Head of Operations

Head of Operations | Logistics & Distribution | Leadership Opportunity

Head of Operations

Location: Liverpool,  L24 8AA
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Direct Reports: 7
Total Team Size: 188 Employees
Operation: 70 Commercial Vehicles operating daily distribution and trunking services

Lead a high-performing operation and make a lasting impact

Are you an experienced operational leader with a track record of delivering outstanding service, driving commercial performance and developing high-performing teams?

We're looking for a Head of Operations to lead a large-scale distribution operation, ensuring exceptional service for our customers while delivering operational excellence, strong financial performance and an engaging culture for our people.

This is a key leadership role where you'll oversee a complex and fast-paced operation, managing depot performance, developing future leaders and working closely with commercial teams to maximise customer retention, service delivery and profitability.

If you're passionate about people leadership, continuous improvement and creating a culture of accountability, safety and customer focus, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

As Head of Operations, you will take full responsibility for the operational performance of the depot, ensuring resources, processes and people are aligned to deliver excellent results.

• Lead and develop the depot management team to drive operational efficiency, service excellence and productivity.
• Deliver depot financial objectives, ensuring profit targets are achieved or exceeded.
• Oversee all operational activities to ensure service, quality and performance KPIs are consistently met.
• Work closely with Sales teams to support customer retention, account development and commercial growth opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with central support functions to improve operational effectiveness and internal service delivery.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement across all operational areas.
• Ensure effective planning and utilisation of fleet, people and resources to maximise efficiency.
• Lead operational change initiatives while maintaining service and performance standards.

Leading our people

People are at the heart of everything we do. As a senior leader, you'll play a crucial role in creating an environment where our people can thrive and perform at their best.

• Lead, coach and develop a team of managers across the operation.
• Create a positive, inclusive and high-performing working culture.
• Support succession planning and talent development across the depot.
• Drive colleague engagement, performance and accountability.
• Recruit, develop and retain talented individuals across the operation.

Health, safety and compliance

Safety is our number one priority. You'll be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of health, safety and compliance across the operation.

• Ensure all Health & Safety policies, procedures and risk assessments are implemented and maintained.
• Promote a proactive safety culture throughout the depot.
• Ensure appropriate management cover is in place for all Health & Safety responsibilities.
• Support and maintain relevant Health & Safety accreditations and compliance standards.
• Ensure colleagues receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision.
• Chair and facilitate regular Safety Management Team meetings.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory and company requirements.

What we're looking for

• Proven leadership experience within logistics, distribution, transport, warehousing or a related operational environment.
• Experience leading large operational teams through managers.
• Strong commercial awareness with responsibility for budgets and financial performance.
• Track record of improving operational efficiency and service performance.
• Excellent people leadership, coaching and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety and compliance obligations.
• Ability to build relationships across multiple functions and stakeholders.
• A passion for delivering exceptional service to customers.

Why join us?

• Lead a high-profile operation with significant scale and complexity.
• Manage and develop a large, dedicated workforce.
• Work for a market-leading business that values its people.
• Influence strategic decision-making and operational performance.
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact on customer experience and business success.
• Career development and progression opportunities within a growing organisation.

Shape the future of our operation

This is more than an operational leadership role. It's an opportunity to lead people, drive performance and make a lasting contribution to a business that delivers for thousands of customers every day.

Ready to take the next step in your leadership career?
Apply today and become part of our journey.

About you

About us

Our journey began back in 1929. Since then, we’ve continued to build a strong and resilient business with a great future. It's why we believe we’re the best foodservice provider in the country.

A journey that gives back

We want your career with us to be as rewarding as possible. So, you’ll get lots in return for your hard work. That includes benefits that can support your wellbeing and financial security, and give you peace of mind.

The essentials

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) as a minimum and the opportunity to buy more
• A pension - contribute 4% and we’ll match you (after year 1, we’ll match your contributions up to 6%).
• Life cover that you can increase.
• Access to confidential support and counselling, when you need it.
• A health plan that gives you money back on everyday medical costs for all the family, as well as access to a digital GP.

The extras

• Exclusive range of high street discounts including cinema, tech, travel, fashion, food and drink.
• Get paid as you earn - access to up to 20% of your pay before payday.
• Opportunity to buy dental cover and critical illness cover.

We want everyone to join our journey

We’re on a journey towards creating the best possible workplace. We’ve got some way to go, but we’re building a diverse and caring workforce. One that’s filled with forward-thinking people who each bring unique talents and skills. So whatever your life experience, we want you to join us - and you really can come as you are!