Operational Management (Logistics) Graduate Programme 2022

Due to continued business growth, we are delighted to invite applications for our Operational Management Graduate Scheme.

We are seeking two of the best candidates for this fantastic development opportunity.

What's the programme all about?

This role offers our ideal candidate the chance to develop within logistics management, gaining direct experience in leading a team, whilst being hands on in our busy logistics operation.

Rotating across several functions within the Henderson Group Logistics departments, the successful applicant will be exposed to different learning experiences to aid both their personal and professional development.

Whilst on this fast track management programme, you will have a clear development pathway, and as such, there will be a requirement for you to temporarily work weekend and night shifts.

Flexibility and adaptability are essential attributes, as our business and operation can change rapidly.

What you'll do

This role will give our successful candidate the opportunity to learn, gain experience and to take ownership in the following areas:

Shift Management

• Training will take place, with on-going mentoring to empower you to manage a shift, make operational decisions and lead large teams of operatives. This will also involve employee relations and people management.

Project Management

• Take the lead on a project to demonstrate the delivery of tangible results for the business.

Continuous Improvement

• Take part in continuous improvement initiatives, i.e. making business efficiencies, cost saving exercises, and service enhancement programs.

Warehouse Operations

• Gain experience in all elements of warehouse operations, through development of both operational and leadership skills.

Business Transformation through Project Management covering:

• Warehouse Management System Design scoping
• End to End process Mapping
• Warehouse Design Roll out
• User Acceptance Testing – writing scripts/evaluating logic design
• Project Implementation

You’ll not be left on your own though. You’ll be appointed a mentor from our senior leadership team and a buddy from our middle management team to support you on your development journey. With this support, you’ll gain not only day to day operational knowledge and experience. You’ll also benefit from having an insight into the logistics and business strategy.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to lead a team, be responsible for managing a shift, get involved in business improvement implementation, and take on the responsibility of managing a business project.

So, what does our ideal candidate look like?

You must have the following essential skills, experience and qualifications to apply:

• Hold a 2:1 or above at degree level (or equivalent)
• Be able to demonstrate organisational and planning skills
• Be an active listener
• Have an aptitude for coaching, mentoring and sharing knowledge with others
• Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail
• Be able to build strong relationships
• Have the ability to work on your own initiative as well as being a team player
• Have a full UK driving licence as travel may be required
• Be willing to work weekend, early and night shifts temporarily as part of the programme to gain experience of working in all areas of the business
• Have proficient computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Office applications, in particular, Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint

Although not essential, it would be advantageous for our ideal candidate to meet the following desirable criteria:

• Degree in Engineering, Business, IT or Supply Chain, Logistics Management
• Team leader experience
• Leadership and/or people management experience
• WMS experience
• Root Cause problem analysis experience
• Knowledge of logistics, operations management or supply chain
• Experience of working within a logistics, operations management or supply chain environment and/or role

Applicants should note that based on the response, the Company may increase the shortlisting criteria.

CV’s will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process.

What’s on offer?

We like to recognise our colleagues’ efforts with a generous benefits package, which includes:

• A contributory pension scheme (6% employer contribution)
• 30 days holidays (increasing to 36 days with service)
• A healthcare cashback scheme
• Life assurance
• An employee assistance programme
• Social club
• Colleague discount on groceries and fuel in over 100 Henderson Retail SPAR/EUROSPAR stores

The salary for this role will be £23,000.00 per annum whilst undergoing the programme. A company laptop and mobile phone (for business purposes) will also be provided for this role.

Upon completion of the graduate programme, there will be the opportunity for our successfully appointed applicant to gain permanent employment in a role with the Logistics Management team.

Hours and days of work:

• Core contracted hours will be 38 hours per week.

Shift pattern:

• Core shift pattern will be Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00.
• As the programme will include rotating around the various facets of the Henderson Group Logistics operation, there will also be a requirement to work weekend, early and night shifts on a temporary basis.
• The shift pattern will be dependent on the rotation location at the time. Early shifts start at 06:00 and nightshift runs from 18:00 to 02:00 (job to finish). 
• This will benefit our ideal candidates in providing holistic development and learning opportunities, whilst supporting operational business needs and/or project assignments.