Warehouse / Operations Manager

Job Title : Warehouse / Operations Manager

Location : Chelmsford, CM3 8BH

Salary : £38,000 - £40,000 Per Annum

Job type : Permanent, Full Time. Monday - Friday, 7 : 45am - 5 : 00pm (30-minute unpaid break)

The Plumbing Distribution Company Ltd is a thriving B2B distribution business, known since 2006 for delivering high-quality plumbing products and superior service to our merchant customers. With 19 years of continuous growth and further expansion planned for 2026, we are committed to excellence in customer service, operational performance, and employee development.

We are now seeking a Warehouse / Operations Manager to lead our busy distribution centre, managing a team of around 11 staff including Team Leaders and Sales & Logistics Cordinator, ensuring efficient operations across receipt, storage, picking, and dispatch. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining our gold standard service, ensuring timely deliveries across the London area while upholding compliance, safety, and company values.

We offer comprehensive training through our in-house certification programme, with clear progression opportunities and long-term career stability. Our goal is to support you in achieving success while maintaining a positive work-life balance

Key Responsibilities :

Lead day-to-day warehouse operations, ensuring smooth workflow, accuracy, and on-time dispatch

Oversee stock control, daily counts, reconciliations, and root cause analysis to maintain inventory accuracy

Optimise warehouse layout and workflow using lean principles (5S, Kaizen)

Ensure compliance with company processes, health & safety legislation, and risk assessments

Plan, schedule, and monitor daily activities to meet deadlines, targets, and KPIs

Use WMS / ERP systems to manage operations, reporting, and performance dashboards

Coordinate transport planning, route optimisation, load planning, and carrier management

Deliver cost control through budgeting, supplier negotiations, shrinkage prevention, and waste reduction

Provide accurate reporting to directors on KPIs, financial performance, and improvement projects

Leadership & People Management :

Manage, motivate, and develop a team of warehouse staff, ensuring productivity, accountability, and engagement

Plan workforce scheduling in line with operational demand

Conduct performance management, training, and coaching to help staff achieve certification levels and career growth

Resolve conflict effectively, promote teamwork, and embed company values into daily operations

Drive employee engagement through recognition, clear communication, and accountability

Health, Safety & Compliance :

Maintain the highest standards of health & safety across the warehouse

Conduct risk assessments, hazard controls, and incident investigations

Promote individual responsibility for safety and compliance

Ensure security of goods, vehicles, and the facility

Key Skills & Attributes :

Exceptional planning, organisational, and leadership skills

Strong communication and delegation ability

Analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving skills

Competent in budgeting, negotiation, and cost control

Proficient in WMS / ERP systems, data analysis, and digital tools

Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy

Knowledgeable in health & safety regulations (IOSH / NEBOSH an advantage)

Motivational, energetic, and resilient with a positive mindset

Trustworthy, punctual, and customer / supplier focused

Practical qualifications such as forklift training and first aid are desirable

Systems and processes led

Performance KPIs :

Operational Efficiency : Order accuracy, pick / pack rate, on-time dispatch, inventory turnover

Team Leadership : Productivity per hour, absenteeism, staff retention, engagement

Logistics & Distribution : On-time in-full delivery, cost per order, lead times

Financial Control : Cost per unit shipped, budget adherence, shrinkage, stock write-offs

Health & Safety : Lost time injury rate, accident-free days, audit pass rate

Customer & Supplier : CSAT score, returns rate, supplier delivery performance

What We Offer :

Competitive salary and long-term career stability

In-house training and certification programmes with clear career progression

A supportive, growth-focused environment with opportunities to upskill

The chance to be part of a successful, expanding company where your role is highly valued

28 days Holiday (including bank holidays) with 1 year added after a years completion of service up to 5 years

Company pension scheme with employer contribution

Healthy snacks provided

Free Parking

Additional Requirements :

You must be a driver with permanent access to a car, as our site is not accessible by public transport.

This list is not exhaustive, and elements of the role will be adjusted to your skillset, and therefore you may be asked to carry out other tasks

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of; Warehouse Manager, Warehouse Person, Warehouse Coordinator, Goods Inwards Warehouse Operator, Warehouse Lead, Warehouse, Process Manager, Operations Manager, Operations Lead, Warehouse Operations Manager, may also be considered for this role

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