Warehouse Operations Manager

Solution 47 Recruitment is supporting a client is a well-established and growing business operating within the FMCG / food / drink / consumer goods sector. They are seeking a highly capable Warehouse Operations Manager to take ownership of multi-site warehousing and logistics operations, ensuring best-in-class performance across accuracy, cost, and delivery. This is a critical leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, improving efficiency, and building a high-performance culture across the warehouse and distribution function. The Role Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will lead the day-to-day warehouse and logistics operation across multiple sites. You will be accountable for ensuring that every order is picked, packed, and dispatched accurately, on time, and at the lowest sustainable cost. You will take ownership of key operational metrics including throughput, cost per pick, labour productivity, space utilisation, and delivery performance, while continuously identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes, and ways of working. Key Responsibilities Warehouse & Dispatch Operations * Lead all pick, pack, goods-in, replenishment, and dispatch activities * Ensure optimal stock availability and pick-face accuracy at all times * Own warehouse layout, slotting strategy, and replenishment logic * Maintain high inventory accuracy through cycle counts and audits * Ensure ERP/WMS systems are accurate, controlled, and effectively used Throughput, Capacity & Space Management * Develop and manage capacity models covering volume, labour, and space * Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks * Maximise warehouse space utilisation as a commercial asset * Use data to drive layout and operational decisions Logistics & Transport * Manage courier and internal transport operations * Control cost per delivery, service levels, and performance * Optimise routing, carrier selection, and dispatch timing * Resolve delivery issues and escalations effectively Continuous Improvement & Automation * Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, accuracy, and cost performance * Deliver improvements in cost per pick, throughput, and safety * Identify and implement process, layout, and system enhancements * Build data-led business cases for investment and change Performance & Cross-Functional Collaboration * Work closely with Sales, Production, Finance, Procurement, and HR * Align operational capacity with demand and inbound supply * Proactively resolve cross-functional challenges impacting performance People Leadership * Lead, coach, and develop Team Leaders and supervisors * Build a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement * Drive engagement, retention, and succession planning * Remain close to the operation without becoming overly hands-on Health & Safety * Take full ownership of warehouse and transport safety * Ensure compliance with all H&S regulations, SOPs, and training requirements * Promote a proactive and embedded safety culture