Group Head of Operations Development

We are currently seeking a Group Head of Operations Development to join Group Supply Chain & Operations team here at Nisbets

The ideal candidate for this role will be a dynamic and experienced operations leader with a history of driving transformation. They will be a visionary with the ability to execute strategically, solve complex challenges, and inspire cross-functional teams towards achieving operational excellence.

In this position the ideal candidate will lead the execution of a 5-year operations development plan focused on warehouse and logistics across the group. The primary objective of the role is to drive efficiency, optimise processes, and elevate the customer experience by managing continuous improvement (CI), automation, space creation, process enhancement, warehouse network optimisation, and cost control throughout the group.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy and Planning: Lead the 5-year plan for operations, focusing on warehouse and final-mile logistics. Set goals, prioritise projects, and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Continuous Improvement and Automation: CI initiatives, leveraging automation and technology to improve process efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Space and Process Optimisation: Develop strategies, network designs for maximising space utilisation and improving warehouse workflows to enhance capacity and productivity.
• Cost and Efficiency Management: Oversee efforts to reduce costs while ensuring high levels of service and customer satisfaction across the network.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Work closely with key stakeholders across departments, maintaining strong cross-functional relationships to achieve operational excellence.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Establish and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders across departments, including IT, finance, HR, and Customer Service. Collaborate to ensure that operational initiatives align with company-wide goals and promote an integrated approach to achieving excellence.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Analyse data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and potential challenges. Use these insights to inform strategy, prioritise initiatives, and drive evidence-based decisions that support long-term growth.

Key Skills and Experience Required

• Extensive Operational Expertise: Demonstrable experience in senior operations roles within warehouse and logistics management. Proven capability in large-scale logistics operations, ideally within complex and high-volume environments.
• Process Improvement Leadership: Proven track record of delivering substantial efficiency gains through CI, automation, and process optimisation. Hands-on experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies is an advantage.
• Strategic and Analytical Mindset: Strong analytical abilities with a solid background in strategic planning and execution. Ability to interpret complex data, identify opportunities, and make informed, data-driven decisions to support operational goals.
• Execution-Oriented with a Finisher's Mindset: A proactive leader who follows initiatives through from concept to execution, ensuring accountability and high standards are met at every stage.
• Exceptional Communication & Collaboration Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills to engage and influence stakeholders across all levels. Demonstrated success in fostering a culture of collaboration and shared ownership in operational improvements.
• Customer-Centric Focus: A keen understanding of the impact of operational decisions on the customer experience, with a drive to elevate service standards and ensure positive outcomes for customers.