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Operations Manager (Distribution and Logistics)

Cancer Research UK


Job Location:

Grantham - UK

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 21 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 26 October 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Operations Manager (Distribution and Logistics)

55000 60000plusbenefits

Reports to:Head of Distribution and Logistics

Directorate:Marketing Fundraising & Engagement

Contract:Permanent

Hours:Full time 37.5 hours per week

Location:5 days on site at GranthamNational Distribution Centre
The Mushroom FarmBarkstonHeathGranthamNG32 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 UKisnotable tooffer visa sponsorship.

Recruitment process:1ststagecompetency-basedinterview via Microsoft Teams 2ndstage in person interview will include a pre prepared 30 60 90presentation. As part of the process if you are successful through to the 2ndstagewe 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 20262ndstage 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.

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 leadershipprovidingan excellent opportunity to drive performance lead high-performing teams and contribute to the continued success of a nationallogisticsoperation.

Itsa 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 when

  • 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 oroperatingat Head-of-function levelwould be beneficial

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold:Act with ambitioncourageand determination

Credible:Act with rigour and professionalism

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people

Together:Act inclusively and collaboratively

Werelooking 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.

Ifyoureinterested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills andexperiencewedstill 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 equalitydiversityand inclusion. CVs arefor all applications; but wewontbe 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 thatapplicationscantbe edited oncesubmitted.

For more information on this career opportunity pleasevisit our websiteor contact us at.

For more updates on our work and careers follow us on:Linked InFacebookInstagramXandYouTube.

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 or 0as 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.


Required Experience:

Manager