PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of Senior Operations Manager UK in Thurnscoe, UK on a permanent basis reporting to Regional Head of Warehousing and Logistics.. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 6,000 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Senior Operations Manager UK Operations plays a crucial role in managing and supervising the warehouse at Thurnscoe. This position focuses on creating and executing strategies to enhance customer service, facilitating smooth transportation and distribution processes, and promoting ongoing improvements in logistics operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Operational Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and direction for all operational activities, including warehousing, distribution, strategy, continuous improvement and projects.
- Team Management: Lead and develop a high-performing, collective UK/Global operational team (200+ employees) through manager and Heads Of as direct reports. An awareness of the potential challenges new site start up launches can have on collective culture is important to this client.
- Client Relationships: Build and maintain an already impressive, strong customer relationship base, ensuring satisfaction.
- Commercial Responsibility & Budget Management: Develop and manage the operational budget in excess of £20m, ensuring financial objectives are achieved while maintaining service & quality.
- Performance Metrics: Continue to evolve the organisational approach to targets and KPI's, whilst ensuring existing and new site standardisation.
- Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, safety standards, and industry best practice.
- Process Optimisation: Continuously evaluate and improve operational processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
- Innovation: Drive innovation, Automation & Robotics along with the adoption of new technologies to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Supplier Relationships: Manage UK/Global commercial relationships with customers, suppliers and third-party service providers to ensure timely and cost-effective services.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Warehousing and Logistics, or a related field, MBA or Advanced Degree equivalent.
- Proven experience in operational leadership positions within the FMCG / Retail / E-Commerce or 3PL Logistics & Supply Chain industry, with a minimum of 10 years of progressive responsibility
- A minimum of 5 years' experience operating at a Head of Department.
- Previous budgetary responsibility across multi-site operations more than £50m.
- Exposure to Automation & Robotics – ASRS systems.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
- Prior commercial knowledge of the UK logistics and warehousing
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COMPANY AWARDS
- Great Place To Work 2024
- Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
- Gold Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2026
Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.
Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Warehousing and Logistics or a related field, or an MBA or equivalent advanced degree
- At least 10 years of progressive operational leadership experience in FMCG, retail, e-commerce, 3PL logistics, or supply chain
- At least 5 years of experience operating at Head of Department level
- Previous budgetary responsibility for multi-site operations exceeding £50 million
- Exposure to automation and robotics, including ASRS systems
- Strong leadership and team management skills with a record of developing high-performing teams
- Prior commercial knowledge of UK logistics and warehousing
- Right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction
What We Do
Formed in 1904, Portwest is firmly established as a leader in the design and manufacture of high quality Workwear, Footwear and PPE. Excellent quality, very competitive pricing and large stock holding ensures we offer a market leading service to all our customers. With distribution throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and the USA, supported by factories in the Far East our unique collection of safety apparel and PPE protects people all over the world in many diverse industries and situations. Service highlights Our stock levels are at an all-time high and our innovative operations ensure all orders are picked, packed and ready for dispatch accurately and on-time. With over 1500 individual product lines, Portwest are truly a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all safety apparel and PPE requirements. Contact Us For contact details on your nearest Portwest office please visit: https://www.portwest.com/contacts Portwest Headquarters: Portwest House IDA Industrial Park Westport Co Mayo F28 FY88 Ireland Tel: +353 98 26411 Email: [email protected]
