Warehouse & Distribution Manager

Warehouse & Distribution Manager
Location: East Hertfordshire
Full-time | Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (occasional weekend work required)
Salary: c£40K + Bonus + Benefits

A major UK food distribution business is currently seeking a proactive and experienced Warehouse Distribution & Facilities Manager to oversee the smooth and efficient running of a 130,000 sq. ft. distribution and office facility. This is a key leadership role reporting into the Operations Manager (Distribution), and is ideal for a forward-thinking professional with experience in large-scale logistics environments.

The successful candidate will take full ownership of contracts, compliance, space optimisation, and supplier/vendor management. They will also play a crucial part in access control, building presentation, and ensuring the office and warehouse spaces remain safe, clean, and fully operational.

This is a brilliant opportunity for a driven, solutions-focused professional to step into a high-impact role with clear responsibility and visibility across a large-scale site. The business is looking for someone who doesn’t just maintain the present—but looks ahead and shapes the future of the site

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operational readiness of a 130,000 sq. ft. distribution centre, ensuring all warehouse infrastructure, services, and workflows are fully supported from a facilities perspective.

• Manage contracts for critical warehouse services such as cleaning, waste removal, pest control, dock door servicing, and security systems, ensuring all providers meet performance standards and compliance requirements.

• Lead layout optimisation projects to improve space utilisation, stock flow, staff movement, and safety across both warehouse and office areas.

• Ensure access control systems are maintained and operating correctly across the site, supporting security and operational control for both goods and personnel.

• Monitor the condition of key warehouse assets (e.g., racking, dock levellers, floors, lighting) and coordinate planned maintenance and repair work via contractors.

• Ensure the warehouse floor, canteens, and office areas are consistently clean, safe, and operational, supporting productivity and compliance at all times.

• Manage and develop a team of 2 staff responsible for coordination and general upkeep across the site.

• Proactively identify risks, inefficiencies, or potential downtime issues—implement solutions to maintain continuous distribution operations.

• Deliver accurate reporting on building condition, contract performance, safety compliance, and facilities budgets.

The Ideal Candidate

• Demonstrates strong experience in facilities management within warehouse/distribution or logistics environments—ideally in a large-scale operation.

• Comfortable working strategically—focused on managing contracts, vendors, safety, layout, and general building upkeep rather than performing maintenance tasks.

• A confident problem-solver who takes initiative and implements long-term, effective solutions.

• Excellent communicator with strong organisational and leadership skills.

• Technically aware of building systems (HVAC, electrical, fire safety), with the ability to oversee maintenance carried out by contractors.

• Understands compliance, safety legislation, and sustainability goals.

• First Aid and Fire Marshall training advantageous.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH, IOSH or BIFM Level 4+

• Degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Logistics, or similar (preferred)