Head of Operations

Head of Operations

Overview

A growing business in Banbury is looking for a Head of Operations to lead its five-person warehouse team. You'll oversee goods receipt, storage and dispatch, with responsibility for site health and safety and facilities management.

From day one, you'll work alongside the team on the warehouse floor. Your first priority will be to clarify who owns each part of the operation, improve stock accuracy and put consistent checks in place so customer orders go out accurately and on time.

Once the warehouse is running consistently, there's scope to recruit a Warehouse Supervisor or Manager to run it day to day. The role could then expand to include assessing third-party logistics (3PL) providers in overseas markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Take hands-on responsibility for daily warehouse operations and order fulfilment.
• Set clear processes for goods-in, storage, dispatch and outbound quality checks.
• Maintain warehouse housekeeping standards so the site is clean, organised and safe.
• Help assess overseas 3PL providers as expansion plans develop.

Warehouse

• Plan stock storage and rotation to support efficient picking and dispatch.
• Record stock movements in the warehouse management system (WMS) and resolve discrepancies.
• Run rolling stock counts to maintain accurate inventory records.
• Organise and lead the year-end stocktake.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and develop the warehouse team, setting clear roles and performance expectations.
• Allocate daily work across permanent and temporary staff.
• Run team briefings, communicate priorities and follow up on performance.
• Identify training needs and coach team members on warehouse procedures.

Health & Safety

• Lead site health and safety in line with UK law, policies and risk assessments.
• Run regular safety inspections and audits, and encourage staff to report hazards.
• Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses and oversee corrective action.
• Make sure equipment is operated safely and properly maintained.

Facilities Management

• Manage site facilities, including planned maintenance and reactive repairs.

Continuous Improvement

• Develop, implement and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Track stock accuracy, dispatch performance and service levels, and act on issues.
• Lead changes that improve productivity, quality and service and reduce costs.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Hands-on Head of Operations experience running a warehouse in a growing business.
• Experience leading warehouse teams, coaching staff and introducing new processes.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, WMS platforms and inventory control.
• Sound knowledge of UK health and safety regulations.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with examples of improving performance.
• Ability to make practical decisions under pressure and manage competing priorities.

Desirable

• Knowledge of lean or other continuous improvement methods.
• Forklift licence.
• Health and safety training or qualifications, such as IOSH or NEBOSH.
• Experience handling dangerous goods.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, based on site in Banbury five days a week.
• Flexibility for early and late shifts, with possible weekend work during peak periods.
• Regular work on the warehouse floor, including walking, lifting and supervision.
• Salary of £50,000-£58,000.
• 20 days' holiday, a day off on your birthday and a pension.