Operations Manager (Distribution and Logistics)
£55,000– 60,000plusbenefits
Reports to:Head of Distribution and Logistics
Directorate:Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement
Contract:Permanent
Hours:Full time 35 hours per week
Location: 5 days on site at Grantham, National Distribution Centre
The Mushroom Farm,BarkstonHeath,Grantham,NG32 2DE
Closing date: 2nd August 202623:55
Visa sponsorship:You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UKis notable tooffer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment process:1ststage competency-basedinterview via Microsoft Teams, 2ndstage in person interview will include a pre pre pared 30, 60, 90presentation As part of the process, if you are successful through to the 2ndstage,we will require you to visit our Grantham site beforeyou2ndstage interview. More details will be shared at the time of invite.
Interview date:1ststage 13 August 2026 ,2ndstage 1st Septembe
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
We are looking for aproactiveandmotivatedlogisticsand supply chain professional to join us at our Grantham DistributionCenteras an Operations Manager.
We recently launched ournewTrading strategy, which in turn has meant changestoour wider distribution andlogisticsteams
TheDistribution and Logistics Operations Managerwill havefull site accountability, with responsibility for operational delivery, people leadership and real-time commercial performance. Working closelyand deputisingfortheHead of Distribution & Logistics, the successful candidate willalsoplay a key role in shaping and delivering national strategy whilemaintainingdeep operational ownership of the distribution centre.In this hybrid role, you willcombine strategic influence with hands-on leadership,providingan excellent opportunity to drive performance, lead high-performing teams and contribute to the continued success of a nationallogisticsoperation.
It’sa great opportunityfor an experienced Warehouse Manager looking for their next stepand an opportunity to deputise for a head of department. Or an experienced Senior Operations Manager looking for the chance to use their experience in a cause driven environment.
What will I be doing?
Deputise for the Head of Logistics & Distribution, stepping into functional leadership whenrequired
Contribute to strategy development, business planning, and senior decision-making
Translate strategy into clear operational plans and execution
Full ownership of site KPIs (cost, service, productivity, safety)
Lead a multi-layered team through supervisors and warehouse assistants(c12 direct reports)
Build capability, engagement, and succession strength across the site
Embed a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, leading on theseinitiatives across processes and systems
Partner with supply chain, retail, and third-party providers
Align operational delivery with commercial and trading priorities
Own the site budget (labour, agency, operating costs)
Deliver cost efficiency and productivity improvements
Support forecasting, capacity planning, and performance management
Ensure compliance with health & safety and regulatory standards
Proactively manage operational risks and performance issues
Whatarewelooking for?
Extensive experience in retaillogistics supply chain operations
Proven senior leadership experience in a distribution environment, with theable tooperatecredibly at senior level
Experience leading large, multi-layered operational teams
Experience with 3PLs and complex stakeholder environments
Strong strategic thinking and commercial awareness
Ability to influence at senior level and lead transformation
Excellent problem-solving, planning, and decision-making skills
Experience with WMS and data-driven performance management
Experiencedeputising or operating at Head-of-function level would be beneficial
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do
Bold: Act with ambition,courageand determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’relooking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
Ifyou’reinterested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills andexperiencewe’dstill love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
Wecreate a working environment that supports your wellbeing andprovide agenerous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools Ourpolicies and processes enable you toimprove your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefitsby visitingourcareers web page
How do I apply?
Weoperatean anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality,diversityand inclusion. CVs arerequiredfor all applications; but wewon’tbe able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
Please note thatapplicationscan’tbe edited oncesubmitted
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our websiteor contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, Xand YouTube
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information. Nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but we’re finding new ways to outsmart it, so that more people can live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.
We carry out scientific research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and our groundbreaking work, funded almost entirely by the general public, will ensure that millions more people survive.
Together we are beating cancer.
Registered charity No. 1089464.
