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- Tasks: Lead and optimise final mile delivery operations across multiple sites.
- Company: Join the UK's largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and extensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site operations management and strong leadership abilities required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
£55,000 to £60,000 Per annum plus £5,688 car allowance and bonus
Field-based – (Barnstaple/Bodmin/Exeter/Plymouth/Redruth/Yeovil)
Our reputation as the UK’s largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler speaks for itself. Every day, we serve more than 22,400 customers from 33 distribution centres across the country. Behind every nightly miracle is a team of dedicated people carrying out more roles than you realise – we’re the unseen force that delivers. So when we say we’re excited for what the future holds for our customers and colleagues, you can trust we’re as good as our word.
As the Regional Operations Manager in Final Mile at Smiths News, you will be responsible for overseeing the efficient and compliant execution of final mile delivery operations across sites within your assigned patch. Your key responsibility will be to ensure that all operational processes meet the company’s standards for productivity, cost control, People Management, service level agreements, and health & safety compliance. This field-based role requires hands‑on leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication with Depot Managers & LSM’s, central support teams, and senior management. You will oversee site teams, support their development, and drive continuous improvement while ensuring alignment with Smiths News’ vision of operational excellence.
About the role
- Key Focus Areas
- Operational Efficiency: Ensure all final mile delivery operations are optimised for service quality, cost efficiency, and on‑time delivery.
- Compliance: Maintain full compliance with health & safety regulations and company policies across all sites.
- People Development: Lead and develop LSM’s, Depot Managers and their teams, ensuring high standards of performance and engagement.
- Problem Solving: Address operational challenges quickly to minimise any negative impact on service delivery.
- Standardisation: Implement standardised processes to ensure consistent final mile operations across all sites using OE methodology.
ROM Deliverables
- Weekly Performance Reports: Providing an overview of operational KPIs (cost, delivery success, and compliance) across sites within your region.
- Operational Improvement Plans: Proposing action plans for underperforming sites, including timelines for improvement.
- Health & Safety Audits: Monthly reports detailing the compliance status across sites and identifying any safety issues that need addressing.
- Strategic Alignment Reports: Tracking and ensuring that each site is aligned with broader company goals and initiatives.
- Project Updates: Reporting progress on the implementation of major initiatives, including key milestones and obstacles encountered.
- Financial Performance Summaries: Monthly summaries of cost management and budget adherence, identifying risks and opportunities for savings.
What we can offer you
- Free onsite parking
- 4x salary life assurance
- 5% match pension
- £5,688 per annum car allowance
- Company bonus
- Company funded Health Cash Plan – providing cash back for everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy
- 25 days holiday plus holiday buy scheme
- 24/7 E‑Learning modules, Training and Development opportunities
- Sharesave Scheme, Cycle to work schemes, Health cash plan
- Private medical insurance
- Colleague Assistance Programme & Colleague referral scheme
About you
- Proven experience in multi‑site operations management within logistics, delivery, or final mile sectors.
- Strong leadership skills with demonstrated success in managing and developing high‑performing teams.
- Deep understanding of health & safety regulations and compliance in logistics and final mile operations.
- Financial management experience, including budget oversight, cost control, and P&L analysis.
- Proficient in logistics management software, including WMS, TMS, and real‑time delivery tracking systems.
- Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills with a focus on operational efficiency.
- Outstanding communication skills for managing teams and engaging with senior leadership.
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is advantageous.
- Degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or related field is advantageous.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CILT, PRINCE2, ILM, CMI, Lean Six Sigma, NEBOSH) are an advantage.
Please note: you must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position. A career with us is a career filled with people, pride, and passion. We rely on each other to get the job done, and we deliver what we say we will. Let’s see if we can rely on you, too. Apply now.
Regional Operations Manager employer: Smiths News
Contact Detail:
Smiths News Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've tackled challenges effectively. Being able to demonstrate your ability to handle operational issues will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to contribute to our mission of operational excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Regional Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant operational achievements to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at Smiths News. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled operational challenges in the past. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and drive continuous improvement!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths News
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of final mile delivery operations. Familiarise yourself with the key performance indicators and compliance standards that Smiths News values. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their operational goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and success in developing high-performing teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced in multi-site operations and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire others, which is crucial for the Regional Operations Manager role.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've tackled operational challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will illustrate your analytical skills and ability to maintain service quality under pressure, which is essential for this position.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Smiths News' vision and values thoroughly. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding operational excellence and compliance. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who not only fits the role but also embodies the company culture.