Despatch Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Dispatch Manager to take ownership of dispatch operations at our Featherstone site. This is a newly created role, offering the opportunity to shape processes and bring fresh ideas. You will oversee the safe and efficient running of our warehouse and loading bay, ensuring compliance, smooth coordination with third-party logistics, and achievement of delivery targets.

This position covers the main Featherstone site and works closely with an additional off-site location nearby. We’re looking for someone with proven experience in a similar role who can make this position their own — not an entry-level step-up, but a chance for an accomplished professional to lead and innovate.

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a critical function within a global business, influence operational excellence, and drive continuous improvement

Key Responsibilities (include but not limited)

• Ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety standards across all areas.

• Manage day-to-day operations of the warehouse and loading bay, resolving issues promptly.

• Oversee site security of Warehouse, loading bay and surrounding areas of vehicle and pedestrian movement

• Maintain high standards of hygiene and housekeeping.

• Lead and manage 5 Team Leaders, their teams, and the Returns Stock Controller.

• Coordinate with third-party logistics to achieve the daily transport plan.

• Monitor external warehouse performance to meet delivery targets.

• Optimize transport solutions to maintain OTIF and manage costs within budget.

• Support business objectives and performance targets.

• Handle recruitment, absence management, shift swaps, and overtime cover.

• Conduct and support accident investigations.

• Manage annual FLT training plans and license renewals.

• Handle complaints and internal NCRs.

• Oversee QA area management, including redundant and reworked stock.

• Manage aged stock and returns.

• Ensure customs compliance: manage DSS customs declarations and liaise with appointed agents.

• Provide DSS with monthly goods value for RoI via NI and TSS.

• Maintain site delivery performance logs.

• Oversee full site FLT trucks and battery care, including planned maintenance, repairs, PO management, and invoice resolution.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in dispatch, warehouse, or logistics management.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.

• Knowledge of customs compliance and transport regulations.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and warehouse management systems.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Our Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

• Pension and share scheme

• Life assurance and income protection

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Cycle to work scheme and shopping discounts

• Learning and development opportunities

• Free onsite parking

Location:  Featherstone

Working hours: Monday to Friday

Interviews for this position are scheduled to take place in early January 2026 and will not be conducted before this date

About us

We’re DS Smith, the company who are redefining packaging for a changing world.  We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. Today, we operate in more than 30 different countries, supporting customers across sectors like FMCG, industrial, and e-commerce. We deliver on quality, service, innovation, and added value to deliver market-leading sustainable packaging solutions our customers need. Our industry needs to transform, and we’re building the team to drive change across Europe and North America

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. 

Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.

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