At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing logistics operation and drive service excellence.
- Company: Join Whistl, a top UK logistics and delivery management company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead change and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, 24/7 logistics setting.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in logistics and strong leadership skills required.
Whistl is one of the UK's leading logistics and delivery management companies, helping businesses efficiently manage their mail, parcels and fulfilment requirements. We are looking for an experienced and commercially focused General Manager to lead our North Hub operation. This is a key senior leadership role responsible for delivering a safe, efficient and cost-effective sortation operation while driving service excellence, continuous improvement and employee engagement. You will lead operational, transport and operation teams in a fast-paced 24/7 environment, ensuring exceptional customer service and operational performance.
As General Manager, you will have full accountability for the hub's operational performance, people leadership, financial management, safety compliance and customer service delivery. Working closely with internal stakeholders and customers, you will drive operational excellence, deliver efficiencies, and support the continued growth of the business.
Key Responsibilities- Operational Leadership
- Lead the end-to-end sortation operation from receipt through to handover.
- Drive operational efficiency through lean processes and continuous improvement.
- Analyse operational data, forecasts and performance trends to optimise resources and productivity.
- Work collaboratively across functions to improve service, efficiency and business performance.
- People Management
- Lead, coach and develop a large operational workforce and management team.
- Create a positive, engaged and inclusive working environment.
- Manage performance, attendance and conduct in line with company policies.
- Support succession planning and talent development across the operation.
- Encourage continuous improvement and employee involvement in operational excellence initiatives.
- Financial & Commercial Management
- Own operational budgets, forecasts and cost controls.
- Monitor expenditure and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Deliver financial targets through effective labour planning and operational management.
- Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure service quality targets are consistently achieved.
- Support customer reviews, site visits and operational performance discussions.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Champion a culture of safety, compliance and operational excellence.
- Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, Environmental and Mail Integrity requirements.
- Support audits, investigations and security initiatives across the operation.
- Change & Continuous Improvement
- Lead operational change programmes and business improvement initiatives.
- Communicate effectively with teams to drive engagement and positive adoption of change.
- Measure and monitor improvements to ensure sustainable results.
About You
We’re looking for a confident and resilient operational leader who thrives in a fast-moving logistics environment. You will have:
- Significant senior management experience within logistics, FMCG, mail, parcels or distribution operations.
- Proven experience leading large operational teams in a 24/7 environment.
- Strong transport management experience with responsibility for fleet or transport operations.
- Transport Manager CPC (National) qualification.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial and operational data.
- Experience managing budgets, forecasts and cost improvement initiatives.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A track record of leading change and continuous improvement programmes.
- The ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.
Essential Experience
Minimum 5 years' senior management experience within logistics, mail, parcel, transport or FMCG operations. Experience within manual or semi-automated operational environments. Proven ability to manage operational performance, productivity and service delivery. Demonstrable experience leading and developing management teams.
General Manager employer: Whistl
Join a dynamic and supportive team in Bedford, where we prioritise employee growth and development. As a Team Leader, you'll benefit from a collaborative work culture that values innovation and excellence, alongside opportunities for career advancement and skill enhancement. Our commitment to maintaining high operational standards ensures a rewarding environment where your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨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 Whistl 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 Whistl!
✨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 Whistl 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 General Manager
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 Whistl:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Whistl. 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 Whistl
✨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 Whistl.
✨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 Whistl 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 Whistl. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
