and transport strategy.
- Selecting, managing and developing relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) and transport partners.
- Driving service excellence through carrier performance management and KPI reporting.
- Negotiating transport contracts and identifying opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
- Managing transport capacity planning to support seasonal peaks and business growth.
- Establishing distribution processes, controls and operating procedures from the ground up.
- Monitoring OTIF performance, customer service metrics and transport costs.
- Working collaboratively with Supply Chain, Operations, Customer Service and Commercial teams to align distribution plans with customer demand.
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant food industry, transport and health & safety regulations.
- Leading continuous improvement initiatives to optimise transport performance and customer experience.
About You
We're looking for a commercially minded logistics leader who enjoys creating structure within a growing business and can successfully build partnerships with external logistics providers.
You'll ideally bring
- Proven experience in a Distribution Manager, Logistics Manager or Transport Manager position.
- Strong knowledge of UK transport operations and third-party logistics management.
- Experience managing outsourced transport networks within food.
- A track record of improving service, reducing costs and driving operational performance.
- Excellent supplier management and contract negotiation skills.
- Strong analytical capability with experience using KPIs and data to drive decisions.
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and evolving environment.
Why Join?
- Rare opportunity to create and shape an entire distribution function.
- Significant influence on the future direction of the business.
- Growing organisation with ambitious expansion plans.
- High levels of autonomy and visibility across the business.
- Opportunity to build long-term strategic relationships with logistics partners.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
This role would suit an ambitious logistics professional looking for the challenge of building a distribution operation from the ground up while developing a high-performing 3PL transport network that supports a rapidly growing food business.
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
Distribution Manager in Manchester employer: Robert Walters Careers
Join a leading organisation in Walsall that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Group Financial Controller, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a significant impact on the company's financial strategy. With a commitment to compliance and efficiency, this role offers a rewarding environment where your expertise will be recognised and appreciated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Distribution Manager in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Robert Walters Careers and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Robert Walters Careers!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Robert Walters Careers keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Distribution Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Robert Walters Careers:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Robert Walters Careers. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Walters Careers
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Robert Walters Careers.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Robert Walters Careers that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Robert Walters Careers. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
