Distribution Manager

Job Title: Distribution Manager Location: South West Salary: up to £75,000 Role: Permanent – Full time The Opportunity Are you an experienced Distribution Manager or senior logistics leader with a proven background in managing large‑scale warehouse and transport operations? This is a high‑impact leadership opportunity to take full operational ownership of a major distribution centre, balancing service, cost, safety and people priorities in a fast‑paced, unionised logistics environment. You’ll lead senior teams across warehouse and transport, ensuring the depot operates safely, compliantly and efficiently so products reach stores on time, every time. This role will suit a commercially minded, people‑centred leader who thrives on operational accountability, delivers through others and is motivated by continuous improvement, stability and performance excellence. The Role As Distribution Manager, you will: Take full accountability for the end‑to‑end operational performance of a large distribution depot Lead senior warehouse and transport management teams to deliver safe, compliant and on‑time operations Balance service delivery, cost control, safety and people priorities in a complex logistics setting Drive a culture of continuous improvement, operational discipline and colleague engagement Key Responsibilities Depot Leadership & Operational Delivery · Own the day‑to‑day performance of warehouse and transport operations · Ensure service levels, productivity and cost targets are delivered consistently · Translate operational plans into clear actions and priorities across leadership teams · Maintain strong operational control across resource planning, labour, fleet and equipment People Leadership & Culture · Lead, coach and develop senior and operational leadership teams · Deliver the people plan, building engagement, capability and accountability · Foster a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues feel supported and set up to succeed · Work constructively with trade union partners on operational change and workforce planning Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement · Take ownership of health & safety, compliance, security and operational risk · Ensure robust controls are in place and standards are clearly understood and embedded · Identify operational issues and inefficiencies, implementing practical, sustainable improvements · Share best practice and collaborate with peers across the wider logistics network About You Essential Proven experience leading large‑scale teams within distribution, logistics or a similarly complex operational environment Strong operational judgement with the ability to balance service, cost and people impact Experience translating operational strategy into clear execution on site Confident, decisive leadership style with the ability to manage risk and drive standards Pragmatic, coaching‑led approach focused on developing capability and performance Desirable Experience operating within a unionised environment Background in multi‑site or network‑based logistics operations Track record of delivering sustainable operational change About Us This Distribution Manager opportunity is managed by McCarthy Recruitment, a specialist, award‑winning recruitment consultancy supporting senior appointments across operational, logistics and leadership functions. Apply today to take the next step in your logistics leadership career. About us: This Area Sales Manager role is handled by McCarthy Recruitment, an award-winning multi-sector recruitment consultancy. We are committed to unlocking your full potential and finding your perfect role. Start your journey today. Apply now or find us online: · Web: McCarthy Recruitment · LinkedIn: McCarthy Recruitment · Facebook: McCarthyRecruitment · Instagram: McCarthyrecruitment The Legal Bit: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying for this role, you are explicitly consenting for McCarthy Recruitment to hold and process your data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations. And your details will be added to our holding database. We process certain personal information about you for our legitimate business interests to identify and contact suitable candidates about positions that may be relevant to them. Details are set out in our privacy policy at privacy. If you wish to exercise your right to access, erase or restrict the processing of your data please contact us at the office and we will respond to your query