Distribution Supervisor Jobs in SE17 | Immediate Start & Competitive Pay

Are you a seasoned logistics professional seeking a dynamic Distribution Supervisor position in South East London? Recruiting Today is partnering with a leading distribution and warehousing operation in the heart of SE17 to recruit a capable supervisor to oversee daily operations and drive team performance. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role perfect for someone who thrives in a challenging environment and is looking for an immediate start.

Our client is a well-established provider of third-party logistics (3PL) services, managing a high-volume distribution centre that serves major retail and e-commerce clients across London and the South East. As a trusted recruitment services provider, we specialise in connecting skilled professionals like you with businesses that value expertise and reliability. This role offers not just a job, but a pathway to career growth within a vital sector. Whether you're looking for a long-term temporary position or a foot in the door for a permanent opportunity, this Distribution Supervisor in SE17 could be the perfect fit.

Core Responsibilities of the Distribution Supervisor

In this pivotal role, you will be the linchpin of the shift, ensuring that goods are received, stored, and dispatched efficiently and accurately. Your leadership will be key to maintaining safety, productivity, and morale.

• Team Leadership & Performance Management: Directly supervise a team of warehouse operatives, pickers, and drivers. Conduct daily briefings, allocate tasks, monitor performance through KPIs, and provide coaching and feedback to ensure targets are met. Foster a positive, safety-first culture.
• Operational Planning & Workflow Coordination: Plan and coordinate daily workloads in alignment with the distribution schedule. Prioritise orders, manage resources effectively, and liaise with the transport office to ensure timely loading and departure of vehicles.
• Health, Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict adherence to all Health & Safety regulations, company policies, and Safe Systems of Work (SSOW). Conduct regular safety walks, risk assessments, and toolbox talks. Ensure all equipment, including MHE, is used safely and maintained.
• Inventory & Stock Accuracy: Oversight of stock integrity is crucial. You will be responsible for ensuring cycle counts are completed, investigating and resolving discrepancies, and maintaining high standards of housekeeping (5S) within the warehouse.
• Problem-Solving & Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify bottlenecks or issues in the distribution process and implement effective solutions. Contribute ideas for process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve customer service levels.
• Administration & Reporting: Complete accurate shift reports, incident logs, and performance data. Use the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to track movements and update records. Communicate effectively with the management team and other departments.

Essential Skills & Experience We Require

To be successful in this Distribution Supervisor role, you will need a blend of practical experience and soft skills. We are looking for a candidate who can hit the ground running in SE17.

• Proven Supervisory Experience: Minimum of 2 years in a team leader, supervisor, or foreman role within a distribution, warehousing, or logistics environment. Experience in a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retail, or e-commerce setting is highly advantageous.
• Technical & System Knowledge: Competent user of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook). Knowledge of radio frequency (RF) scanning and pick-to-light systems is desirable.
• Health & Safety Certification: A strong, demonstrable understanding of warehouse Health & Safety. IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent certification is a significant advantage.
• Leadership & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate, delegate, and manage a diverse team. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels, from operatives to senior management.
• Logistics Acumen: A solid understanding of distribution principles, transport scheduling, and inventory management. Experience with trash removal in Ayr, KA7 logistics is not required, but demonstrates the varied logistics fields we operate in.
• Flexibility & Resilience: The ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and problem-solve on your feet. This role may involve shift work, including earlies, lates, and potential weekend work.

Salary, Benefits & Career Progression

We believe in rewarding talent appropriately. This Distribution Supervisor position offers a comprehensive package designed to attract high-calibre professionals in the SE17 area.

• Competitive Hourly Rate: £18 - £24 per hour, dependent on your specific experience and qualifications. Paid weekly via our efficient payroll system.
• Immediate Start & Ongoing Work: Successful candidates can start right away, with the assignment expected to last for an initial 3-month period with a high likelihood of extension or conversion to a permanent contract.
• Career Development: This role is a stepping stone. High performers may be considered for permanent positions with the client or promoted to more senior roles such as Shift Manager or Operations Manager. We also have a wide network; success here could lead to opportunities like a Despatch Coordinator in NG22 or other supervisory roles nationwide.
• Support from Recruiting Today: Gain access to a dedicated consultant who will support you throughout your assignment. We also provide opportunities for training and upskilling, and you’ll be first in line for other premium roles, much like the opportunities we advertise for Warehouse Operative Jobs in Portsmouth or Warehouse Jobs in Cardiff.
• Pension & Holiday Pay: Entitlement to statutory pension auto-enrolment and accrued holiday pay in line with current legislation.