Our well known client looking for a Warehouse Operations Manager who is responsible for the operational leadership and service delivery of their primary UK airfreight gateway near Heathrow.
Managing a team of 6 direct reports and approximately 140 indirect reports.
The role oversees all warehouse and gateway cargo activities, ensuring the safe, compliant and efficient handling of import and export airfreight. Operating within a highly regulated environment, you will ensure compliance with aviation security, dangerous goods, GDP/MHRA and health & safety requirements while maintaining high standards of operational performance and customer service. You will lead a large operational team within a complex, unionised environment and work closely with internal departments, regulatory authorities and customers to deliver operational excellence. The role requires strong leadership, effective resource management and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities: - Lead the operational delivery of UK airfreight gateway, overseeing all warehouse and gateway activities at the Heathrow depot.
- Ensure the efficient and compliant handling of import and export airfreight in line with regulatory, security and operational standards.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships across operational departments to support service delivery and internal and external customer satisfaction.
- Act as, or develop into, an Aviation Security Nominee joining the team for the site in accordance with CAA aviation security requirements.
- Oversee Dangerous Goods compliance and operational training in conjunction with the UK Airfreight Compliance Manager.
- Ensure full compliance with GDP/MHRA requirements in partnership with the site Responsible Person.
- Manage operational resources with 6 direct reports across a complex shift pattern consisting of approximately 140 unionised employees.
- Maintain high standards of yard and warehouse housekeeping and maintenance in collaboration with the Facilities Manager.
- Oversee the management, compliance and training related to Material Handling Equipment (MHE), including supplier management and procurement.
- Promote and drive a strong culture of Health & Safety in partnership with the National Health & Safety Manager.
- Develop and utilise operational performance metrics to drive service quality, productivity and efficiency.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives and support the implementation of new technologies as part of the First Choice programme.
- Foster an engaged and communicative working environment while maintaining clear routines, standards and operational discipline.
- Ensure all operational activities and interactions comply with the Company Code of Conduct and all relevant compliance requirements, including anti-corruption policies.
- Contribute to and support continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.
Skills and Experience: - Highly self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet operational deadlines.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience managing large teams within a unionised environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
- Strong knowledge of freight forwarding operations and airfreight import/export processes.
- Experience operating within regulated environments, including Aviation Security, Dangerous Goods by Air, ADR and GDP/MHRA requirements.
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret operational data and develop meaningful performance metrics.
- Commercial awareness with experience managing operational budgets and understanding P&L performance.
- Confidence to challenge existing processes constructively and drive operational improvements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances including 5-year referencing, DBS and Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).
- Good knowledge of Microsoft products, Cargowise, Atlas and ICE would be an advantage
