Warehouse Manager

Our client, based near Saffron Walden, is looking for a proactive Warehouse & Distribution Manager to help drive efficiency and excellence across their warehouse operations. Working Monday - Friday (9.00am - 5.00pm), this is a hands-on management role overseeing all warehouse and distribution activities in a busy, small-business, environment. You will lead a small team of picker/packers, ensuring smooth, accurate, and efficient order fulfilment. Key priorities include maintaining stock control, improving systems, upholding safety standards, and fostering a motivated, high-performing team culture. Responsibilities will include: * Daily Operations: Oversee all warehouse activities — goods-in, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch — ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery. * Team Leadership: Manage, train, and motivate a small team of warehouse operatives. Set clear performance standards and lead by example. * Inventory Control: Maintain accurate stock records, manage replenishment, and ensure effective use of barcoding and inventory systems. * Process Improvement: Streamline warehouse workflows to boost efficiency, reduce errors, and minimise costs. * Health, Safety & Fire Compliance: Ensure full compliance with H&S and fire safety regulations. Act as the Warehouse Fire Marshal, conducting regular fire drills, equipment checks, and maintaining evacuation procedures. * Logistics & Distribution: Coordinate outgoing shipments, liaise with couriers, and ensure cost-effective, timely delivery to customers. * Training & Development: Implement structured onboarding and skills training to build capability and consistency across the team. * Customer Service & Quality: Monitor and reduce customer complaints through root-cause analysis and continuous improvement. * Reporting: Provide clear, actionable updates on stock, order flow, and operational performance to senior management. * Equipment Management: Oversee forklift operations, ensuring safe use and proper maintenance of all warehouse equipment. Skills & Experience * Minimum 5 years’ experience in warehouse or distribution management. * Proven success leading small teams in a fast-moving environment. * Strong working knowledge of barcoding, stock control, and warehouse management systems. * Hands-on leadership style with excellent communication and organisational skills. * Forklift licence preferred (or willingness to obtain). * Fire Marshal or Fire Warden training (or willingness to train). * Sound understanding of health, safety, and fire regulations. * Practical problem-solver with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and continuous improvement