Robert Walters
Distribution Manager
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An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Distribution Manager to join a fast-growing food business at a pivotal stage of its development.
This is a genuine greenfield role, offering the chance to design, implement and lead the distribution operation from scratch. Working closely with the leadership team, you will establish the processes, partnerships and performance measures needed to create a scalable, customer-focused distribution network. With a strong emphasis on transport and third-party logistics management, you'll be responsible for ensuring products are delivered efficiently, cost-effectively and on time across a growing customer base.
The Role
As Distribution Manager, you'll take ownership of all outbound logistics activities, managing relationships with external transport providers and building a best-in-class distribution operation capable of supporting ambitious growth plans. Key responsibilities will include:
- Developing and implementing the company's distribution and transport strategy.
- Selecting, managing and developing relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) and transport partners.
- Driving service excellence through carrier performance management and KPI reporting.
- Negotiating transport contracts and identifying opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
- Managing transport capacity planning to support seasonal peaks and business growth.
- Establishing distribution processes, controls and operating procedures from the ground up.
- Monitoring OTIF performance, customer service metrics and transport costs.
- Working collaboratively with Supply Chain, Operations, Customer Service and Commercial teams to align distribution plans with customer demand.
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant food industry, transport and health & safety regulations.
- Leading continuous improvement initiatives to optimise transport performance and customer experience.
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About You
We're looking for a commercially minded logistics leader who enjoys creating structure within a growing business and can successfully build partnerships with external logistics providers. You'll ideally bring:
- Proven experience in a Distribution Manager, Logistics Manager or Transport Manager position.
- Strong knowledge of UK transport operations and third-party logistics management.
- Experience managing outsourced transport networks within food.
- A track record of improving service, reducing costs and driving operational performance.
- Excellent supplier management and contract negotiation skills.
- Strong analytical capability with experience using KPIs and data to drive decisions.
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and evolving environment.
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Why Join?
- Rare opportunity to create and shape an entire distribution function.
- Significant influence on the future direction of the business.
- Growing organisation with ambitious expansion plans.
- High levels of autonomy and visibility across the business.
- Opportunity to build long-term strategic relationships with logistics partners.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
This role would suit an ambitious logistics professional looking for the challenge of building a distribution operation from the ground up while developing a high-performing 3PL transport network that supports a rapidly growing food business.
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
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