Logistics Manager in Essex

Location: Witham, Essex

Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience) up to 42,000

Hours: Full Time, 40 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and driven Logistics Manager to join a successful and growing food manufacturing and distribution business based in Witham, Essex. This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the end-to-end logistics operation, ensuring products are moved efficiently from suppliers through to customers whilst maintaining excellent service levels, operational efficiency, and cost control. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in managing transport operations, warehouse coordination, stock movements, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs), whilst working closely with internal teams to ensure the smooth flow of goods across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and continuously improve end-to-end logistics operations.
• Oversee all inbound and outbound logistics activities, including customer deliveries, supplier collections, and inter-site stock transfers.
• Act as the primary point of escalation for logistics-related issues and ensure swift resolution.
• Monitor daily logistics performance and proactively identify potential risks or delays.
• Maintain effective relationships with transport providers, hauliers, warehouses, and third-party logistics partners (3PLs).
• Coordinate stock movements between sites and ensure accurate scheduling and communication with operational teams.
• Manage logistics planning and scheduling to ensure resources are utilised effectively.
• Ensure service levels, operational KPIs, and customer expectations are consistently achieved.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Production, Warehouse, and Customer Service teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer service.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the logistics function.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and relevant transport regulations.

About You

We are looking for an organised, proactive, and commercially aware logistics professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You will have excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on operational excellence.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years' experience within a logistics, transport, supply chain, or warehousing environment.
• Proven experience managing Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers is essential.
• Strong understanding of transport operations, warehousing, inventory movements, and logistics planning.
• Experience managing logistics service providers, carrier performance, service level agreements (SLAs), and operational KPIs.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Experience working with ERP systems.

Desirable Requirements

• Knowledge and experience of SAP.
• Experience within food manufacturing, FMCG, distribution, or a related sector.
• Degree or relevant qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline.

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to join a well-established and growing business.
• A varied and hands‑on management role with significant responsibility.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Long‑term career development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

If you have proven experience managing logistics operations and third‑party logistics providers and are looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.