At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team of drivers while ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: Join Warburtons, a leading name in the UK distribution network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit sharing, extra holiday, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading a motivated team in a modern, tech-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Strong people management skills; transport compliance knowledge is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Function: Distribution
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (4 on 2 off)
Location: Biggleswade
Salary: Competitive Package
Are you a confident people manager who knows how to get the best from a team? Join the Distribution Team at Warburtons in Biggleswade and play a key role in leading, coaching and developing our driving team as part of our national Distribution Operations network.
We are looking for someone who can bring strong leadership, communication and performance management skills. Transport compliance knowledge is important, but we can support and develop this for the right person with the right people-management mindset.
- Strong people management experience, with the confidence to lead teams, coach individuals, manage performance and build engagement in a fast-paced operational environment.
- A willingness to learn and apply transport compliance, including Tachograph and Working Time Directive regulations, with full support and training provided.
- Excellent understanding of Health, Safety, and Environment in an operational workplace.
- Good working knowledge of SAP (specifically the ERP module) and experience with Driver telematics systems would be an advantage.
- Transport Managers CPC would be beneficial, but it is not essential if you bring strong people leadership and the ability to learn the technical requirements.
Responsibilities
- Leading and developing the team: Manage a team of Class 1 & 2 Drivers, taking responsibility for all people management activities across the employee lifecycle. You’ll build a positive, motivated team where people understand expectations, feel valued and are supported to perform at their best.
- Championing a Safety Culture: Positively influence behaviours and embed safety into daily operations, making it a core team value. This will include conducting regular safety audits, vehicle management, and driver briefings to identify hazards and implement preventative measures.
- Continuous Improvement: Use telematics and performance data to monitor safety trends and drive improvements across the fleet.
- Learning and applying transport compliance: Develop and maintain the knowledge needed to support Transport Operator Licence requirements, Tachograph and Working Time Directive regulations, and Health, Safety & Environment standards. We can teach the technical compliance requirements, but you’ll need the curiosity and commitment to apply them consistently and confidently.
- Training & Development: Deliver ongoing coaching and ensure refresher training for drivers on safe driving practices, load security, and emergency procedures.
- Incident Response: Lead investigations into any accidents or near misses, ensuring corrective actions are taken and lessons learned are shared.
About Us
We are expanding our latest Distribution Depot in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, and we invite you to be part of our national network of Distribution Operations across the UK. This new site is a modern, state‑of‑the‑art operation featuring the latest iCart technology and a fast‑growing network of routes.
Since 1876, we have earned a stellar reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality products across the UK. As we continue to grow, we want you to be part of our journey and help us maintain our first‑class service for our customers.
We believe in creating an environment that’s inclusive, open, and progressive, and we are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees. At Warburtons, you’ll find ample opportunities to develop your career while contributing to our success.
Benefits
- A slice of the annual profits.
- Family time is important to us, so as well as your holiday entitlement, we’ll give you the opportunity to purchase up to an extra week of annual leave.
- Life assurance.
- Products you’ll love along with deals and discounts for you and the family through our Extra Dough website.
- Continued investment in your personal development.
- Fully stocked kitchens filled with our delicious products for you to enjoy with your daily brew!
We respect and value difference. We look to create an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Companies that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, or any other aspect which makes them unique, are proven to be better companies. More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work, is the right thing to do.
Distribution Shift Manager in Biggleswade employer: Warburtons
Warburtons is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Brimsdown, North London, where teamwork and innovation are at the forefront. With a competitive salary of up to £62,300, employees benefit from a strong focus on personal development and a supportive culture that encourages continuous learning and growth. The 4 on 4 off shift pattern allows for a healthy work-life balance, making it an attractive opportunity for skilled Multi-Skilled Engineers looking for meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Distribution Shift Manager in Biggleswade
✨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 Warburtons 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 Warburtons!
✨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 Warburtons 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 Shift Manager in Biggleswade
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 Warburtons:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Warburtons. 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 Warburtons
✨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 Warburtons.
✨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 Warburtons 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 Warburtons. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
