Head of Operations

A market-leading FMCG/Retail business requires a Head of Operations to lead it's multi-channel fulfilment, logistics and warehouse operations. The Head of Operations will take full accountability for operational performance across warehousing, customer fulfilment, inventory management, WMS utilisation, carrier relationships, and third-party logistics partners, ensuring outstanding service, efficiency, and safety standards.

Working closely with the wider leadership team, the Head of Operations will drive operational excellence, lead a team of approximately 35 employees (6 direct reports) across fulfilment, systems, inventory, warehousing and goods-in to support business growth plans and deliver process and continuous improvement across site operations. The Head of Operations should be a supportive and collaborative leader, capable of nurturing and developing talent while increasing employee engagement within the business.

Specific duties of the Head of Operations include:

Lead all warehouse, fulfilment, inventory, and logistics operations, ensuring service, cost, quality, and safety targets are achieved.
Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with business growth and customer requirements.
Manage inbound, storage, picking, packing, and outbound activities whilst driving productivity and operational efficiency.
Monitor and improve key operational KPIs including OTIF, inventory accuracy, productivity, service levels, and cost performance.
Oversee operations supporting eCommerce, retail, wholesale, marketplace, and B2B fulfilment channels.
Lead carrier management activities, including supplier performance reviews, contract negotiations, tender processes, and service improvement initiatives.
Manage relationships with third-party logistics providers (3PLs), ensuring contractual service levels and continuous improvement objectives are achieved.
Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service, efficiency, and operational resilience.
Support the businesses transformation agenda, drive change and ensure effective utilisation of WMS

Head of Operations applicants should meet the following criteria:

Proven experience in a senior operational leadership position within distribution, logistics, fulfilment
Experience leading a site or operation with full accountability for performance, service, cost, and people.
Strong warehouse, fulfilment, logistics, and third-party logistics (3PL) management experience.
Proven track record of supplier management, commercial negotiations, and carrier tender processes.
Experience leading, developing, and motivating large operational teams.
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Demonstrable success delivering operational improvement, transformation, and change initiatives.
Experience with WMS, ERP, and carrier management systems would be advantageous
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed