Section Manager - Outbound & Returns

Shift Pattern – 4 on 4 off | 10am to 10pm | Across 7 days

About the role. This is a big, fast-moving role at the heart of our fulfilment operation. As a Section Manager, you will lead large operational teams across Outbound and Returns, keeping our customers front of mind while hitting performance, safety and quality targets. You will own your area end to end. That means creating an environment where people feel supported, processes work smoothly, and performance keeps improving shift after shift. You will also be a key cultural ambassador for The Very Group, setting the tone, role‑modeling our values and building strong, open relationships across the site.

What you will be doing:

• Lead large operational teams to deliver and exceed site KPIs
• Work closely with your Operations Managers to create and deliver improvement plans across all shifts
• Identify, plan and implement operational and process improvements, engaging stakeholders every step of the way
• Set clear departmental targets that drive productivity, quality and process adherence
• Maintain a strong understanding of the end-to-end fulfilment process and how your area fits into the bigger picture
• Develop a flexible, multi‑skilled team by actively managing and growing the skills base
• Optimise storage, conveyor usage and resource deployment to maximise productivity
• Drive effective cross‑functional working to deliver overall site performance
• Ensure stock accuracy through robust process management and strong operational discipline
• Keep Health and Safety front of mind, participating in SOP and risk assessment reviews
• Act as a subject‑matter expert in your area while understanding wider site operations
• Champion open, two‑way communication in a performance‑driven environment

About you. This role suits a confident, resilient leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, automated environment and genuinely enjoys developing people. You will bring:

• Proven experience leading large teams in a fulfilment or manufacturing environment
• A strong track record of delivering departmental and site KPIs
• Experience coaching, developing and engaging teams, with teamwork as the norm
• A passion for colleague engagement and creating inclusive, high‑performing cultures
• Deep operational knowledge within an automated fulfilment centre
• A clear understanding of end‑to‑end fulfilment processes
• Confidence deputising for senior leaders when required
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at all levels
• Experience using Continuous Improvement tools to drive results
• A data‑led mindset, with commercial awareness in decision making
• The ability to delegate effectively and develop future talent
• A flexible, proactive approach with a genuine desire to exceed targets
• The resilience to handle challenges, especially in a growing or start‑up environment

Some of our benefits:

• Inclusive culture and environment
• 22 days holiday + bank holidays
• LinkedIn learning access
• Bonus potential (performance and business‑related)
• Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk
• Matched pension up to 6%
• More benefits can be found on our career site

Diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. We’re building a culture of everyday inclusion, and welcome applications from anyone who believes they can do the job. We don’t discriminate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone. If you need reasonable adjustments to apply, interview, or perform a role, let us know via talentacquisition@theverygroup.com. We’ll be happy to support you. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer and have nine brilliant colleague networks – including DAWN (Disability Awareness at Very) and Think (Neurodiversity at Very) – that are helping us make Very an even more inclusive place to work.