Operations Manager

Operations Manager (Distribution and Logistics)£ 5 5 ,000 - 60,000 plus benefitsReports to: Head of Distribution and LogisticsDirectorate: Marketing, Fundraising & EngagementContract: PermanentHours: Full time 35 hours per weekLocation: 5 days on site at Grantham , National Distribution CentreThe Mushroom Farm , Barkston Heath , Grantham , NG32 2DEClosing date: 2nd August 202 6 23:55Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.Recruitment process: 1 st stage competency-based interview via Microsoft Teams, 2 nd stage in person interview will include a pre pre pared 30, 60, 90 presentation . As part of the process, if you are successful through to the 2 nd stage, we will require you to visit our Grantham site before you 2 nd stage interview. More details will be shared at the time of invite.Interview date: 1 st stage 13 August 2026 , 2 nd stage 1st SeptembeAt Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.We are looking for a proactive and motiv ated logistics and supply chain professional to join us at our Grantham Distribution Center as an Operations Manager.We recently launched our new Trading strategy , which in turn has meant change s to our wider distribution and logistics teams .Th e D istribution and Logistics Operations Manager will have full site accountability, with responsibility for operational delivery, people leadership and real-time commercial performance. Working closely and deputising for the Head of Distribution & Logistics, the successful candidate will also play a key role in shaping and delivering national strategy while maintaining deep operational ownership of the distribution centre. In this hybrid role, you will combine strategic influence with hands-on leadership, providing an excellent opportunity to drive performance, lead high- performing teams and contribute to the continued success of a national logistics operation.It's a great opportunity for a n experienced Warehouse Manager looking for their next step and an opportunity to deputise for a head of department. Or an experienced Senior Operations Manager looking for the chance to use their experience in a cause driven environment.What will I be doing?Deputise for the Head of Logistics & Distribution, stepping into functional leadership when requiredContribute to strategy development, business planning, and senior decision-makingTranslate strategy into clear operational plans and executionFull ownership of site KPIs (cost, service, productivity, safety)Lead a multi-layered team through supervisors and warehouse assistants (c12 direct reports)Build capability, engagement, and succession strength across the siteEmbed a culture of accountability and continuous improvement , l ead ing on these initiatives across processes and system sPartner with supply chain, retail, and third-party providersAlign operational delivery with commercial and trading prioritiesOwn the site budget (labour, agency, operating costs)Deliver cost efficiency and productivity improvementsSupport forecasting, capacity planning, and performance managementEnsure compliance with health & safety and regulatory standardsProactively manage operational risks and performance issuesWhat are we looking for ?Extensive experience in retail logistics / supply chain operationsProven senior leadership experience in a distribution environment , with the able to operate credibly at senior levelExperience l eading large, multi-layered operational teamsExperience with 3PLs and complex stakeholder environmentsStrong strategic thinking and commercial awarenessAbility to influence at senior level and lead transformationExcellent problem-solving, planning, and decision-making skillsE xperience with WMS and data-driven performance managementEx perience deputising or operating at Head-of-function level would be beneficialOur organisation values are designed to guide all that we do .Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determinationCredible: Act with rigour and professionalismHuman : Act to have a positive impact on peopleTogether: Act inclusively and collaborativelyWe're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.If you're interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we'd still love to hear from you.What will I gain?W e create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools . Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page .How do I apply?We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.Please note that applications can't be edited once submitted .For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at .For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In , Facebook , Instagram , X and YouTube .Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact or 0 as soon as possible.Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.