VNA; Warehouse First Line Manager

VNA (Warehouse) First Line Manager

Location:

Didcot, Oxfordshire. Salary: up to £38,494 + Benefits.

Our client is a leading Non‑Food FMCG Distributor who is currently recruiting for a First Line Manager to manage their VNA team on the late shift at their state‑of‑the‑art site in Didcot, Oxfordshire on a Monday‑Friday basis (1400hrs‑2200hrs).

Reporting into the Inbound Operations Manager you will be responsible for the following as Warehouse First Line Manager (VNA):

• Lead, motivate and develop the VNA team (Team Leader & Drivers), ensuring high performance, engagement and adherence to company policies.
• Plan, forecast and monitor daily, weekly and monthly VNA operations to achieve targets, KPIs and organisational objectives.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners (e.g., Linde Material Handling, Krber, Jucie, Renovotec) to ensure smooth operations and effective issue resolution.
• Analyse performance and process data (using Excel, Plancise etc.), identify trends, and proactively drive improvements and opportunities for optimisation.
• Oversee the management of MHE licences, maintain fleet records, ensure accurate and timely data via fleet management system and maintain highest standards of housekeeping.
• Convey clear and accurate information across the operational team via correct communication channels; support audit counts, third‑party relations and data requirements.
• Lead change initiatives from planning, testing through implementation, embrace continuous improvement and challenge existing processes.
• Manage employee‑related activities: recruitment, performance reviews, development plans, 1:1 meetings, training (H&S, SOPs) and maintain accurate records.
• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation, company policies, environmental management and internal audit standards.
• Provide flexible support to cover all areas of operations as required, working collaboratively with other operational managers.

• Achievement of daily, weekly and monthly VNA operational targets (throughput, accuracy, productivity).
• Reduction in error/defect rates and maintenance of quality/accuracy metrics.
• MHE licence and fleet record compliance (100% up‑to‑date).
• Successful completion of audits and minimal non‑conformance findings.
• Team engagement, retention and development (measured via 1:1s, development plans, performance reviews).
• Implementation of continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy and overall team performance.
• Strong cross‑departmental and partner collaboration, evidenced by timely issue resolution and positive stakeholder feedback.

• Previous team leadership experience in a warehouse, distribution or logistics environment (managing a team of at least 20).
• Valid FLT and/or VNA licence
  , with practical experience operating or managing MHE equipment.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of workplace Health & Safety and operational compliance.
• Comfortable working with people at all levels; strong verbal and written English.
• Reliable, punctual, trustworthy and customer‑focused.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational ability: prioritising, delegating, flexible.
• Attention to detail; ability to meet deadlines.
• Adaptable and open to change; proactive approach.
• Highly motivated, responsible and reliable.
• A completer‑finisher mindset: sees tasks through to completion.
• Forward‑thinking: looks to improve, challenges the as‑is.
• Strong decision‑making ability; tenacity to see through problems.
• Team player: able to coach, develop, engage and maintain high performing culture.

Upto £38,494 + Benefits. (Include any benefit details if available.)

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