ABOUT THE ROLE

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As Distribution Backhaul and Admin Manager, you will play a key role in driving efficiency across the inbound network solutions, actively seeking opportunities to increase profitability and enhance client relationships.

You will consistently explore new business opportunities as part of an ongoing efficiency drive, while maintaining control of budgets and working closely with both clients and in-house operational teams.

The role also involves developing and implementing new inbound initiatives that deliver positive business outcomes, alongside leading the Admin Team, to deliver accurate data and insight, and reporting to support informed decision-making and strategic growth. 

Location: Magna Park

Hours: 37.5, Mon - Fri

Salary range: £44,800 - £67,200

Contract type: Permanent

Define and lead the development of the Primary Transport strategy for inbound network solutions, working cross-divisionally and externally to identify opportunities that deliver growth in profit and revenue. Account manages all inbound network solutions and improves network efficiencies through analysis and continual review, ensuring all key performance indicators are achieved. Optimise operational efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions by minimising empty running.

Oversee operational performance, ensuring all key KPIs are met, while managing the Admin Team to deliver accurate data, insight, and reporting to support informed decision-making and strategic growth.

 

 You will be responsible for: 

• Develop and execute the backhaul strategy to drive profit and operational efficiency.

• Liaise, both internally and cross divisionally, to work collaboratively in the best interest of the Partnership

• Negotiate with and influence all key stakeholders on inbound delivery solutions.

• Develop relationships between Primary Transport and all relevant internal and external stakeholders through regular visits and meetings.

• Lead the Admin Team, ensuring accurate data, timely reports, and robust administrative processes.

• Use analysis to support the wider Transport Team to make efficiency gains.

• Constant review of the Admin process to ensure alignment with the wider business.

• Responsible for Team Manager and Admin Assistants

• Develop relationships between Primary Transport and all relevant internal and external stakeholders through regular visits and meetings.

• Support the Leadership Team with budget setting, forward planning, and performance tracking

• Monitor and improve network performance through analysis, reporting, and continual review

Essential skills you’ll need 

• Full, valid UK Driving Licence

• Knowledge of transport and logistics

• Proven negotiation skills and strong stakeholder management experience

• Computer Skills Literate - data analysis & presentation

Desired skills you’ll have

• Management CPC qualification

• Experience in managing inbound transport networks across retail

• Familiarity with sustainability practices and CO2 initiatives in logistics

• Experience with transport management systems (TMS) and analytics platforms such as Tableau

• Understanding of cross-docking and consolidation centre operations

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Closing Date:

August 30, 2025

Pay:

£44,800.00 - £67,200.00 Annual

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours of Work:

37.5

Job Level:

Partnership Level 7

Where You'll Be Working:

Magna Park Distribution Centre (John Lewis & Partners), Fen Street, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK17 8EW

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.