Senior Ops Manager -ECOM Picking Operations

Senior Operations Manager – ECommerce Picking Operations

Stafford Fulfilment Centre

Salary - £63,000-£69,000 dependant on experience

Hours - 40 per week, standard day shift, but to include 1 late shift per week and 1 weekend in 5

At Pets, our aim is to give the nation’s pets what they need to be at their ball‑chasing, tail‑wagging best. Because we will not rest until every spaniel has a squeezy toy. Every calico has a cat tree. Every rabbit has a run.

We are motivated to find the best talent in the Logistics & Distribution industry. Right now, we are looking for a Senior Operations Manager – ECommerce Picking Operations to join our team at our Distribution Centre.

The Role

This is more than a picking operations role – it’s a senior leadership position with responsibility across end‑to‑end eCommerce fulfilment performance, spanning manual wide‑aisle workflows, MHE‑driven picking, and advanced automated picking technologies.

You’ll take ownership of all eCommerce picking activities within our high‑volume, multi‑channel fulfilment centre, ensuring customer orders are processed efficiently, safely, accurately, and cost‑effectively. From LLOP, Reach Truck, and HLOP operations to automated pick‑to‑light mini‑load systems, replenishment, and decant, you’ll ensure every part of the process runs smoothly and at optimal performance.

Working closely with Automation, Engineering, and the wider Senior Management Team, you’ll drive operational excellence, deliver continuous improvement, and build high‑performing teams that consistently meet demanding KPIs and service levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all wide‑aisle picking operations using MHE, including:
• LLOP for high‑speed ground‑level picking
• Reach Truck for pallet and racking movement
• HLOP for high‑level picking
• Ensure all eCommerce orders are picked safely, accurately, efficiently, and on time, achieving or exceeding UPH, accuracy, and productivity targets.
• Maintain excellent product availability across the pick face to minimise short picks and maximise fulfilment accuracy.
• Drive workflow optimisation through pick‑path improvements, correct slotting, and ergonomic process design.
• Lead and develop high‑performing operational teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Use system data and automated insights to identify bottlenecks, performance trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Support engineering, automation, and WMS/WES colleagues with performance enhancements, upgrades, and issue resolution.
• Ensure strong cost control across payroll and operational expenditure.
• Deliver proactive resource planning to meet fluctuating fulfilment demands.
• Influence operational strategy through data‑driven insight and performance analysis.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience leading operations in an eCommerce, fulfilment, or distribution centre environment.
• Strong understanding of MHE‑driven picking operations (LLOP, Reach, HLOP).
• Experience managing automated warehouse systems (pick‑to‑light, shuttle/mini‑load, conveyors, decant).
• Strong people leadership with coaching and team‑development expertise.
• Ability to analyse automated system data, operational performance reports, and forecasting.
• A continuous improvement mindset with experience delivering change.
• Experience supporting automation projects or WMS/WES upgrades.
• Knowledge of warehouse layout optimisation, slotting logic, and pick‑path design.
• Understanding of engineering or automation SLAs.

Desirable

• Experience leading large teams in high‑volume distribution environments.
• A track record of delivering business plans and ensuring compliance.
• Working knowledge of employment practices.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams.

What You Will Get in Return

• Attractive rates of pay.
• Annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing after 2 years’ continuous service.
• An extra day’s holiday on your birthday.
• Stakeholder pension plan.
• Personal Health Insurance scheme (if enrolled in the pension scheme).
• Life assurance.
• 20% Pets at Home colleague discount after 12 weeks’ service.
• Pets “Treats” voluntary benefits package.
• Annual bonus dependent on performance.

Click here to read our Values & Behaviours
Click here for more details and our benefits

“We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!”