Head of Distribution - Hartlepool

Head of Distribution jobs

Getting products out of the warehouse and into the possession of clients is a complex enough task with a small operation, but in a large firm it’s a task with ever more intertwined elements that make its management a highly skilled task. One of the people in charge of overseeing this side of business will be the head of distribution.

Distribution will in many cases mean not only sending goods out to customers or internal departments based remotely, but also ordering them from other locations. Keeping abreast of the state of play within the department will the head of distribution’s main day-to-day task, but controlling the budget will also be key. There is always a less expensive way of doing something, but it usually means sacrificing quality or speed. The head of distribution’s success or failure will be directly linked to his or her ability to not only stay within the budget set from the general management, but also to constantly seek out efficiencies in the distribution network.

This will also mean that forecasting skills will be valued, as distribution is something that is affected by seasons, certain times and days of the week and special events. The head of distribution who can find efficiencies 24/7 will be highly valued.

The skills required

Great negotiating and communication skills will set the head of distribution off on the best footing. Savings can be made by careful consideration of the facts surrounding any distribution activity, but if customers do not like the results, any financial savings will be short-term in nature.

People management skills are essential, too, as it is those working below the head of distribution who will have to put into action the new ways of doing things that should bring the efficiencies. In some companies, the distribution head will be given a considerable amount of freedom to operate and make changes as he or she sees fit, and they will be judged on their results, so a responsible personality will be even more essential.

Good experience in management of large budgets and an analytical approach to problem solving will be key to the head of distribution’s success.

Head of Distribution Jobs in Hartlepool

The town of Hartlepool grew up around a monastery and abbey in the 7th century, and the population grew slowly to about 900 by the early 1800s. As the town grew, however, so did the docks, and its importance as a dock became larger when the railways arrived in the mid-1800s, connecting the town to the cities of the North West of England. This pushed Hartlepool to another level, and before long many shipping companies were setting up there.

Industry was soon to follow, with ironworks and shipyards locating in the town, which to this day boasts Europe’s largest dry dock. Able UK operate a facility just outside the town which is now used for decommissioning massive vessels such as aircraft carriers and freight ships. Together, the engineering sector employs close to 2000 people in the town. There is also a nuclear power station, an advanced gas-cooled reactor type, which since its opening in 1983 has become the town’s single largest employer. It is due to close down in the mid to late 2010s, but another plant is planned.

There is a lot going on in Hartlepool, and it’s a diverse place to live in, with jobs related to the heavy industry, maritime work and the usual high street and local shops and service industries that keep the town thriving. It’s a great place to look for a Head of Distribution job, as this diversity throws up many possibilities in the logistics, procurement and supply chain fields.

Popular locations

Cast UK’s logistics opportunities

With jobs in every county and every city of the UK, Cast UK are well placed to find you work in logistics, procurement or supply chain wherever you are in the country, now or in the future. If you’re moving house, check out the positions available in your new area; and if you’re simply looking for a career advancement, we’ve always got jobs and clients who are looking for your skills.

Our founder members and consultants are all from the backgrounds we deal exclusively with, and have great knowledge of what employers and candidates are looking for. Employers often ask us to look for candidates because they are confident that we’ll help them find the most appropriate people.

We’d love to hear from you if you’re looking for a job in logistics. Once we have your details, we’ll be able to start matching you with positions as soon as they arise.

To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Head of Distribution for your business or find you a job as a Head of Distribution then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.

Contact us