Head of Outbound Operations

Head of Outbound Operations | Manchester | Fashion | -70k+

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly strategic, data-driven Head of Outbound Operations to take ownership of our downstream supply chain and multi-site fulfilment strategy. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring products reach customers and commercial partners efficiently, accurately, and with an exceptional level of service.

Your remit begins when inventory is ready for fulfilment. Working alongside internal supply chain stakeholders, you will take accountability for external logistics partners, warehouse operations, carrier relationships, and the continuous improvement of outbound processes.

A key focus of the role will be supporting the evolution of a multi-site fulfilment model, including the successful implementation and optimisation of new operational capacity, systems, and processes.

Key Responsibilities

3PL Management & Operational Scaling

Multi-Site Governance:
Oversee and performance-manage multiple third-party logistics partners, ensuring strong operational alignment, consistent service levels, and clear accountability across all locations.

New Site & Operational Projects:
Lead operational projects relating to warehouse launches, transitions, and improvements, ensuring successful implementation against agreed timelines, systems requirements, and service expectations.

Performance Management:
Monitor and challenge 3PL partners against key operational KPIs, including fulfilment accuracy, inventory control, dispatch performance, service levels, and customer experience metrics.

Capacity & Peak Planning:
Work closely with warehouse partners to forecast demand, plan labour requirements, and ensure operational readiness during peak trading periods.

Continuous Improvement & Process Optimisation

Operational Excellence:
Review and improve outbound workflows to identify inefficiencies, reduce operational costs, and improve speed from order receipt through to customer delivery.

Returns Optimisation:
Drive improvements across reverse logistics processes, ensuring returned stock is processed efficiently, availability is maximised, and customer experience remains strong.

Systems & Automation:
Partner with internal technology teams and external providers to optimise warehouse systems, order management processes, automation opportunities, and inventory visibility.

Carrier & Final Mile Strategy

Carrier Management:
Own relationships with delivery partners, managing performance, commercial negotiations, service improvements, and cost optimisation.

Delivery Network Strategy:
Develop and maintain a flexible carrier strategy that balances customer expectations, operational performance, and margin protection.

Wholesale & Commercial Compliance:
Ensure outbound operations meet the requirements of key commercial partners, maintaining strong compliance across documentation, systems integration, and delivery processes.

About You

Experience:
You will have proven experience in a senior outbound logistics, fulfilment, or operations leadership role within a fast-paced retail, ecommerce, consumer goods, or fashion environment.

3PL Expertise:
Strong experience managing outsourced warehouse operations, ideally across multiple sites, with a track record of improving performance and leading operational change.

Omnichannel Knowledge:
A strong understanding of both direct-to-consumer fulfilment and business-to-business distribution models.

Commercial & Analytical Approach:
A data-led operator who can analyse operational performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, negotiate effectively with partners, and drive measurable improvements.

Benefits

• Competitive performance bonus linked to operational and cost-saving objectives

• Modern, collaborative working environment

• Staff benefits and product discount

• Opportunity to shape and scale a growing international operation

BH36919