Operations Manager; Distribution and Logistics

Operations Manager (Distribution and Logistics)
£55,000 – 60,000 plus benefits

Reports to:

Head of Distribution and Logistics
Directorate:
Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement

Contract:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time 35 hours per week

Location:

5 days on site at Grantham, National Distribution Centre The Mushroom Farm, Barkston Heath, Grantham, NG32 2DE

Closing date: 2nd August 2026 23:55

We are looking for a proactive and motivated logistics and supply chain professional to join us at our Grantham Distribution Centre as an Operations Manager. You will have full site accountability, responsible for operational delivery, people leadership, and real‑time commercial performance. Working closely with and deputising for the Head of Distribution and Logistics, you will help shape and deliver national strategy while maintaining deep operational ownership of the distribution centre.

• Deputise for the Head of Logistics & Distribution, stepping into functional leadership when required
• Contribute to strategy development, business planning, and senior decision‑making
• Translate strategy into clear operational plans and execution
• Own the site KPIs (cost, service, productivity, safety)
• Lead a multi‑layered team through supervisors and warehouse assistants (≈12 direct reports)
• Build capability, engagement, and succession strength across the site
• Embed a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, leading on these initiatives across processes and systems
• Partner with supply chain, retail, and third‑party providers
• Align operational delivery with commercial and trading priorities
• Own the site budget (labour, agency, operating costs)
• Deliver cost efficiency and productivity improvements
• Support forecasting, capacity planning, and performance management
• Ensure compliance with health & safety and regulatory standards
• Proactively manage operational risks and performance issues

• Extensive experience in retail logistics / supply chain operations
• Proven senior leadership experience in a distribution environment, able to operate credibly at senior level
• Experience leading large, multi‑layered operational teams
• Experience with 3PLs and complex stakeholder environments
• Strong strategic thinking and commercial awareness
• Ability to influence at senior level and lead transformation
• Excellent problem‑solving, planning, and decision‑making skills
• Experience with WMS and data‑driven performance management
• Experience deputising or operating at Head‑of‑function level would be beneficial

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities, and high‑quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work‑life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under‑represented, to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the application and employment process, and we welcome any accommodation requests to support this.

Visa sponsorship:
You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.