Distribution Team Leader

Cogent Staffing are recruiting on behalf of our client for a Distribution Team Leader, the role initially will be a 6 month contract providing cover however, there is an opportunity for the right candidate to be offered a permanent contract.

Shift/salary:

• Working rotating 4 on 4 off shift pattern
• 12 hour days & nights
• 06:00-18:00 and 18:00-06:00
• £45,000 salary
• 6 month contract providing cover
• Opportunity for the right candidate to be offered a permanent contract

The Role:

As Distribution Manager, you will take full responsibility for running the daily distribution operation. You will lead, motivate, and develop your team to ensure all customer orders are delivered safely and On Time In Full (OTIF), while maintaining legal compliance, company standards, and a low-cost operating mindset.

You will drive operational excellence across fleet, people, compliance, and customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Management

• Lead and develop distribution and driver team members.
• Ensure all customer orders are delivered OTIF.
• Effectively manage distribution resources to minimise contractor and agency usage.
• Manage all bag flour traffic with 3PL partners, utilising own fleet in line with site KPIs.
• Maintain strong collaboration with site teams to ensure customer demand is met.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with:
• Health & Safety legislation
• Operator licence legal obligations
• Tachographs and Working Time Directive (WTD)
• Environmental and company standards in line with Quality Feed Food Safety (QFFS)
• Coordinate fleet servicing, maintenance, and defect rectification in line with operator licence requirements.
• Champion and lead by example with the ‘Zero Harm’ safety message.

Stakeholder & Customer Management

• Develop strong working relationships with employees, customers, hauliers, and service providers.
• Liaise with the Customer Service team to ensure all customer standards are met.
• Maintain high service levels with a strong customer-first approach.

Administration & Performance

• Ensure all administrative tasks are completed in line with the financial calendar.
• Monitor and drive performance against key operational KPIs.
• Maintain a cost-conscious approach to resource management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Hazard, accident and near miss reporting
• Health assessment compliance
• Legal and operator licence compliance
• Payload optimisation
• Agency and contractor usage
• Full and timely completion of administrative tasks

The Candidate

We are looking for a confident and inspirational leader who thrives in a fast-paced distribution environment and can drive standards, performance, and engagement.

Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience in Bulk Transport, preferably within a raw product environment.
• Previous transport experience including exposure to tachographs and WTD.
• Supervisory or leadership experience (desirable).
• LGV Class 1 licence (desirable).
• Transport Manager CPC (TMCPC) (desirable).
• PC literate with working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong numeracy and literacy skills.

Skills & Behaviours

• Inspirational leadership style.
• Strong drive for results and continuous improvement.
• Ability to build capability within teams.
• Strong customer focus with a proactive approach.
• Open, honest, and confident communicator.
• Ability to make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Leads change positively and sets high operational standards.
• Demonstrates energy, determination, and resilience.

At Cogent Staffing, we are committed to ethical recruitment practices and fostering an inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe that diversity enriches our teams and enhances our ability to serve our clients effectively.

We ensure that our recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and free from bias, promoting equal opportunities for all applicants.

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