Distribution Assistant Operations Manager

Our Client serves wide range of customers in the water, wastewater, waste, municipal, healthcare, and industrial sectors in the UK and they are looking for an important integral part of the team The Distribution Assistant Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in the operational leadership of the national Bulk Haulage network. Acting as the key deputy to the Distribution Senior Operations Manager, this role ensures consistent service delivery, cost-effective transport execution, and leadership coverage across all regions. This is a critical, hands-on position that requires the ability to balance tactical decision-making with strategic execution. The role supports the end-to-end delivery of distribution services, providing continuity during leadership absences and developing operational resilience through knowledge of all regional planning processes. It also focuses on stakeholder alignment, subcontractor performance, and driving continuous improvement to support business growth and efficiency. Key Responsibilities People Development & Team Support - Mentor and support Planners and operational colleagues to develop capability and resilience across the team. Support onboarding, training, and coaching of new team members to ensure consistency in planning and operational practices. Performance Management & Compliance - Analyse operational and subcontractor data to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), provide insights, and drive continuous improvement. Maintain data integrity in Transport Management Systems and other logistics tools. Ensure full adherence to legal, regulatory, and internal compliance standards, including health & safety protocols. Problem Solving & Incident Management - Act as an escalation point for operational issues, coordinating rapid response and recovery strategies. Lead root cause analysis following service failures, implementing long-term solutions. Provide calm and decisive leadership in high-pressure, time-sensitive situations. Skills Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to deputise at a senior level. Excellent organisational and planning abilities across complex multi-site operations. Advanced data analysis and reporting capabilities to support data-driven decision-making. Proficiency in Transport Management Systems (TMS), route optimisation tools, and performance dashboards. Commercial acumen, with a good understanding of cost control in logistics and subcontractor management. Skilled at negotiating, influencing, and maintaining relationships across all levels of the organisation. Specific Requirements Proactive and results-driven: Takes initiative and ownership to deliver operational improvements. Resilient and composed: Performs effectively under pressure and during periods of change or disruption. Collaborative: Builds strong working relationships internally and externally. Continuous improvement mindset: Constantly seeks smarter ways of working and welcomes feedback. Customer-focused: Strives to exceed expectations in service delivery and internal support. Accountable: Takes responsibility for outcomes, regardless of challenges. Able to travel across regional locations as required to provide planning and leadership support. Experience in managing or supporting multi-site transport operations. Comfortable operating in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment. Capable of deputising effectively and independently in a senior operational role. Essential Requirements Proven experience in a transport, logistics, or distribution operations role at a supervisory or management level. Strong IT skills including Excel and experience with Transport Management Systems (TMS). CPC (National) in Road Transport Operations or working towards it. Qualification or formal training in logistics, supply chain, or business management. IOSH or other relevant Health & Safety qualification