Head of Transport, Waitrose
About The Role
The Head of Transport, Waitrose is a highly experienced, motivated and dynamic leader who will shape and own the Waitrose transport strategy, across technology, systems, sustainability, safety, efficiency, fleet size and type and planning. They will be responsible for setting the overall strategic direction, operational efficiency, and financial performance of the Central Transport team, across fleet engineering, vehicle design and procurement as well as providing a central support function for operational legal compliance, auditing and operating standards.
The role will foster a culture of collaboration across the Transport team through working across the organisation to streamline supply chain management and enhance customer satisfaction by integrating transport activity and ensuring the strategy aligns with the overall business goals and market demands. With budget responsibility for c.£50 million on Central Transport and GNFR, they will negotiate with clients and suppliers to maintain smooth operations, monitoring quality control, delivery schedules, and transport costs, with a relentless focus on return on investment. They will lead contract management and commercial rate negotiations with 3rd party suppliers including vendor selection and terms of agreements (aligned to the Transport strategy).
• Salary - £133,000 - £181,000.
• Contract type - This position is a Permanent contract.
• Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business.
• Location - This role is based at our Bracknell Head Office with expectation to travel nationally as required.
• Interviews - are likely to take place week commencing 31st March
Key responsibilities
• Championing transport as an asset, the Head of Transport will ensure continuous improvement in standards of safety and compliance across the Distribution network, through the ongoing development and progression of the Central Transport function, incorporating the future fleet strategy, vehicle maintenance and Driver development. The role will identify synergies and transport integration opportunities across different areas of the business as well as influence future legislation through lobbying as appropriate.
• The role will lead, define and implement the alternative fuel approach for the Partnership, ensuring that this supports and enables the carbon reduction and sustainability strategy for the business. They will be a champion for developing and adopting new technologies to improve the delivery process, including exploring the use of hydrogen vehicles, optimising trailer design, and implementing innovative in-cab technologies as well as developing ESG policies. As a proven leader, they will empower their teams through professional development and inclusive leadership, cultivating future leaders in Transport Operational Excellence.
Essential skills/experience you’ll need
• Significant experience working in a senior operational position within logistics/supply chain/ fulfilment
• Experience in implementing planned maintenance regimes and fleet replacement schemes
• Experience of leading large, diverse and geographically spread teams
• Experienced in leading large scale commercial fleet negotiations
• A commercial mind, able to identify opportunities and articulate their financial impact to create powerful business cases
• Able to establish strong cross-functional working relationships as a basis for influencing and aligning plans
• Project/business leadership with a track record of implementing transformational change
About The Partnership
We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.
We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.
We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.
As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note:
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.
We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.