Warehouse Operations Manager

Holton Heath, Dorset
collaborate recruitment
Interim Operations Manager – Warehouse & Logistics
Location: Poole, Dorset
Contract: 3 Months fixed term, Initially
Salary: Up to £60,000 (Pro Rata / DOE)

We are looking to appoint a highly experienced Operations Manager with a proven background in warehousing, logistics and/or distribution. This interim fixed-term contract requires an Operations Manager who can step in and seamlessly take full responsibility for the daily operations of a large warehouse facility in Poole. This is an interim contract, for a fixed term of 3 months, initially.

This is a very hands-on leadership role within a fast-paced environment, ideal for a commercially astute operations professional who can quickly add value, drive efficiencies and lead from the front.
Key responsibilities of the Operations Manager:

As Interim Operations Manager, you will take full responsibility for warehouse and logistics operations, ensuring service excellence, cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.

• Overseeing the daily operations of a large warehouse facility – including direct line management of Warehouse Managers / Supervisors, and a large team, across various departments and shifts within the Warehouse facility.
• Managing stock control, inventory accuracy and warehouse performance
• Leading and motivating the team
• Managing third-party logistics providers to ensure best value and high service levels
• Planning, managing and evaluating logistics operations across the supply chain
• Negotiating rates and contracts with logistics, packaging and service providers
• Monitoring stringent KPIs including productivity, cost per unit, quality and delivery times, orders picked, orders packed etc.
• Reviewing and implementing policies and procedures as required
• Ensuring warehouse efficiency and stock accuracy across a broad SKU range
• Coordinating operational decisions and resource planning to meet targets cost-effectively

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in warehousing, distribution or fast-paced manufacturing environments
• Strong leadership experience – able to manage and develop teams in time-sensitive settings
• Experience managing third-party logistics (3PL) providers
• Commercial and financial acumen with sound understanding of cost impact and fulfilment performance
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex operational data
• Experience working with a large number of SKUs
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and fulfilment technologies
• Demonstrable track record of meeting deadlines and resolving operational challenges quickly

Personal Attributes

• Calm, decisive and resilient under pressure
• Excellent leadership qualities with a people-focused approach
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels
• Customer-focused mindset
• Positive, proactive and solutions-driven
• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain operations

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Interim Operations Manager, Warehouse Manager, Distribution Manager or Logistics Manager to step into a key leadership role and make an immediate impact.

If you are available at short notice and ready to drive operational performance, we would love to hear from you.