<p>An experienced Distribution Manager is sought to lead regional distribution operations, ensuring timely delivery, stock accuracy and cost efficiency. The role demands strong leadership, excellent stakeholder management and practical logistics experience. The successful candidate will drive continuous improvement and maintain high standards of safety and compliance.</p>
<p>The Distribution Manager oversees the flow of goods from warehouse to customer, coordinating transport, stock control and third-party logistics. This role requires operational focus, commercial awareness and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.</p>
<h2>Distribution Manager Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Distribution Manager will manage distribution centres and transport operations to ensure orders are fulfilled accurately and on time. They will set performance targets, monitor KPIs and maintain strong relationships with carriers and suppliers.</p>
<p>The role involves planning resource levels, controlling inventory, managing costs and implementing process improvements to increase service levels and reduce waste. The Distribution Manager reports to the Supply Chain Director and collaborates closely with purchasing, sales and customer service teams.</p>
<h2>Distribution Manager Job Description</h2>
<p>The Distribution Manager is responsible for the end-to-end distribution process. This includes overseeing daily warehouse activities, supervising dispatch operations and ensuring the efficient loading and routing of lorries. They will develop distribution plans that reflect demand forecasts and seasonal peaks, and will work with logistics partners to secure reliable transport and favourable rates.</p>
<p>Key duties include developing and enforcing health and safety procedures, implementing inventory control measures and driving continuous improvement projects. The Distribution Manager must analyse operational data to identify bottlenecks, improve throughput and reduce lead times. They will also manage budgets, prepare reports for senior management and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including goods handling and transportation regulations.</p>
<p>Successful candidates will demonstrate proven experience in managing multi-site or regional distribution operations, a pragmatic approach to problem solving and the ability to lead and motivate warehouse teams. Strong ICT skills, including warehouse management systems and route planning software, are essential for effective performance.</p>
<h2>Distribution Manager Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Plan and manage daily distribution and despatch operations to meet service targets</li>
<li>Oversee warehousing activities, including receiving, storage, picking and packing</li>
<li>Manage inventory accuracy and cycle counting programmes</li>
<li>Develop delivery schedules and route plans to optimise transport utilisation</li>
<li>Negotiate contracts and rates with carriers and third-party logistics providers</li>
<li>Set and monitor KPIs such as on-time delivery, order accuracy and transport costs</li>
<li>Lead, train and appraise warehouse and transport staff to maintain high performance</li>
<li>Implement health and safety standards and ensure regulatory compliance</li>
<li>Control distribution budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities</li>
<li>Analyse operational data to identify improvements and implement best practices</li>
<li>Coordinate with procurement, sales and customer service to resolve supply issues</li>
<li>Manage returns and reverse logistics processes where required</li>
</ul>
<h2>Distribution Manager Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Degree or HND in logistics, supply chain management or a related subject, or equivalent experience</li>
<li>Proven experience managing distribution or warehouse operations, preferably in a regional role</li>
<li>Strong knowledge of warehouse management systems and transport planning software</li>
<li>Excellent leadership and people management skills</li>
<li>Solid commercial awareness and experience managing budgets</li>
<li>Good analytical skills with the ability to interpret KPIs and performance data</li>
<li>Experience in implementing continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean</li>
<li>Strong communication and stakeholder management skills</li>
<li>Knowledge of health and safety regulations relevant to warehousing and transport</li>
<li>Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to distribution centres as required</li>
<li>Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities</li>
<li>Experience working with third-party logistics providers is desirable</li>
</ul>