Senior Ops Manager - Outbound Operations

Senior Operations Manager – Outbound 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 – Outbound Operations to join our team at our Distribution Centre.

The Role

This is more than an outbound operations role – it’s a senior leadership position responsible for the end‑to‑end flow of stock leaving our Fulfilment Centre, from pick face to trailer doors, ensuring every retail delivery and every ecommerce parcel departs safely, accurately, and right on time.

You’ll take ownership of all loading, marshalling, despatch, and carrier-facing activities across a high‑volume, multi‑channel environment. With thousands of units and hundreds of trailers processed daily, you will ensure outbound operations run to plan, meet strict service levels, and uphold the highest quality standards.

Working closely with Carriers, Supply Chain, Transport, and the wider Senior Management Team, you’ll drive operational excellence, strengthen collection performance, and build high‑performing teams that consistently deliver safe, efficient, and reliable outbound execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all outbound loading, marshalling, dock operations, and despatch activities.
• Ensure 100% on‑time, in‑full despatch for retail and ecommerce orders.
• Build strong, proactive relationships with carriers to ensure predictable, reliable ecommerce collections.
• Maintain exceptional accuracy, compliance, and product‑handling quality across all outbound flows.
• Drive continuous improvement to maximise dock utilisation, trailer fill, workflow efficiency, and pick‑to‑despatch cycle time.
• Analyse performance and system data to identify trends, prevent issues, and implement robust operational solutions.
• Develop, lead, and inspire engaged outbound teams with a high‑performance culture.
• Champion operational change, supporting automation, WMS enhancements, and transformational improvement projects.
• Ensure all colleagues operate safely and are trained to the required standard.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience leading operations within a retail, ecommerce, fulfilment, or distribution centre.
• Strong understanding of MHE‑driven picking operations (e.g., Counterbalance, PPT).
• Experience managing automated solutions such as auto‑boom conveyor systems.
• Demonstrated people leadership with strong coaching and development skills.
• Analytical capability to interpret automated system data, forecasting models, and performance reports.
• A continuous improvement mindset with experience driving operational change.
• Knowledge of warehouse optimisation principles such as slotting, layout design, and pick‑path logic.
• Understanding of engineering or automation SLAs.

Desirable

• Experience leading operational teams in a high‑volume distribution environment.
• Background in implementing business plans and ensuring regulatory and operational compliance.
• Working knowledge of current employment practices.
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and Teams.

What You Will Get in Return

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

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!”