Job Introduction

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Distribution to join our Supply Chain team based in Wakefield, this is a new role within the function due to a period of significant change in relation to technology and systems.

We are looking for someone who has experience working from the ground up and understanding the operational requirements with a view to making an impact on how we drive the operational plan forwards.

You will be a strong leader who is used to creating and upskilling an operational leadership team. You will also be an individual that inspires and motivates the warehouse operation Leadership Team whilst enabling them to deliver the strategic, commercial and operational plan; with a focus on customer centricity, delivering the results on plan and in budget.

You will provide specialist expertise in supply chain operations best practice to the Operations Director and within the cardfactory leadership team. Along with developing leadership team capabilities and building a succession plan in addition to developing a proactive H&S culture.

You will be a tactical and strategic thinker that is capable of delivering system and process improvements, which considers the cross-functional impact.   

Role Responsibility

• Formulate and manage the transport strategy, in order to achieve cardfactory’s aims in respect of resources, customer service level, budgeted contribution and return on assets
• Manage 3rd party contracts to deliver excellent, timely and cost effective operational service
• Contribute fully to the sustainability agenda with more efficient fleet utilisation and reduction in Co2 emissions
• Actively contribute and develop the supply chain transformation roadmap
• Drive a people culture which embodies the company values whilst driving engagement
• Warehouse management and order management functionality continual improvement vision ensuring that the needs of the growing business development customers are met
• Ultimate responsibility for all operational people decisions and delegated authority to leadership team

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• Demonstrable experience in developing national transport strategies across pallet and parcel networks
• Adept at identifying and leading business improvement projects across the supply chain
• Demonstrable experience of managing third-party logistics models
• Stakeholder Management at Senior Level coupled with the ability to work well across a matrix organisation
• Demonstrable experience in managing substantial budgets with the ability to put in place and maintain full financial controls and business case construction
• Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to build credibility across a the organisation
• Detail and results orientated with strong personal values to succeed
• Ability to work autonomously
• Adept at working with and interpreting raw data to generate insight order to inform and influence decision making

Preferable

• Demonstrable experience of working closely with business on change and transformation projects particularly the implementation of new technologies
• Experience with SAP and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office

About the Company

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greeting cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland.  In 2020 we launched our exciting 5-year business strategy including our vision of becoming a true Omni-channel retailer.  This strategy sees significant investment into our colleagues across the business creating multiple opportunities to join a fast-paced environment and be part of our exciting journey.  

In return, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Benefits

• 15% Card Factory colleague discount in-store and online
• Save As You Earn scheme
• Financial Wellbeing Support       
  • Financial Education Tools
  • Salary Advance
• Seasonal incentive schemes
• Retail Management Apprenticeship Programmes with local providers with access to a virtual internal network for learning together
• Discounted gym membership, mobile phone contracts, and car leasing
• Discounts across 100’s of UK retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to tools to support mental, physical, and financial wellbeing
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption leave

This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly. 

No agencies, please.

Sportswift Ltd T/A cardfactory