Head of Food WMS Transformation in Coventry

Head of Food WMS Transformation in Coventry

Coventry Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the transformation of Sainsbury's Food Warehouse Management System and drive strategic initiatives.
  • Company: Join Sainsbury's, a leading retailer with a commitment to innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, discounts, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Access personal development tools and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in logistics, project management, and excellent communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

We’d all like amazing work to do, and real work/life balance. That’s waiting for you right here. Supply Chain and Logistics is the engine room that gets thousands of products from farms and factories, through the business and to millions of customers every day. We plan around everything from barbecue weekends to Sunday roasts, supporting those who want oven‑ready cauliflower cheese and those who prefer to make it from scratch. Insight and data are everything. But so is judgement — when there’s an issue or ambiguity anywhere, we’re often the first to spot it.

There’s a big transformation underway. It calls for people who champion change, bring others with them, and collaborate and communicate. Because those people can go a very long way here. Joining Sainsbury's offers a unique opportunity to lead a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic initiatives within our Logistics division. With the chance to influence and drive change across our Food WMS transformation, you will play a key role in enhancing our warehouse capabilities and driving efficiencies.

As part of a collaborative and innovative team, you will have the support to develop your skills, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and make a tangible impact on our operations, ultimately contributing to Sainsbury's ongoing success and growth.

What you’ll do

  • Play a pivotal leadership role within the Logistics division, responsible for shaping and delivering the strategic transformation of Sainsbury's Food Warehouse Management System (WMS) across all depots and operational areas.
  • Lead programme and project delivery, defining and driving the transformation roadmap, executing the business change management plan, overseeing complex cross‑functional projects, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in delivery practices.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive business change and unlock operational efficiencies.

Who you are

  • An accomplished leader with a deep understanding of logistics systems and operations in a retail environment, particularly within warehouse management systems.
  • Strong strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and proven experience in project and change management.
  • Ability to manage numerous concurrent projects and lead a large cross‑functional team.

What you need to do

  • Lead programme and project delivery across Food WMS Transformation by leading a market leading governance process.
  • Influence teams not within your reporting structure to deliver their objectives within the programme.
  • Define and lead the transformation roadmap, including Generation 3 tech and future logistics warehouse capabilities.
  • Own and execute the business change management plan, including impact assessments, training coordination, and stakeholder workshops.
  • Oversee delivery of complex, cross‑functional projects, ensuring alignment with business cases and measurable outcomes.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in delivery practices.
  • Build market‑leading logistics technology capabilities and align future requirements with technology capabilities and roadmaps.
  • Accountable for assigned project budget(s), ensuring recording of spend/hours use is accurately recorded and within financial rules.
  • Identify critical dependencies and risks, ensuring early visibility and mitigation planning.

What you need to show

  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Confidence in communicating with stakeholders across different levels and functions.
  • A proactive mindset with a willingness to take ownership and follow through on actions.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and supporting team collaboration.

Support we will provide

  • Access to personal development tools e.g., Bitesize talks, online self‑development tools, internal mentoring.
  • Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there’s always the chance to try something new — whether that’s as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you.

We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, we’ll also offer you an amazing range of benefits.

Head of Food WMS Transformation in Coventry employer: Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and customer service are at the forefront. Employees benefit from competitive pay, night shift premiums, and a range of perks including discounts and generous holiday entitlement, all while working in a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and wellbeing.

Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

Contact Details:

Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Food WMS Transformation in Coventry

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 Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd 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 Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd!

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 Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd 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 Head of Food WMS Transformation in Coventry

Leadership Skills
Logistics Systems Knowledge
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
Project Management
Change Management
Strategic Thinking
Communication Skills

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 Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd. 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 Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

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 Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd.

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 Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd 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 Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!