Join Hanover Dairies
Hanover Dairies is a well-established and expanding milk distribution business based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, proudly serving customers throughout the whole of Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.
We deliver fresh milk and dairy products to a diverse customer base, from residential doorstep customers to commercial premises, and other local businesses. Built on reliability, exceptional customer service and traditional values, we continue to grow while investing in our people and operations.
We're looking for an experienced Distribution & Operations Manager to lead our twilight operation and play a key role in ensuring the efficient running of our distribution network.
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for a confident and experienced operational leader to take ownership of a busy distribution function.
Reporting directly to senior management, you will oversee the daily operation of the twilight shift, manage a team of 30+ employees while ensuring the business consistently delivers outstanding service to both residential and commercial customers.
You will be a confident and decisive leader who can hold teams accountable while fostering a positive working environment, creating a culture built on professionalism, teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the daily operation of the twilight distribution department.
- Manage, motivate and develop a team of 30+ drivers, warehouse operatives and support staff.
- Ensure routes are planned, vehicles are prepared and deliveries are ready for efficient dispatch.
- Deliver operational KPIs including productivity, service levels, accuracy and customer satisfaction.
- Recruit, interview, onboard and induct new employees.
- Conduct probation reviews, annual appraisals and regular one-to-one meetings.
- Manage employee performance through coaching and development plans.
- Handle employee attendance, sickness absence, return-to-work interviews and absence management.
- Manage disciplinary, grievance and employee relations matters in accordance with company policies.
- Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation and company procedures.
- Monitor labour costs, staffing levels and operational efficiency.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.
- Work closely with senior management to support the continued growth of the business.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
- Proven experience as a Distribution Manager, Operations Manager, Logistics Manager, Warehouse Manager or Depot Manager.
- Previous responsibility for managing teams of 30 or more employees.
- Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
- Experience in recruitment, onboarding and employee development.
- Strong knowledge of performance management, probation reviews and employee engagement.
- Experience managing sickness absence, disciplinary procedures and HR processes.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise workload.
- A proactive approach with the ability to solve problems quickly and effectively.
- Good IT skills with experience using warehouse, logistics or transport management systems.
- A commitment to delivering operational excellence and exceptional customer service.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £50,000 per annum
- Full-time permanent position
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Career progression opportunities
- Supportive senior leadership team
- A stable role within a growing and respected business
- The opportunity to make a genuine impact and shape the future of our distribution operation
Why Hanover Dairies?
At Hanover Dairies, we're proud of our heritage and equally excited about our future. Every day we deliver quality products to thousands of homes and businesses across Oxfordshire, and our continued success is driven by great people and strong leadership.
We're looking for someone who leads by example, embraces responsibility and is passionate about developing high-performing teams while maintaining exceptional operational standards.
If you're an experienced operational leader ready for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of a growing business delivering excellence across Oxfordshire.
Pay: £50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Experience:
- Management: 1 year (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
