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- Tasks: Support the roll-out of Operational Excellence across distribution centres and final mile operations.
- Company: Join the UK's largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, retention bonus, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational excellence within warehousing/logistics and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Access to training, development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
6 month fixed term contract £60,000 per annum plus £5,688 per annum car allowance, £5,000 retention bonus and benefits. Our reputation as the UK’s largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler speaks for itself. Every day, we serve more than 22,000 customers from 34 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.
About the role
We are recruiting for 2x OE Operations Implementation Practitioners, on a 6 month fixed term basis. One role will predominantly support our Final Mile operation (with some travel to sites at night/early morning including Nottingham as our OE model site as required) and the other position will predominantly support OE implementation in our Distribution Centres. This is a great opportunity to bring your OE expertise to support the roll-out, embedding and sustainability of Operational Excellence (OE), across our Smiths News business. You will work closely with the central OE team, and functional leadership teams and across multiple UK sites to support adoption of new OE skills, methods and approaches to drive consistency and sustainable operational improvement.
The roles will deploy the OE architecture (Think, Work Behave) and all associated methods and tools, as designed by the central OE team; leading, coordinating, driving and coaching as appropriate to drive value to our customers and the business measured through Safety, Quality, Cost and Service Performance indicators.
What we can offer you
- Free onsite parking
- 4x salary life assurance
- 5% match pension
- £5,688 per annum car allowance
- Retention bonus of £5,000 (subject to tax) after successfully completing the 6 month contract & meeting agreed objectives
- Company funded Health Cash Plan – providing cash back for everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy
- 25 days holiday per annum pro-rata
- 24/7 E-Learning modules, Training and Development opportunities
- Private medical insurance
- Colleague Assistance Programme & Colleague referral scheme
About you
- Experience of delivering OE in a warehousing / logistics environment
- Experience of delivering focused improvement events resulting in validated step change in efficiency, key performance indicators and enhancing colleague knowledge and capability
- Experience of material flow design and layout optimisation
- Skilled in influencing internal stakeholders and external clients and effectively engaging with all levels of business
- Excellent communication skills; verbal, written, presenting
- Experience of Coaching, Mentoring and Training in the delivery of OE
- Experience of leading, inspiring and developing teams
- Strong Microsoft Office skills including Excel (ability to manipulate and interpret data) and PowerPoint
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.
Warehouse & Distribution Operations Specialist – OE Implementation (Hiring Immediately) employer: Smiths News
Contact Detail:
Smiths News Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Warehouse & Distribution Operations Specialist – OE Implementation (Hiring Immediately)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your OE experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Warehouse & Distribution Operations Specialist – OE Implementation (Hiring Immediately)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your OE expertise and any relevant achievements in warehousing or logistics to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the role. Share specific examples of how you've delivered OE improvements and engaged with teams, showing us your passion for operational excellence.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use proper grammar and structure to demonstrate your written communication skills right from the start.
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 quickly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths News
✨Know Your OE Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Operational Excellence (OE) knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies and tools you've used in previous roles, especially in warehousing or logistics. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves influencing stakeholders and engaging with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas or led training sessions in the past. This will highlight your ability to connect with different levels of the business.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to OE implementation. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to follow your thought process.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Skills
Since strong Microsoft Office skills are a must, be prepared to discuss how you've used Excel to analyse data or improve processes. Bring examples of reports or presentations you've created that showcase your ability to manipulate and interpret data effectively. This will reinforce your technical capabilities.
