Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Salary: £70,000 - £80,000

Location: Sidcup, Kent

Hours: 7am - 4pm

Benefits: Bonus | 25 days' holiday + bank holidays | Free food & drink | Free fuel for electric vehicles | 10% matched pension

Role Purpose

The UK Operations Manager will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day leadership, performance and continuous improvement of the Sidcup warehouse and logistics facility.

This is a broad operational leadership role covering production, warehouse, logistics, planning, quality and HSE. The successful candidate will ensure the site operates safely, efficiently and cost-effectively while delivering against customer, quality and business KPIs and developing a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

Take overall responsibility for the safe, efficient and profitable running of the site, delivering the operational strategy and business objectives. Lead, coach and develop managers, supervisors and team leaders across production, warehouse, logistics, planning and quality. Oversee production and warehouse operations, ensuring customer, quality and delivery targets are consistently achieved. Drive continuous improvement using Lean, 5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis and KPI data to improve productivity and efficiency. Own production, warehouse and labour planning, balancing demand, capacity and resource requirements. Oversee the safe and efficient handling, storage and movement of goods, ensuring stock accuracy and effective use of warehouse space and MHE. Lead site quality, maintaining appropriate Quality Management Systems, monitoring KPIs and driving corrective action. Take overall responsibility for HSE, ensuring legislative compliance, effective risk management and a strong safety culture. Manage the operational budget, controlling costs and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability. Work closely with Commercial, Procurement and Customer Service to align operational planning with customer and business requirements. Monitor and report on key operational, production, quality, HSE, warehouse and service KPIs, providing insight to senior management. Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and company requirements, supporting internal and external audits. Manage employee relations alongside HR, including performance, absence, disciplinary and grievance matters, while promoting a positive and inclusive culture.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Proven experience in a senior Operations, Warehouse, Logistics or Manufacturing Management role within a manufacturing, warehousing, distribution or FMCG environment. Strong experience across production, warehouse/logistics, quality, HSE and planning/scheduling. Experience leading and developing multi-disciplinary operational teams. Experience managing budgets and delivering cost, productivity and efficiency improvements. Experience working with Quality Management Systems, ideally ISO 9001, and CAPA processes. Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and warehouse operating standards. Relevant degree or equivalent experience in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related discipline. NEBOSH/ IOSH Certificates or working towards. Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate, develop and empower teams. Data-driven, with experience using WMS/ERP systems and KPI reporting. Hands-on, resilient and comfortable working in a fast-paced operational environment. Full UK driving licence where travel between sites is required