Distribution Centre Operations Manager in Milton Keynes

WSR is recruiting for an experienced UK & European Distribution Centre Operations Manager on behalf of an established international client. Location: UK preferred; European - based candidates considered Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per annum for UK-based candidates, depending on experience Travel: Up to 50% across the UK and Continental Europe Proposed start date: January 2027 Fluent business-level German and English are essential. The Opportunity This is an opportunity to lead warehouse and distribution operations across the UK and Continental Europe, with an immediate focus on the setup, launch and stabilisation of two new distribution centres. Reporting to the Group Operations Director, you will oversee warehouse performance, inventory accuracy, customer fulfilment and transport services. Working with internal teams, third-party logistics providers and carriers, you will establish consistent operating standards and deliver improvements in service, productivity and cost. Key Responsibilities Lead operational performance across UK and European distribution centres, covering goods receipt, storage, picking, packing, dispatch and returns. Manage the operational setup and successful launch of new facilities, ensuring a smooth transition into day-to-day operations. Plan warehouse capacity, staffing and resources to meet forecasts, project requirements and business growth. Manage 3PL and transport partners through service reviews, contractual KPIs and improvement plans. Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counting, stock audits, reconciliation and effective stock adjustment controls. Investigate discrepancies, picking errors, damage and losses, implementing corrective actions. Coordinate stock transfers between locations and manage slow-moving, obsolete and excess stock with relevant teams. Monitor delivery performance, lead times, freight costs and service issues, working with Sales and Customer Service to resolve problems. Develop operational dashboards covering safety, service, quality, inventory, productivity, cost and capacity. Improve warehouse processes, space utilisation and cost efficiency, identifying opportunities for automation where appropriate. Maintain operating procedures, support audits and ensure compliance with applicable health, safety and quality requirements. Lead, coach and develop operational teams while building effective relationships across the business. About You You will be an organised and commercially aware operations leader who combines practical warehouse knowledge with strong analytical and people management skills. Essential experience and skills: At least five years’ progressive experience in warehouse, distribution, logistics or operations management. Proven responsibility for warehouse performance, inventory control and customer fulfilment. Experience managing 3PL partners, transport providers and formal service-level reviews. Experience leading a warehouse launch, relocation, transition or significant operational change. Strong analytical skills, including KPI reporting, cost analysis and root-cause investigation. Confident leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills. Working knowledge of ERP, warehouse management and operational reporting systems. Fluent business-level German and English. Willingness and ability to travel regularly across UK and European locations, up to 50% of the time. Desirable: A relevant qualification in Supply Chain, Logistics or Operations Management. Lean, Six Sigma or equivalent practical continuous improvement experience. Experience within an international manufacturing, project-led or B2B distribution environment. Knowledge of warehouse automation, systems implementation or transport network optimisation. Why Apply? You will take ownership of operations across two regions and play a central role in launching new distribution facilities. This position offers the opportunity to shape processes, develop teams and deliver measurable improvements across an international logistics network. Please click ‘APPLY NOW’, or call the WSR Team at (phone number removed) for more info. We appreciate the time and effort invested in your application. While we strive to respond to all applicants promptly, we kindly ask for your understanding in case of delays. If you do not hear from us within 10 days of submitting your application, please assume that, unfortunately, you have not been successful this time. We will however keep your CV on file and review your suitability against any other vacancies we may have available