Senior Manager Distribution Centre - Operations & Lean

This is a senior operations role at the European Central Distribution Centre in Trafford Park, with ownership for service, productivity, people development, safety and continuous improvement across a highly automated distribution environment. The post-holder leads a multi-functional warehouse operation spanning inbound, picking and packing, value-added services, outbound, returns, samples and Gift of Kit, working across Trafford Distribution Centre, Hazel Grove and third-party locations where required. The role brings together people, systems, suppliers and LEAN ways of working to deliver against customer expectations and strengthen operational performance.

• Lead and manage warehouse teams across LEAN, Inbound, Picking and Packing, VAS application, Outbound, Returns, Samples and Gift of Kit activities, including teams operating across fixed locations such as TDC and Hazel Grove and variable third-party locations.
• Embed LEAN philosophies at every level of the operation, optimise Labour Management reporting to improve productivity and efficiency, identify waste and create an environment of continuous improvement.
• Own operational labour planning and performance, including the on-site third-party labour force, adjusting shift patterns and temporary staffing in a timely way to balance customer service, productivity and cost targets.
• Work closely with the Operations Support Senior Manager and other DC leaders to understand forecast volumes and priorities, organise and motivate teams, optimise the wave plan and deliver customer orders on time while improving throughput.
• Own core DC supplier contracts, including packaging, temporary labour and service agreements, developing clear business cases and implementing new methods, projects and procedures that improve compliance, operating cost, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Build a strong performance and development culture through clear productivity measures, communication, induction and ongoing training, multi-skilling, secondments, role rotations, succession planning and development plans across Operations.
• Ensure robust health and safety controls and suitable training are in place, working closely with the site Health and Safety Specialist and designated DC colleagues to maintain a healthy and safe place of work.
• Use knowledge of SAP, warehouse management systems and warehouse control systems to influence global and local IT teams and deliver system-led operational improvements, control and continuity.
• Maintain strong housekeeping to optimise capacity and operational flow, while balancing local priorities with the wider Western Europe DC network to support a consistent customer experience.

• A strong track record in people leadership, including people development, succession planning, engagement and building effective networks.
• Experience in a key management position within a highly automated, major distribution centre with substantial flows across multiple markets, delivering high standards of service and efficiency.
• Experience managing third-party contracts and working with business management across European markets and important customer relationships.
• 5+ years of relevant management experience, including leadership of a large team, ideally in a distribution centre environment or a similarly challenging operational setting.
• 5+ years of related role or industry experience.
• Project management skills and a good understanding of customer needs, including retail stores and e-commerce.
• An understanding of the interfaces between business systems and warehouse management systems.

• Understanding of Manhattan Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Understanding of SAP.
• Understanding of warehouse control systems (WCS).
• A relevant logistics qualification, or working towards one.

• Is based at the European Central Distribution Centre in Trafford Park.
• The post-holder works across Trafford Distribution Centre, Hazel Grove and third-party locations where required.

• Opportunity to earn an annual bonus.
• On-site gym.
• Private medical insurance.
• Health cash plan.
• Adidas employee discount.

The company believes that embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into its culture and talent processes gives employees a sense of belonging and the brand a real competitive advantage.