We have a fantastic opportunity for a First Line Manager to lead and direct a team of circa 25, organise and monitor the safe and accurate receipt, storage and dispatch of products to meet operational targets and customer service levels.

Shift Pattern:Monday - Friday 22:00 to 6:30am

Key responsibilities and duties - daily tasks will include but not be limited to:

Operational management

• Oversee and complete all tasks/activities within their area/operation.

• Make sure procedures, standards and timeframes for all aspects of warehouse operations are communicated to warehouse operatives and acted upon.

• Plan, monitor and adjust task allocation to make sure that all operational deadlines and customer service and quality standards are met on the floor, taking account of the impact outside own area of responsibility.

• Liaise with other operational areas (e.g. inventory management team) to maximise stock availability.

• Carry out planning for the effective handling of goods deliveries, adjustments to storage and other ad-hoc projects.

• Make sure stock is handled in a way that minimises the risk of damage whilst in the warehouse or during delivery (inwards and/or outwards).

• Monitor and manage the quality of stock management on the floor, to maintain high standards of both the stock itself and improve the ‘first pick’ accuracy.

• Ensure floor operations are carried out efficiently and effectively by flexing team resource as required (e.g. picking, packing and put away) when necessary.

• Any other duties as assigned by their Manager from time to time.

Resource management

• Ensure stock is kept to a high standard by being put away correctly.

• Check goods in on a daily basis.

• Plan, monitor, and adjust staffing levels and schedules (including managing staff holiday/sickness absence).

• Control hours and overtime by operating to agreed standards of staff utilisation, and within budget.

• Demonstrate awareness of cost/benefit as applicable to tasks performed e.g. overtime.

• Support the identification of ways to reduce costs/waste or inefficiencies.

• Constantly look for ways to improve efficiencies or save costs.

People management

• Manage the performance of team members by agreeing expectations (standards, measures etc.), providing on-going feedback and holding regular performance reviews with their teams.

• Take prompt action to address performance or conduct issues, following formal company policies as and when necessary.

• Identify staff development needs and put plans in place to meet them.

• Work closely with the Operations Manager and internal training department to improve own and others’ performance or skill set.

• Contribute to the warehouse succession plan.

• Carry out return-to-work interviews and follow absence management processes as necessary.

• Deliver some on-the-job training and development for their teams (e.g. induction).

• Liaise with HR Advisor with regard to key employee processes and issues (e.g. disciplinary/grievance procedures and policies).

• Participate in recruitment activities and carry out probation reviews for new employees.

• Organise and maintain the staff rota and assist with weekend/night cover when required.

• Lead by example; motivating team members to succeed.

• Take the initiative to maintain effective two-way communication with your teams through team briefings and team communication board updates.

• Act as communication channel between the warehouse and the management and vice versa.

• Effectively process electronic information using the various computer systems (WMS system as well as relevant MS Office programs) as required. 

Safety management

• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation, encouraging and developing a positive approach to Health and Safety at all levels.

• Make sure everyone complies with requirements for work-wear and Personal Protective Equipment when on the warehouse floor.

• Promote safe working practices (including the safe operation of all electro-mechanical handling equipment through operator checks and defect reporting).

• Take action to maintain a safe physical environment (e.g. storage of stock) for self, staff and visitors to the floor, including completion of health and safety checks (e.g. ladders), reporting defects as necessary.

• Ensure staff contribute to a safe, secure and healthy working environment (e.g. housekeeping, tidiness, weekly checks).

Skills / Qualifications / Attributes:

• Previous experience at managerial level within a Warehouse / Distribution environment.

• Ability to work effectively under varying levels of pressure.

• Able to match a least cost resource plan to business needs.

• Knowledge of HR procedures.

• Ability to communicate effectively with customers to develop and maintain excellent customer relationships.

• Experience of managing an operation through KPI’s.

• Able to identify continuous improvement opportunities and manage change.

• Competent use of IT, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, and WMS

FPS, part of Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), is a leading distributor of light and commercial vehicle parts to the automotive aftermarket, serving over 35,000 repairers across the UK & Ireland.

AAG is owned by Genuine Parts Company (GPC), the number one parts distribution business in North America, leading to an increased level of synergies helping achieve record growth.