Ready to lead one of the UK’s largest and most complex distribution centres?
I’m partnering with a major UK grocer to appoint a General Manager – Distribution Centre to lead a 500,000 sq ft, 24/7 operation that serves around 800 stores across Scotland.
As Scotland’s principal distribution hub, this site sits at the heart of the supply chain, managing significant volumes across multiple temperature regimes and complex logistics networks to ensure products reach stores safely, efficiently and on time.
With accountability for more than 500 colleagues, you will lead all aspects of site performance, including health & safety, operational excellence, customer service, cost control, compliance and people leadership.
This is a rare opportunity to drive best-in-class supply chain performance, deliver exceptional service to stores and lead continuous improvement across warehouse, transport and support functions.
Key Responsibilities
As the General Manager, you will be responsible for leading a large-scale distribution operation, ensuring the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of ambient, chilled and frozen products across Scotland.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and deliver the site’s operational strategy in line with wider UK Supply Chain and Retail objectives, driving business growth, operational excellence and a high-performance culture.
- Operational Performance: Oversee warehousing, transport, replenishment and inventory management to achieve service, productivity, cost and quality targets while ensuring resilience during peak trading periods.
- People Leadership: Lead and develop a workforce of 500+ colleagues through senior leadership teams, fostering an inclusive, engaged and safety-focused culture with strong succession planning and talent development.
- Health, Safety & Compliance: Maintain the highest standards of health and safety, food safety, regulatory compliance, risk management and business continuity.
- Financial Management: Manage a significant operational budget up to £30m, delivering cost efficiencies, productivity improvements and strong financial performance without compromising service standards.
- Stakeholder Management: Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, represent the site at senior leadership forums and act as a key contributor within the wider UK supply chain network.
Overall, the role requires a highly visible leader who can combine strategic thinking, operational excellence, people leadership and commercial acumen to deliver outstanding supply chain performance.
Essential Experience
- Proven senior leadership experience (General Manager, Site Director, Distribution Director or similar) within large-scale logistics, supply chain, retail distribution, FMCG or temperature-controlled environments.
- Demonstrated success leading large, multi-shift 24/7 operations (500+ employees), delivering operational excellence, cost efficiency, service improvement and strong employee engagement within complex stakeholder and unionised environments.
- Strong expertise across warehousing, transport, inventory management, supply chain operations, food safety, health & safety and continuous improvement methodologies
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic and commercial mindset with a strong focus on operational excellence and customer outcomes.
- Inspirational leader with proven ability to influence stakeholders, drive change, develop talent and make effective decisions in high-pressure environments.
- Resilient, agile and results-oriented approach.
Reward & Benefits
In return, you’ll receive a highly competitive package including:
- Salary of up to £75,000
- Annual bonus linked to both personal and business performance
- 28 days’ holiday, rising to 32 days with service, plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution
- Private healthcare
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- A strong commitment to employee wellbeing and flexible, long-term career development opportunities
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