Network Operations Manager

Ipswich
6 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Transport & Warehouse Solution Design Manager

Senior Controls Engineer

Controls Systems Engineer

Head of Innovation and Digital Transformation

Senior Manager AI & Automation

EC&I Engineer

Network Operations Manager | Suffolk/ Nationwide | Retail |

Zachary Daniels are excited to be partnering with a high growth national retailer.

Due to continued growth, we are looking for a dynamic Network Operations Manager to join the team, based at one of their UK Distribution Centres. This role will be key in driving performance improvements, optimising processes, and implementing innovative solutions across the DC network.

The purpose of this role is to partner with the 3PL operational teams to refine planning accuracy, identify continuous improvement opportunities and scale deploying innovation across the network.

This role has a bias towards Warehouse Management.

Key Responsibilities:

Performance Management: Lead performance reviews with internal teams and 3PL partners, monitoring safety, people, cost, quality, and customer metrics. Own budget control and initiatives to eliminate inefficiencies and improve standards.

Operational Process Expertise: Deploy lean processes across the DC and 3PL environments, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions. Use tools like KANBAN to prioritise changes and drive consistency across the network.

Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, holding them accountable for deliverables and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Leadership: Communicate effectively at all levels, leading operational performance discussions and ensuring that business strategies are translated into tactical actions that drive both short- and long-term goals.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills & Experience:

Previous experience in a Continuous Improvement Warehouse role.
Strong background in operational performance management and lean operations.
Proven ability to manage stakeholders, particularly in a 3PL environment.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Exceptional organisational skills in fast-paced environments.
Experience working in customer-focused operations.
Self-starter with a keen eye for detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently.
Experience using WMS and similar systems.
Live within a commutable distance to Barnsley / South KirkbyDesirable Skills & Experience:

Experience in retail/operational networks (both physical stores and online).
Familiarity with warehouse automation/robotics and digital operations.
P&L management experience.
Experience in network design or warehouse layout modelling.
Six Sigma certification.What We Offer:

Competitive salary
Pension scheme
Long service awards
Employee discount
Cycle to work schemeHours: Monday - Friday, 08:45am - 17:30pm

BBBH: 33591

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Robotics Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Robotics Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in robotics, it can feel like the list of tools you should learn never ends. One job advert asks for ROS, another mentions Gazebo, another wants experience with Python, Linux, C++, RobotStudio, MATLAB/Simulink, perception stacks, control frameworks, real-time OS, vision libraries — and that’s just scratching the surface. With so many frameworks, languages and platforms, it’s no wonder robotics job seekers feel overwhelmed. But here’s the honest truth most recruiters won’t say explicitly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real robotics problems reliably and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter — but only in service of outcomes. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know, but which tools you should master and why. For most robotics roles, the answer is significantly fewer — and far more focused — than you might assume. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.

The Skills Gap in Robotics Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Robotics is no longer confined to science fiction or isolated research labs. Today, robots perform critical tasks across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, defence, hospitality and even education. In the UK, businesses are embracing automation to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle labour shortages. Yet despite strong interest and a growing number of university programmes in robotics, many employers report a persistent problem: graduates are not job-ready for real-world robotics roles. This is not a question of intelligence or dedication. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in robotics jobs. In this article, we’ll explore that gap in depth — what universities do well, where their programmes often fall short, why the disconnect exists, what employers really want, and how you can bridge the divide to build a thriving career in robotics.