The Company
Founded in 1969, IAE is the UK’s largest manufacturer of agricultural livestock handling and feeding equipment, as well as industrial security fencing. As a family-owned business with approximately 400 employees, IAE prides itself on quality and innovation in manufacturing.
The Role
IAE is seeking an experienced and hands-on Distribution Manager to lead our Yard, Distribution, and Dispatch operations at our state-of-the-art Stoke-on-Trent facility. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective movement of materials and finished goods across the site, while driving operational performance and developing high-performing teams.
Managing a team of forklift truck drivers and supervisors working across a rotating days and noons shift pattern, the Distribution Manager will work a core schedule of 08:00 – 16:30 while ensuring operational support across shifts.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee daily yard, distribution, and dispatch operations to ensure efficient workflow, on-time deliveries, and safe material handling.
- Manage all inbound and outbound logistics activities, ensuring products are loaded, stored, and dispatched accurately and efficiently.
- Drive operational performance through effective labour planning, resource allocation, and workflow optimisation.
- Monitor and report on key KPIs, dispatch performance, stock accuracy, productivity, and labour utilisation.
- Coordinate closely with Production, Supply Chain, Planning, Customer Service, and Transport teams to ensure customer requirements are met.
- Ensure effective management of yard space, storage locations, loading areas, and material flow across the site.
- Manage inventory accuracy and stock control processes, ensuring materials and finished goods are correctly located and recorded.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of forklift truck drivers, yard operatives and supervisors building capability and succession within the department.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and health & safety standards.
- Investigate and resolve operational issues that may impact delivery performance, stock integrity, or customer service.
- Identify and implement process improvements to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and operational projects across the wider business.
- Prepare and present departmental performance reports to senior leadership.
The Candidate
We are looking for an experienced l leader with a strong background in warehouse, distribution, logistics, or yard management.
Skills and Experience
- 5 years' experience in a Distribution Manager, Warehouse Manager, Logistics Manager, Yard Manager, or similar operational leadership role.
- Proven experience managing distribution, warehouse, yard, or dispatch operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Experience managing teams of 20–40 employees across multiple shifts.
- Strong understanding of operational KPIs including productivity, dispatch performance, stock accuracy, labour utilisation, and service levels.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems, warehouse management systems, and inventory control processes.
- Strong understanding of health & safety requirements relating to warehousing, material handling, and forklift truck operations.
- Experience managing forklift truck fleets.
- Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills with the ability to engage teams at all levels.
- Experience supporting continuous improvement, lean principles, and process optimisation.
Desirable Attributes
- Hands-on leadership style with a strong operational presence.
- Able to build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.
- Resilient, proactive, and calm under pressure.
- A natural problem-solver who leads by example.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Hours: Working 39 hours, Monday – Thursday 08:00 – 16:30, Friday 08:00 – 15:30.
Benefits: Company Pension (5.66% Employer Contribution), Full Sick Pay, Death in Service Benefit, 32 Days Paid Holiday (Plus Loyalty Days), Cycle to Work Scheme.
Facilities: Secure Free On-Site Parking, Showers, Secure Cycle Storage.
Pay: £48,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
