37hrs per week Monday-Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1630
About the Role
A First Line Manager is responsible for the running of the department, assessing and assigning duties based on specialisation/demand to achieve maximum output. The First Line Manager is always on the ground to monitor workflow and evaluate overall performance of colleagues.
The First Line Manager is an integral part of the management structure and acts as the first point of escalation for colleagues. They monitor the work environment ensuring it remains safe for colleagues to carry out their duties without subjecting themselves to any harm or danger. They assign each colleague to specific tasks based on the specialisation for maximum output.
Key Accountabilities – Operations
* Monitor and drive the efficiency of the physical operation (including pack setup and associated processes)
* Manage shift set up and colleague task allocation based on availability of workforce, and budget restraints
* Management of all colleagues inclusive of any agency (including holiday and absence)
* Training and coaching of colleagues in department, identifying training needs and organising colleague to colleague and buddy training
* Conduct mid and end of year reviews, and facilitate colleague annual 1:1’s
* Be the liaison between Warehouse Operatives and Managers
* Maintain housekeeping to an excellent standard
* Lead daily huddles – sharing information with the teams
Key Accountabilities – Compliance
* Identifying continuous improvement opportunities within the department
* Maintain the Company’s health, safety and security standards whilst ensuring that standard operating procedures are adhered to all documents are filled in correctly as required
* Ensure all Accidents are reported to the Line Manager as required
* Carryout investigations on accidents/incidents with root cause analysis and improvement plan
* Deliver against company scorecard KPI’s and objectives ensuring high productivity and efficiency.
* Maintain and confirm all documents are correct and ready for any audits (Internal and External)
Location specific accountabilities.
* Flexible to work in many areas – different shifts with required notice. (Dependant on the DC)
* Managing warehouse in compliance with company’s policies and vision
* Overseeing warehousing, distribution and maintenance operations
* Trained in key equipment servicing and maintenance (inc. TWI/Strapex)
* Control and approve/reject holiday booking requests to achieve
Embody and deliver the Smiths News values in every aspect - be creative, fair, friendly, open, quick and trusted
What we can offer you
Not only do we offer free onsite parking and competitive salary but you’ll also have access to:
* Company funded Health Cash Plan – providing cash back for everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy
* 5% match pension
* 25 days holiday plus holiday buy scheme
* 24/7 E-Learning modules, Training and Development opportunities
* Sharesave Scheme, Cycle to work schemes, Health cash plan
* Colleague Assistance Programme & Colleague referral scheme
About you
* Demonstrable flexibility to undertake a variety of warehouse duties in all departments across a fast-paced warehouse environment
* Tenacious and effective approach to meeting and exceeding targets and delivering an outstanding client experience
* Excellent verbal and written communications skills
* Engage and build rapport with stakeholders both internal and external
* Communicating information in a clear and commercial manner
* Adapting style and content for different audiences
* Adaptable, positive and effective when working with ambiguity and changing commercial drivers
* Able to work at pace whilst maintaining an accurate, high-quality output
* Highly organised with a well-developed approach to prioritisation
* Ability to manage challenging conversations around performance and HR related cases effectively and with credibility, empathy and understanding.
Please note: you must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.
About us
Smiths News is the UK’s largest news wholesaler. Our colleagues serve 22,400 retailers every day of the year, operating from 33 distribution centres.
Inclusion and diversity are important to us. We are working together to build and shape a culture that embraces people from all backgrounds, experiences, and orientations. Smiths News is dedicated to creating an authentic workplace where everyone can thrive.