Operations Manager (Last-Mile Delivery)

A leading contract logistics company is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for their last-mile deliveries contract with a large retail chain. The primary focus of the Operations Manager role is to take overall responsibility for managing customer stock, including inbound shipments at the three locations/cross-docked and last-mile customer home deliveries.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Overall responsibility of cost centre achieving the budget whilst identifying and then delivering cost reduction within the site. Ensuring all PO’s and invoices are up to date and captured. 
• Develop and manage site KPI’s in line customer SLA. 
• Provide leadership and direction to the sites which will involve visiting Cork and Athlone sites at least once every fortnight.
• Motivate, coach, and develop a high-performing Hub team. 
• Proactively plan and engage with other departments to ensure a collaborative approach and effective resolution of issues. 
• Be the point of escalation for the Customer. 
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Create and drive a culture of continuous improvement and lead process improvement activities. 
• Manage resources to maximise service and efficiencies.
• Investigate all system and stock issues.
• Manage missing reports and manage damage reports. 
• Ensure systems are updated to maximise revenue.
• Lead external suppliers / Subcon relationships and KPI’s via agreed review processes.
• Full responsibility for all Health, Safety, Security and Environmental procedures, ensuring that they are always followed challenging non-conformance. 
• To create the behaviour of working together and sharing best practices, fostering networks, and collaborating with colleagues across the business to resolve issues.
• Ensure that the labour plan is aligned with business requirements.
• Absence and overtime managed within business unit targets and service requirements.
• Monitor individual performance through the PDR and 121 programme. 
• Grow future leaders and define the succession plan for the area 
• Be an agent for change.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in logistics operations management, ideally within last-mile delivery or retail distribution.
• Proven experience managing multi-site or cross-dock operations.
• Demonstrable track record of achieving budgetary and cost-reduction targets.
• Experience in managing large teams, including supervisors, drivers, and warehouse staff.
• Strong understanding of customer SLAs, KPI management, and continuous improvement practices (Lean/Six Sigma desirable).
• Previous responsibility for health, safety, and compliance in a logistics or transport environment.
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and major retail clients.
• Proficiency in WMS/TMS systems, stock control, and delivery performance reporting.
• Competent in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience with financial controls, including POs, invoicing, and cost centre management.
• Full clean driving licence.

For a confidential discussion on this or any other current opportunity, please contact Garvan Cerasi 

IAC-Nov25