Distribution Centre Manager

Role Purpose:

The Distribution Centre Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and continuous improvement of our Clients Distribution Centre, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective warehousing and distribution operations that support customer service excellence and business growth.

The role is accountable for people management, operational execution, inventory accuracy, health & safety compliance, cost control, and service level performance, while embedding the company's standards, values, and continuous improvement culture.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage all day-to-day DC operations including inbound, storage, picking, packing, and outbound distribution.
• Ensure on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery performance in line with agreed customer service levels.
• Translate business objectives into clear operational plans and KPIs.
• Drive operational stability while supporting scalability and future growth.

People Management & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop DC supervisors, team leaders, and operational teams.
• Build a high-performance, safety-first culture aligned with Company values.
• Manage workforce planning, rostering, absence management, and productivity.
• Conduct performance reviews, disciplinary processes, and succession planning.
• Promote engagement, communication, and continuous skills development.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Irish Health & Safety legislation, company H&S standards, and internal policies.
• Act as the senior accountable person for DC safety performance.
• Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, audits, and corrective actions.
• Promote a proactive safety culture with visible leadership and accountability.

Inventory Management

• Maintain high levels of inventory accuracy, stock integrity, and traceability.
• Oversee cycle counting, stock adjustments, and root cause analysis of discrepancies.
• Ensure effective use and maintenance of warehouse equipment, racking, and automation (where applicable).
• Protect company assets and minimise shrinkage and damage.

Cost Control & Financial Performance

• Manage the DC operating budget, including labour, transport, consumables, and overheads.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety or service.
• Track and report operational KPIs, productivity, and cost-to-serve metrics.
• Support capital investment business cases for equipment, systems, or infrastructure.

Systems, Data & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure effective use of WMS, ERP, and reporting tools
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
• Analyse operational data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Support change initiatives such as new DC processes, system upgrades, or network changes.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with Transport, Customer Service, Sales, Procurement, and Finance teams.
• Act as the key operational contact for internal and external audits.
• Manage third-party service providers where applicable (transport, maintenance, labour agencies).
• Communicate clearly with senior management on performance, risks, and improvement plans.

Essential Experience:

• Proven experience managing a distribution centre or warehouse operation, ideally in FMCG, electrical wholesale, or B2B distribution.
• Strong people leadership experience in a high-volume environment.
• Solid understanding of warehouse operations, inventory management, and transport coordination.
• Strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and best practice.
• Experience working with WMS/ERP systems and operational KPIs.

Competencies & Behaviours

• Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
• Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.
• High level of personal accountability and integrity.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead through change and ambiguity.
• Lean / Continuous Improvement training or certification.