Our client, based near Saffron Walden, is looking for a proactive Warehouse & Distribution Manager to help drive efficiency and excellence across their warehouse operations.

Working Monday - Friday (9.00am - 5.00pm), this is a hands-on management role overseeing all warehouse and distribution activities in a busy, small-business, environment. You will lead a small team of picker/packers, ensuring smooth, accurate, and efficient order fulfilment. Key priorities include maintaining stock control, improving systems, upholding safety standards, and fostering a motivated, high-performing team culture.

Responsibilities will include:

• Daily Operations: Oversee all warehouse activities goods-in, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery.
• Team Leadership: Manage, train, and motivate a small team of warehouse operatives. Set clear performance standards and lead by example.
• Inventory Control: Maintain accurate stock records, manage replenishment, and ensure effective use of barcoding and inventory systems.
• Process Improvement: Streamline warehouse workflows to boost efficiency, reduce errors, and minimise costs.
• Health, Safety & Fire Compliance: Ensure full compliance with H&S and fire safety regulations. Act as the Warehouse Fire Marshal, conducting regular fire drills, equipment checks, and maintaining evacuation procedures.
• Logistics & Distribution: Coordinate outgoing shipments, liaise with couriers, and ensure cost-effective, timely delivery to customers.
• Training & Development: Implement structured onboarding and skills training to build capability and consistency across the team.
• Customer Service & Quality: Monitor and reduce customer complaints through root-cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Reporting: Provide clear, actionable updates on stock, order flow, and operational performance to senior management.
• Equipment Management: Oversee forklift operations, ensuring safe use and proper maintenance of all warehouse equipment.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years experience in warehouse or distribution management.
• Proven success leading small teams in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong working knowledge of barcoding, stock control, and warehouse management systems, Working with ERP and/or WMS
• Hands-on leadership style with excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Forklift licence preferred (or willingness to obtain).
• Fire Marshal or Fire Warden training (or willingness to train).
• Sound understanding of health, safety, and fire regulations.
• Practical problem-solver with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Leading cycle counts and/or stock accuracy programs.
• Running stock reports.