Operations Manager - Inbound & Inventory

Hours: Monday–Friday (09:00 – 17:00)

Location: Simplehuman UK Distribution Centre, Thrapston

Reports to: DC General Manager

Direct Reports: DC Specialists– Returns & QA/QC, Inventory, Replen & Inbound, DC Operatives

The DC Operations Manager – Inbound, is accountable for the performance, flow, accuracy and safety of all inbound goods, inventory management and returns operations. The role ensures stock is received, checked, processed, routinely counted and made available efficiently, accurately and safely, protecting pick‑face availability and customer experience.

The Ops Manager acts as a leadership anchor within the DC, developing people, protecting standards, driving HYHU (Hold Your Hand Up) culture, and ensuring inbound and inventory activity supports wider business goals. The role maintains high operational discipline, resource planning, inventory integrity and continuous improvement across all inbound and inventory functions.

• Plan inbound deliveries based on SKU priority, capacity, labour and DC flow.
• Communicate clearly with HQ Supply Chain regarding PO status and constraints.
• Ensure unloading resources are available and planned.
• Manage inbound scheduling, vehicle arrival times and WMS logging.
• Ensure special instructions, Ti/Hi, and putaway rules are followed.

• Own daily inbound workflow across all delivery types.
• Ensure deliveries are unloaded, checked, processed and put away efficiently.
• Manage inbound PO processing, documentation accuracy and supplier compliance.
• Highlight discrepancies, damage, shortages and false claims with clear evidence.
• Complete percentage checks on inbound inventory and elevate trends.
• Protect flow by ensuring inbound does not create bottlenecks or delays.
• Provide clear visibility of inbound risks, constraints and supplier issues.
• Resolve all issues to root cause and implement systems to prevent recurrence.

• Ensure inventory reconciliation between ERP and WMS.
• Maintain high stock accuracy through checks, audits and investigations.
• Manage ABC classification and efficient stock placement to improve productivity.
• Ensure inventory is available in pick locations to prevent availability issues.
• Support replenishment decisions with accurate data and location integrity.
• Lead root‑cause analysis for inventory defects, discrepancies and adjustments.
• Report inventory trends, risks and improvement opportunities.

• Ensure fast returns processing to support quick customer credit.
• Identify false claims, misuse, damage patterns and customer behaviour trends.
• Protect product integrity through consistent QA/QC standards.
• Ensure returns data is accurate, factual and escalated appropriately.
• Manage returns workflow to prevent backlog and protect DC flow.
• Ensure all reverse logistics comply with existing processes, and review with internal management if not.

• Plan labour, skills and shift coverage to meet inbound and inventory demand.
• Ensure correct allocation of operatives, DCS support and MHE.
• Forecast workload and adjust plans proactively.
• Protect flow through effective daily and weekly planning.

• Oversee the Shipping Office to ensure accurate inbound and outbound documentation.
• Ensure correct processing of delivery notes, PO paperwork and system updates.
• Maintain compliance with carrier, supplier and internal requirements.
• Ensure the Shipping Office supports flow, accuracy and communication.

• Develop DCS and Operatives through coaching, CPD and appraisals.
• Maintain a positive, safe, efficient working environment.
• Support…