At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food.
From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time.
As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.
The Opportunity
We're seeking an exceptional Change Manager to play a key role in the launch of our new state-of-the-art Gist & M&S Food distribution centre in Avonmouth. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience delivering complex change within FMCG or distribution environments, a strong ability to translate data into strategic business decisions, and a proven track record supporting major site openings, transitions, or operational transformations.
What you'll be doing
Reporting into the General Manager your main areas of responsibility will be:
Health, Safety and Wellbeing:
- Champion the safety agenda daily
- Promote safe operating and warehouse standards
- Conduct hazard walks and observations against standards
- Maintaining a safe and friendly working environment for all employees, agency and subcontractors
People:
- Ensuring effective communication throughout the management team and site colleagues
- Engaging with key stakeholders on site, across the network and in the central teams
- Leading improvement through regular, cross functional engagement sessions
- Engaging with the workforce to generate and deliver improvement initiatives
Operational Excellence:
- Collaborates with the wider warehouse function and engages with the Warehouse optimisation team to deliver compelling and business led change effectively
- Drive continuous improvement processes
- Identifies areas of improvement and engages the appropriate stakeholders to achieve measurable results
- Planning and organising projects with people and safety at the heart of decision making
- Ensuring work done, is as work imagined
- Share best practice with other sites to improve overall business standard
- Implement standardised processes
- Drive the accuracy agenda through operational teams
Customer and Growth:
- Responsible for operational processes. Maintain and improve methods & performance levels to maximise efficiency of operation in line with account KPI's
Environment:
- Ensure all requirements relating to safety, health, environment and quality are being fully implemented in the warehouse or escalate
What we're looking for
To be successful in your application you will be an experienced Change Manager ideally within an FMCG/Logistics environment. You will be able to demonstrate skills and experiences in:
- Significant Change Management and Continuous Improvement experience within FMCG, logistics, or distribution environments
- Proven track record of leading large-scale transformation projects and delivering measurable operational improvements
- Experience supporting a new site opening, warehouse start-up, or major site transition
- Strong ability to analyse and translate data into actionable insights that influence business decisions
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and challenge at all levels
- Strong understanding of warehouse operations within a fast-paced FMCG distribution environment
- Experience driving continuous improvement programmes and embedding best practice across people, processes, and systems
- Management-level operational experience is essential
- Passionate about creating a collaborative, inclusive culture where colleagues are empowered to contribute ideas and drive change
- Lean, Six Sigma and/or Project Management qualifications are desirable
- Experience working with Trade Unions would be advantageous
- Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable operating in a dynamic change environment
Role details:
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum + Bonus (DOE)
Working hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday (A level of flexibility is expected to ensure effective operational coverage)
What’s in it for you?
As well as a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:
- 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
- Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
- Attractive annual bonus scheme, based on M&S performance and personal objectives
- Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance
- Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
- Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme
- A first-class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
- Cycle to work scheme
Why Gist?
When you join Gist, you're joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group.
You'll have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, work alongside experienced leaders and contribute to one of the UK's leading food supply chains.
Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow.
Whether you're leading a site operation, delivering transformation or shaping future strategy, your work will make a real difference.
Our commitment to inclusion
At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger.
We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.
Our Internal Recruitment Team fulfil all vacancies on a direct basis. Unsolicited contact by unapproved agencies (sharing speculative CVs) will not be accepted and introductory fees will not apply.
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