Warehouse Manager (with Trade Counter cover)
Location: Hockley, Essex
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 17:30
Salary: £40,000 per annum
About the Client
They are a rapidly growing tile and sanitaryware wholesaler committed to providing high-quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers. As they move into a new state-of-the-art showroom, they are investing in their structure, systems, and people to take the business to the next level.
The Role
They are looking for an experienced, hands-on Warehouse Manager to take full ownership of the warehouse operation, from goods-in through to dispatch, while also providing senior cover on the trade counter when required.
This is primarily a warehouse leadership role. Stock control, logistics, and team performance are at the heart of the position. You will ensure accurate inventory, smooth material flow, and a well-led, productive team that supports continued growth.
Key Responsibilities
Warehouse Operations
- Oversee all warehouse activity, including goods-in, booking-in against delivery notes, storage organisation, picking, packing, shrink-wrapping, and dispatch
- Ensure smooth day-to-day warehouse flow and operational efficiency
Stock & Logistics Management
- Carry out regular cycle counts and stock checks
- Monitor UK supplier ETAs and manage incoming stock flow
- Check haulier portals daily and schedule deliveries in advance
- Brief drivers on the following day’s delivery schedule
Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise, train, and motivate the warehouse team
- Set and maintain high standards for timekeeping, attitude, and productivity
- Allocate workloads, manage schedules, and conduct performance reviews
- Lead by example at all times
Trade Counter Cover
- Provide professional, customer-focused cover when required
- Welcome customers, manage queue flow, and ensure the counter is always covered during these periods
Customer Communication
- Contact customers ahead of deliveries with accurate time windows
- Manage and resolve issues such as damages, missing items, or delivery problems, ensuring clear communication with customers and the sales team
Health & Safety / Compliance
- Maintain high health & safety standards across the warehouse
- Carry out safety briefings and maintain audit/inspection records
- Manage waste processes, including tile breakages, general waste, and pallets
Process Improvement
- Identify inefficiencies and implement practical improvements
- Use quieter periods productively (e.g. stock checks, shelving, sample cutting)
- Continuously improve warehouse performance and standards
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience (3–5 years) in warehouse management, ideally in tiles, sanitaryware, building products or a similar fast-moving stock environment
- Demonstrated team leadership - able to hold a team to standard without being unreasonable, and lead by example on timekeeping and work rate
- Strong working knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), inventory control, and haulier portals
- Excellent organisational skills, the ability to plan a day rather than just react to it, and clear, professional communication with customers, drivers and internal teams
- Valid forklift licence, and a practical understanding of UK health a