Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
Operations Manager (Distribution and Logistics)
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£55,000 – 60,000 plus benefits
Reports to: Head of Distribution and Logistics
Directorate: Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: 5 days on site at Grantham, National Distribution Centre
The Mushroom Farm, Barkston Heath, Grantham, NG32 2DE
Closing date: 2nd August 2026 23:55
Visa 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: 1st stage competency-based interview via Microsoft Teams, 2nd stage in person interview will include a pre prepared 30, 60, 90 presentation. As part of the process, if you are successful through to the 2nd stage, we will require you to visit our Grantham site before you 2nd stage interview. More details will be shared at the time of invite.
Interview date: 1st stage 13 August 2026, 2nd stage 1st September
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
We are looking for a proactive and motivated 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 changes to our wider distribution and logistics teams.
The Role
The Distribution 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 an 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.
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What will I be doing?
- Deputise for the Head of Logistics & Distribution, stepping into functional leadership when required
- Contribute to strategy development, business planning, and senior decision-making
- Translate strategy into clear operational plans and execution
- Full 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 site
- Embed a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, leading on these initiatives across processes and systems
- Partner with supply chain, retail, and third-party providers
- Align operational delivery with commercial and trading priorities
- Own the site budget (labour, agency, operating costs)
- Deliver cost efficiency and productivity improvements
- Support forecasting, capacity planning, and performance management
- Ensure compliance with health & safety and regulatory standards
- Proactively manage operational risks and performance issues
What are we looking for?
- Extensive experience in retail logistics / supply chain operations
- Proven senior leadership experience in a distribution environment, with the ability to operate credibly at senior level
- Experience leading large, multi-layered operational teams
- Experience with 3PLs and complex stakeholder environments
- Strong strategic thinking and commercial awareness
- Ability to influence at senior level and lead transformation
- Excellent problem-solving, planning, and decision-making skills
- Experience with WMS and data-driven performance management
- Experience deputising or operating at Head-of-function level would be beneficial
Our Organisation Values
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’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.
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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?
We 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 recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: LinkedIn, 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 recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 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.
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