Operations Director

BookSource is one of the United Kingdom’s fastest-growing book distributors, supplying books and other published material to the retail trade and general public throughout the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.

BookSource’s publisher clients outsource their warehousing, order fulfilment, customer service and credit management functions to them, safe in the knowledge that what they get in return is an efficient, effective and best-in-class distribution partner, respected throughout the UK book industry. BookSource has long-established lines of supply throughout the international book trade and excels in its service to both large and small customers. They are committed to helping publishers do business!

BookSource looks after around 4.8m books across 17.5k titles, and pick, pack, and dispatch around 3m books per annum.

As Operations Director, you will be responsible for the overall success of the company’s warehousing and order fulfilment operations, as well as for the company’s premises and facilities. You will be managing staff and resources, setting budgets and targets, evaluating performance, driving growth and profitability by delivering high levels of efficiency and productivity.

This is a key management role and you’ll be an integral part of the Executive Management Team. You will report to the Managing Director, and you will sit as part of the company’s Board of Directors.

Key Areas of responsibility:

Strategic Planning

• Developing and executing long-term operational strategies and aligning operations with business objectives

Team Leadership

• Building and leading a high-performing warehouse team, setting targets, evaluating performance and developing the skills of team members
• You will help drive growth and profitability by delivering high levels of efficiency and productivity

Operational Management

• Overseeing and managing the daily operations of key areas of the business

Budgeting & Procurement

• Helping to develop and control operational budgets to ensure the company has the resources it needs to meet its objectives
• Selecting and managing suppliers and supply processes to ensure the company has the goods and services it needs

Communication

• Working with the Executive team and Marketing Manager to improve company operations and communicating with clients to ensure their needs are met

Compliance

• Ensuring that legal requirements and regulations are met
• Developing and policing policies and procedures which deliver safe and healthy working environments

Data Analysis

• Collecting, analysing, and interpreting data and metrics to evaluate company performance

Sustainability

• Assisting in developing the company’s sustainability objectives and excelling in its Green Agenda

Candidate Experience:

• You will have considerable experience in managing day-to-day operations of a fast-moving warehousing and order fulfilment environment, including experience in managing premises and facilities
• You will be proficient at delivering, implementing and maintaining a Health and safety framework
• You will have worked with warehouse management systems and will have expertise in using the Microsoft 365 suite of products
• You will excel as a people manager, possess strong motivational abilities and be a great fit with the team. You will be a demanding manager and colleague, but unwaveringly fair
• You will have great time management skills, know how to recognise priorities and organise yourself and your team appropriately
• You will be methodical, thorough and have an excellent eye for detail
• You will be knowledgeable, have innovative ideas and know how to present them in an engaging manner
• You will be driven, focused, and keen to get the job done, prepared to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in

If this is a position which suits your experience and career ambitions, please apply at your earliest convenience.