National Warehouse Manager

Big things are happening at Topps Group. As Britain’s largest specialist tile retailer, selling only the very best quality on-trend products, £1 of every £3 spent in the UK domestic tile market is spent with us. We’ve got 300 stores and have just hit record sales of £223m. And we’re as big on career opportunities as we are on outstanding service and great value. After all, it’s brilliant, friendly, knowledgeable people that make us special. Right now, we’re on a journey of exciting growth, as we build on seven consecutive years of success – there’s never been a better time to join the Topps Tiles family.

Reporting directly to the Director of Supply Chain, and with 4 direct reports, this role will be responsible for developing a new momentum in the Warehouse operation. We are looking to appoint an individual with the talent to bring focus, clarity, direction and sustainable business improvement.

The incumbent will be fully accountable for 2 warehouses within the Leicester site, operating across a 24/5.  Key focuses for the role will include people, leadership, culture, space limitations, alignment of the warehouse versus current business requirements i.e., a one size fits all approach is not appropriate and systems and processes.

In this senior role you will be required to define operational policy, develop a truly measurable continuous improvement culture, and be expected to lead the organisation towards best in class and will know the inputs required to bring added value.

Key Accountabilities include -

Safety – Inspires and promotes a culture where the safety and welfare are the primary consideration.

• Implements and leads a process of Continuous Improvement and engagement with all colleagues in relation to HS&W.
• Ensures all policies and procedures relating to safety are adhered to.
• Ensures that all auditable functions/records are completed to manage H&S Compliance
• Liaise effectively with the H&S business partners to ensure that the operation meets or exceeds best practice.

Customer – Inspires our teams to deliver excellent customer service which exceeds their expectations.

• Deliver excellent customer service at the right cost through a consistently professional approach.
• Analyse operations and set out a best fit approach for Supply Chain
• Plan an environment that is equipped to deal with any customer problems or requests to ensure end-to-end customer care.
• Present a positive and professional image to our customers and the Supply Chain teams at all times.
• Actively work with stores and Area Sales Managers to promote Supply Chain activity and relations.
• Constantly look for new ways to forge excellent relationships with stores and customers.
• Liaise directly with other senior managers to ensure best fit operations are delivered at all times.

Operations – Consistently implements professional operational standards to enhance the Topps brand credibility consistently across the business.

• Develop the current Topps Tiles warehouse design to improve product flows, layouts and product handling systems; evaluating and recommending new equipment and innovative solutions.
• To implement a sophisticated and effective change programme covering people, processes, and systems  
• Foster and build a team environment where all colleagues work towards one goal, improving communication between the sites.
• Control costs in line with budget - and identify, develop and implement improved efficiencies in line with the Supply Chain strategy
• Develop, implement and maintain an effective productivity improvement process across both Distribution Centres
• Manage service levels to customers and develop, monitor and manage these via robust KPIs
• Support the Director of Supply Chain as part of the senior team, in developing and implementing the correct strategy for Topps Tiles

The Person

Essential requirements:

• A blue chip 3PL or in house warehouse management background, ideally gained in a large, multi-site Retail environment
• Experience of managing change, particularly involving Distribution Centre layouts or stock  flows, or other large scale operational change
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to manage business issues and involve and influence peers, colleagues and stakeholders
• Passionate about delivering excellent customer and store service
• Displays a high level of motivation and professionalism.
• Must be honest, straightforward, and fair in dealings with colleagues and customers.
• Focuses on delivering and exceeding expected standards and performance.
• Budget responsibility and cost management experience
• Ability to build, inspire and motivate a team through engagement and consultation.
• Must be able to address team issues and work collaboratively across different functions.
• Able to balance focus between short term tactical and long term strategic.

Desirable requirements:

• Prior exposure to e-commerce fulfilment
• Prior experience gained in building materials / DIY retail industry

In a culture where hard work is recognised and great results are rewarded, you can look forward to a company bonus that will give you a share of our success - up to 30% of your base salary.  Then there’s a generous staff discount, a car/car allowance, Private medical, a Share Save scheme, pension and life assurance, a holiday allowance that increases with length of service and a wide range of other benefits. Plus, flexible working, free on-site parking, generous discounts on products and services and more. A lot more. We’re committed to promoting talent from within too, which means you’ll be well-supported to build a rewarding career with an individual development plan and lots of training on offer.