Warehouse Operations Manager

Overview

The Warehouse Operations team at Dunelm Three Distribution is responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective movement of stock through the distribution centre, ensuring customers receive their orders accurately and on time. Working closely with teams such as Transport, Inventory, Planning, and Health & Safety, the department drives operational performance, service standards, and continuous improvement across the supply chain.

The Warehouse Operations Manager leads warehouse operations during their assigned shift, managing teams to deliver strong results in safety, productivity, quality, and service. The role is accountable for driving operational efficiency, colleague engagement, and compliance, ensuring the distribution centre consistently meets performance targets and customer expectations.

What you'll be doing

• Leading, motivating and developing a team of Warehouse Operatives and Supervisors, creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Providing clear direction through regular team briefings, coaching and performance reviews to support colleague development and engagement.
• Planning and managing daily operational workloads to ensure customer orders are processed safely, efficiently and on time.
• Monitoring productivity, service and quality metrics, taking action to drive performance and deliver operational targets.
• Championing a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with health and safety policies, conducting risk assessments and investigating incidents where required.
• Tracking and analysing key operational KPIs, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing plans to enhance performance.
• Overseeing inventory accuracy through effective stock management, stock checks and resolution of discrepancies.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including planning, transport and inventory teams, to ensure seamless operations.
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives that improve efficiency, service, productivity and ways of working across the distribution centre.
• Ensuring all equipment, facilities and operational processes are maintained and operated in line with company standards and procedures.

What we'll look for in you

• Proven leadership experience within a warehouse, distribution or logistics environment, with a strong track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Experience of managing performance, driving accountability and supporting colleague development through coaching and feedback.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills, including experience of capacity and resource planning within a multi-shift operation.
• A proactive and resilient approach, with the ability to adapt to changing business priorities and operational demands.
• A strong customer-focused mindset, ensuring service excellence is at the heart of every decision.
• A thorough understanding of health and safety regulations, with a commitment to promoting a safe working environment at all times.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret operational data, identify trends and produce meaningful reports.
• Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and proficiency across the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across teams and functions.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail, ensuring operational standards and inventory integrity are maintained.
• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, 5S, root cause analysis or similar methodologies to drive operational performance and efficiency.