Head of Logistics

The Head of Logistics will play a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the entire transport and logistics operations across the Group. The role is responsible for ensuring that goods are transported efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with all regulations and safety standards.

Client Details

Headquartered in North Yorkshire, my client has a turnover of circa £130 million and employs a workforce of 350 across 17 strategically located sites in Yorkshire and Lancashire. With a history of serving its region and industry, my client is recognised for its commitment to excellence, providing a wide range of products and services that cater to both local communities and businesses.

The company's expansive network of sites ensures it is well-positioned to meet customer needs efficiently and effectively. With a strong regional presence allows it to deliver value and maintain close ties with its clients, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and reliability.

Sustainability and innovation are central to Group operations, reflecting its forward-thinking approach in a competitive marketplace. By continually investing in its people, processes, and infrastructure, the company remains a key player in its sector, looking toward future growth and diversification.

Description

Key Opportunities:

1. Wealth of Experience: The logistics team has deep knowledge due to long tenures, presenting an opportunity to leverage experience while modernising processes.
2. Cultural Shift: The department operates in a traditional Monday-to-Friday culture, which requires transformation for greater flexibility and operational efficiency.
3. Strategic Leadership:

Develop and execute a comprehensive transport strategy aligned with the business goals.

Implement the centralisation of transport operations to drive efficiency and cost reductions.

Forecast and manage transport budgets, optimising resources for scalability and profitability.

Collaborate with other senior management to align transport operations with warehousing, procurement, and sales functions.

1. Operational Efficiency:

Oversee the daily transport operations, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of goods across all sites.

Lead the design and implementation of best-in-class logistics processes, including route planning, scheduling, and vehicle utilisation.

Develop KPIs for performance measurement, continuously improving key metrics like delivery times, cost per delivery, and fleet utilisation rates.

Responsibilities:

• Overseeing Operations: Manage daily operations across four Group locations, ensuring top-tier customer service in the areas of feed, fuel, and retail.
• Full P&L Accountability: Responsible for the logistics function's full Profit & Loss (P&L), including managing fleet resources and driver utilisation.
• Technology Leadership: A key task will be spearheading the technology investment programme, particularly a Transport Management System (TMS), to drive efficiency and optimise operations.
• Cultural Change and SOP Review: The Head of Logistics will lead a cultural shift to challenge the current standard operating procedures, making the department more agile and forward-looking.
• Project Management: They will identify cost-saving and productivity initiatives, especially in optimising inbound raw material logistics.
• Professionalising the Function: This includes enhancing the visibility, value-add, and profitability of the logistics unit, turning it into a more strategic and financially visible part of the Group.

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in a senior transport or logistics role, ideally within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale transport operations, driving efficiency improvements, and managing complex logistics networks.
• Experience with fleet management systems, route planning software, and relevant transport technologies.
• Knowledge of industry regulations, compliance standards, and safety protocols.

Job Offer

• An attractive salary, car and bonus as part of the package
• A supportive company culture that values teamwork and innovation
• A chance to make a significant impact in the agricultural trading industry in North Yorkshire