19 Production / Manufacturing jobs in Kidlington, Oxfordshire

1. Operational Leadership

• Plan, allocate and manage daily resources to meet despatch targets and service level agreements.
• Lead Daily Information Briefings (DIBs) to set priorities and communicate operational plans.
• Monitor KPIs and adjust plans to ensure productivity and accuracy.
• Ensure effective despatch of customer orders using BY WMS and associated MHE systems.
2. Strategic Planning & Performance Management
• Forecast and report on daily volumes and performance trends.
• Analyse operational data to identify bottlenecks and implement improvement actions.
• Manage MHE usage, licensing and reporting of equipment performance and costs.
3. People Management & Development
• Lead a team of warehouse operatives with a focus on high performance, accountability, and engagement.
• Conduct team member reviews, appraisals, and performance feedback sessions.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new and existing team members.
• "Coach in the moment" to develop skills and knowledge across the team.
4. Compliance, Safety & Housekeeping
• Uphold and enforce all H&S, quality and environmental standards.
• Conduct regular audits, MHE safety checks and risk assessments.
• Maintain the highest standards of housekeeping and ensure a safe working environment.
• Ensure team compliance with SOPs and Safe Working Practices (SWPs)
5. Process Improvement & Go-Live Support
• Support go-live of new systems, including process testing and SOP development.
• Identify operational gaps and propose process improvements.
• Work cross-functionally to support new projects and implementations.
• Promote and drive a culture of continuous improvement (Lean, 5S, etc.).
6. Communication & Collaboration
• Maintain effective communication with internal departments.
• Liaise with external partners and third-party clients regarding stock, service, and planning.
• Attend and contribute to operational and cross-departmental meetings.
  
  + Experience in a fast-paced warehouse or logistics environment with team leadership responsibility.
+ Strong organisational, planning, and communication skills (written and verbal). + Ability to lead by example and drive a high-performance culture. + Proficiency in using WMS (preferably BY WMS) and standard office systems. + Proven ability to manage change and improve processes. + Understanding of Health & Safety and warehouse compliance. Desirable: + FLT licence or willingness to undergo training. + Experience working with third-party logistics (3PL) or client liaison. + Understanding of MHE operations, licences, and maintenance process

We, Hachette UK Distribution, are the leading book distribution company in the UK. We are one of the most advanced distribution centres in Europe, with leading-edge automation and modern systems which will ensure world-class service to customers and publisher clients. We ship in excess of 60 million books globally each year and supply one out of every four books to the UK trade. Our mission is to make it easy for everyone to discover new worlds of ideas, learning, entertainment and opportunity. Hachette UK Distribution is part of the Hachette UK publishing group.

+ Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and support operational peak periods as required. + Role is predominantly site-based with a hands-on leadership presence on the floor. + PPE and training provided in line with Health & Safety standards. What we offer Our people are our greatest asset and our benefits reflect this. Therefore, we offer an extensive list of benefits that include:
• 34 days annual holiday including Bank Holidays
• Pension Plan and Life Assurance schemes
• Company enhanced family policy including maternity, paternity and shared parental
• Reward programme giving discounts, savings and cash back at numerous retailers
• 2 Community Days per year
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Generous discounts on books we publish
• Mental Health First Aiders / Champions and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Wide-ranging training library
• Development Programmes including Mentoring
• Staff Events e.g. Burrito van, Pie van, Ice Cream van, Staff Party
• Many employee networks to join
• Free onsite parking
• Free tea and coffee
• Creating an environment of inclusion so everyone can be their true self #Ibelong #AndSoDoYou #OneTeam
Our commitment Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds. If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know.