Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic, hands-on Assistant Warehouse Operations Manager to drive the daily execution of our warehouse operations. Working directly alongside the Operations Manager, you will take ownership of the floor, leading shift supervisors and warehouse staff to meet fast-paced operational targets. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between system efficiency (WMS) and people management, maintaining peak productivity while championing a culture of strict Health & Safety compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Daily Floor & Shift Management
- Oversee day-to-day warehouse floor activities, including Goods In, picking, packing, replenishment, and returns.
- Ensure daily throughput targets and KPIs (e.g., pick rates, dispatch accuracy, order turnaround) are met or exceeded.
- Manage staff resource allocation across shifts, adjusting team sizes dynamically to handle peak volumes or delivery bottlenecks.
Team Leadership & Development
- Directly manage, mentor, and motivate shift supervisors and team leaders, ensuring clear accountability at all levels.
- Support the recruitment and onboarding process for warehouse operatives, assisting HR with training logs and performance reviews.
- Address floor-level staff issues, return-to-work interviews, and initial disciplinary steps in line with company policy.
WMS & Inventory Control
- Serve as a super-user for our Warehouse Management System (WMS), troubleshooting floor issues and ensuring inventory data integrity.
- Coordinate with the team to oversee cycle counting, investigate discrepancies, and minimize stock loss.
- Maintain clean warehouse locations and optimize product placement to maximize picking speeds.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Enforce workplace health and safety policies on the floor, conducting daily walk-throughs and safety checks.
- Ensure all team members are fully trained on equipment (forklifts, PPTs) and follow safe ways of working ensuring all personnel are signed off on all training.
- Assist the Operations Manager/HR with incident investigations, risk assessments, and safety audits.
- Ensure daily throughput targets and KPIs (e.g., pick rates, dispatch accuracy, order turnaround) are met or exceeded.
- Manage staff resource allocation across shifts, adjusting team sizes dynamically to handle peak volumes or delivery bottlenecks.
Project & Continuous Improvement Management
- Drive Floor-Level Improvements: Lead and execute continuous improvement projects (such as 5S or Lean workspace optimization) to eliminate waste, improve pick/pack speeds, and enhance safety.
- Coordinate Operational Rollouts: Act as the floor lead for implementing new warehouse technologies, WMS updates, or carrier changes (e.g., migrating returns platforms), ensuring seamless transition with zero operational downtime.
- Peak Season Project Planning: Treat peak trading periods (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas) as distinct projects—managing the end-to-end planning, temporary staff onboarding schedules, and capacity expansion.
- Space & Layout Optimizations: Manage physical inventory relocation, recalculating picking zones and bulk storage layouts to maximize warehouse space utilization.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in a warehouse management role within a high-volume distribution environment.
- Systems: Strong proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is essential (experience with advanced e-commerce WMS platforms like Peoplevox is highly advantageous).
- Health & Safety: A solid understanding of UK HSE regulations. Possession of a formal qualification such as IOSH Managing Safely (or a willingness to work towards it) is preferred.
- Leadership: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven track record of managing cross-functional floor teams and managing conflict effectively.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to read operational data sheets, identify performance bottlenecks on the floor, and implement quick, practical solutions.
- Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours or occasional weekends to support shift handovers and peak trading periods.
Pay: £40,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Operational Management : 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
