Logistics Operations Manager

Job Title: Logistics Operations Manager

Location: Bedford, Bedfordshire (MK43 / On-site)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £46,000 – £50,000 per year + Performance Bonus & Benefits

Schedule: Monday to Friday

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on, and results-driven Logistics Operations Manager to lead daily warehouse, fulfillment, and distribution operations at our logistics hub in Bedford. Situated strategically along the A421 / M1 corridor, you will take full operational responsibility for inbound receipt, inventory control, pick-and-pack efficiency, outbound transport coordination, and third-party logistics (3PL) performance.

You will manage a multi-disciplinary warehouse and transport team, driving key performance indicators (KPIs) around order accuracy, delivery SLA compliance, health and safety, and operational cost containment while promoting continuous improvement across all supply chain workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Management: Oversee daily warehouse and dispatch operations, leading warehouse supervisors, inventory specialists, and operational staff to achieve target fulfillment volumes and SLA metrics.
• Process Optimization & Lean Workflows: Implement lean warehousing practices, floor space optimization, and standardized picking routines to maximize operational throughput, accuracy, and labor productivity.
• Inventory Control & Stock Accuracy: Maintain high levels of inventory accuracy through perpetual cycle counting, wall-to-wall stock audits, and active integration with Enterprise Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Transport & Carrier Coordination: Work closely with internal transport teams and external freight carriers to optimize route planning, freight costs, dispatch schedules, and final-mile delivery performance.
• Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance: Enforce strict health, safety, and environmental protocols in accordance with HSE guidelines, COSHH, MHE (Material Handling Equipment) standards, and statutory risk assessments.
• Budgetary & Cost Control: Monitor operational budgets, labor allocation, MHE fleet maintenance costs, and packaging expenditure, presenting monthly operational performance metrics to executive leadership.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 4–6 years of proven experience in a Logistics Operations Manager, Warehouse Operations Manager, or Distribution Center Manager role within a high-volume 3PL, e-commerce fulfillment, or freight forwarding facility.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Advanced proficiency with enterprise Warehouse Management Systems (e.g., Manhattan, RedPrairie, SAP WMS, Blue Yonder) and Transport Management Systems (TMS).
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis, capacity planning, and KPI dashboard reporting.
• Qualifications & Compliance:
• CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) in National/International Road Haulage is advantageous.
• Recognized Health & Safety qualification (IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General Certificate).
• Leadership & Communication: Exceptional team leadership skills with a proven track record of developing staff, managing shift patterns, and driving a positive safety culture.
• Location: Must be able to reliably commute daily to our Bedford distribution facility (MK43 postcode area).

Benefits

• Competitive base salary (£46,000 – £50,000 per year depending on experience)
• Discretionary annual performance and operational KPI bonus
• 25 days annual leave + public holidays
• Contributory pension scheme
• Private health insurance and employee wellness program
• Life assurance cover
• Fully funded continuous training and professional development pathways (e.g., CILT certification support)
• On-site parking, modern canteen facilities, and cycle-to-work scheme

Work Location & Setup

This position operates on a full-time, on-site basis out of our logistics distribution center in Bedford, Bedfordshire (MK43 postcode area), conveniently located at Bedford Commercial Park along the A421, offering rapid transport access from Junction 13 of the M1, the A1, and central Bedford.

Pay: £46,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person