Head of Distribution, Waitrose

About the role

As Head of Distribution you will be responsible for leading our distribution network, navigating the challenges of a large scale, fast-paced operation. Our network is a blend of in-house and third party logistics operated sites and the Head of Distribution will set the future vision and direction for the Distribution Team ensuring fully optimised, future proof operations that enable the Waitrose and Partnership business plans. The role will also focus on ensuring excellent productivity and effective cost control, whilst achieving the optimal balance between service levels and efficiency of people, systems and processes, always taking into account changes in trading performance or outlook, emerging business strategy, external influences and industry best practice. You will lead the teams to consistently achieve operational excellence and to successfully deliver against defined targets within an extremely volatile, demand driven environment across a full 24/7 operation.

You will have operational responsibility for two Partner-run Regional Distribution Centres and the performance of the external 3PL operations (including two further Regional Distribution Centres, the National Distribution Centre and additional distribution operations led by GXO, Wincanton and Lenham), enabling a Waitrose £10bn retail operation.

• Salary   - £133,000 - £181,000.  

• Contract type  - This position is a Permanent contract.

• Location - This is a homeworker role with expectation to travel nationally as required.

• Interviews - are likely to take place week commencing 16th June

Essential skills/experience you’ll need

• Experience of leading similar size (large scale), fast paced operations - ideally grocery/Retail operations - for comparison budget accountability is c.£300m pa 

• Experience of performance managing such operations ensuring delivery of key KPIs, managing large budgets and delivering financial targets

• Experience of managing 3PLs including performance management, contract negotiations, tender renewals etc. Experience of working directly for a 3PL would be advantageous but not essential

• Good knowledge of all safety and legal compliance requirements associated with leading large scale transport and warehouse operations - ideally previous experience of O licence responsibility and Manager CPC qualification

• Proven experience of creating diverse and inclusive cultures that enable creativity, supported by effective development and talent mapping

• Effective stakeholder management - experience of and ability to collaborate and influence across broad stakeholder groups (internal and external)

• Ideally a good understanding of the grocery market and the demands and challenges of volatile grocery operations

• Experience of creating motivated high performing teams

• Experience of leading large teams through change and transformation 

• Very people focussed with proven ability to effectively lead and inspire others 

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The Partnership

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.  

We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.   

As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. 

We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. 

As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.  

Important points to note:  

It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.  

We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.  

We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview. 

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