Section Leader with Continuous Improvement - Distribution

Distribution Section Leader & CIW

WTalent is currently seeking an experienced Section Leader to join our dynamic Distribution operation. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone passionate about developing people, enhancing processes, and taking ownership of operational performance. In this role, you'll lead a team on a day-to-day basis while uncovering opportunities to make the operation safer, more efficient, and more productive.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of warehouse colleagues.
• Take ownership of daily operational performance and ensure agreed targets are achieved.
• Monitor key measures including UPH, productivity, accuracy, and labour efficiency.
• Analyze operational data to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Allocate personnel and resources according to workload, staffing levels, and service requirements.
• Conduct regular team briefings and performance reviews.
• Identify and reduce operational waste, including downtime, unnecessary movement, waiting, and rework.
• Investigate issues using structured root-cause analysis and implement effective solutions.
• Lead improvement initiatives within your area and ensure new processes are effectively integrated.
• Collaborate with other operational teams to enhance overall performance.
• Maintain high standards of Health & Safety, compliance, and safe working practices.
• Support operational reporting and communicate performance and improvement activities effectively.

Continuous Improvement

A key aspect of this role involves finding better and smarter ways of working. You will be encouraged to challenge existing processes, utilize data and observations to identify opportunities, and translate ideas into practical improvements. This may include:

• Applying Lean and Continuous Improvement principles.
• Using tools such as 5 Whys, DILO, standardization, and visual management.
• Identifying and eliminating operational waste.
• Reviewing workflows to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Leading improvement projects within your area.
• Supporting broader operational improvement initiatives.
• Ensuring improvements are sustainable and integrated into the operation.

About You

We are looking for candidates who possess the following qualities:

• Strong people leadership and coaching skills.
• Experience managing teams achieving operational KPIs.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
• The ability to analyze data and translate insights into action.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities.
• Confidence to constructively challenge existing processes.
• A resilient, adaptable, and positive attitude.
• Proficient in Excel and operational reporting systems.
• Experience with Lean / Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Background in operational improvement or project work.
• Understanding of WMS or SAP, KPI and productivity management, UPH, and labour efficiency measures.

What We Offer

• Permanent position
• Rotating shifts, typically Monday to Friday 6-14/14-22
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Annual care day and volunteer days
• Additional lifestyle and wellbeing benefits
• Opportunities for leadership development and career progression

Ready for your next step? If you're an operational leader who enjoys developing people, improving performance, and making a real difference, apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.