Sortation Manager - Derby

Company mission

In the future, almost everything we consume will simply materialise on our doorsteps – what we call “e-commerce” today will simply be “commerce” tomorrow. But if we continue on today’s trajectory, the growth of e-commerce risks damaging the environment, alienating our communities, and straining the bottom-line for small businesses.

Relay is an e-commerce-native logistics network. We are built from the ground up for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. By building from the ground up we are able to entirely rethink both the middle and last mile enabling us to reduce the number of miles driven to deliver each parcel, lower carbon emissions, and lower costs, all while channelling funds to community members.

At the same time, we’re fixing the last broken aspect of e-commerce for consumers: delivery. As shoppers, we should have complete control over when and how we receive our purchases, and we should be able to return unwanted items as easily as we ordered them. That’s why whenever you buy from a merchant powered by Relay, you’ll be able to reschedule your delivery at any time. And if you don’t like what you ordered, at the tap of a button we’ll send someone to pick it up.

To orchestrate this complex ballet, Relay relies on a wide range of technologies, from advanced routing and planning to sophisticated user experiences that guide our team members on the ground. 

About the role

Join Relay at an exciting point in its journey as we scale our network and drive forward our mission to transform e-commerce delivery. As part of our ambitious expansion plans, we aim to open 8–9 new sort centres over the coming years, with this role playing a key part in bringing that vision to life. You’ll have the unique opportunity to shape a brand-new site from the ground up—embedding best practices, building a high-performing team, and creating a strong, values-led culture from day one. This is a high-impact role, responsible for managing a multi-million-pound operation annually, with clear potential to step into multi-site leadership as our network grows. You’ll lead on recruitment, development, and operational execution, backed by a strong financial foundation following Relay’s $35 million Series A funding round. And as we look ahead, you’ll also be contributing to the design of future-facing operations—including the integration of robotic automation and advanced logistics technology.

As the Sortation Manager at Relay, you can expect to have the following responsibilities 

• Full operational ownership of the Derby Sort Centre
  

• Implement and embed core processes, with discipline and consistency
  

• Build and lead a high-performing team (initially 2 direct reports)
  

• Maintain high standards in safety, cost control, service efficiency, and employee wellbeing
  

• Drive KPIs around productivity, manning, cost, and safety
  

• Collaborate closely with engineering, planning, and central ops teams
  

We are looking for candidates who have

• Process Implementation: Proven ability to define and drive operational processes
  

• Discipline & Ownership: Strong task execution mindset; a true "task master"
  

• Technical Aptitude: Able to interact with operational tech and automation
  

• Strong leadership in a warehouse or sortation environment
  

• Experience working in high-volume operations
  

• Familiarity with PM3 (performance management methodology)
   

Additional experience in candidates is desirable 

• Experience managing a 24/7 or predominantly night-shift operation
  

• Exposure to automation/robotics in logistics
  

• Ability to manage complex supplier relationships at site level
  

• Proven ability to scale processes and manage change in fast-paced environments

Relay is offering

• Competitive salary and equity package 

• High 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)

• Contributory pension scheme

• Hybrid working

• Free membership of the gym in our co-working space in London

• Cycle-to-work scheme

• Dynamic, entrepreneurial culture with room to grow

• Plenty of team socials and events - from pottery painting to life-size Monopoly and escape rooms