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.

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.

We are looking for a proactive and motivated logistics and supply chain professional to join us at our Grantham Distribution Center as an Operations Manager.

We recently launched our new Trading strategy , which in turn has meant changes to our wider distribution and logistics teams.

The Distribution and Logistics Operations Manager will have full site accountability, with responsibility for operational delivery, people leadership and real-time commercial performance. Working closely and deputising for the Head of Distribution & Logistics, the successful candidate will also play a key role in shaping and delivering national strategy while maintaining deep operational ownership of the distribution centre. In this hybrid role, you will combine strategic influence with hands‑on leadership, providing an excellent opportunity to drive performance, lead high‑performing teams and contribute to the continued success of a national logistics operation.

It's a great opportunity for an experienced Warehouse Manager looking for their next step and an opportunity to deputise for a head of department. Or an experienced Senior Operations Manager looking for the chance to use their experience in a cause driven environment.

• 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
• Full ownership of site KPIs (cost, service, productivity, safety)
• Lead a multi‑layered team through supervisors and warehouse assistants (c12 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, with the 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

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

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.

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.