Head of Operations

Are you a proven senior leader within large‑scale logistics operations? Do you have the capability to lead complex, high‑volume environments while developing high‑performing leadership teams? Are you commercially astute with a relentless focus on operational excellence and customer delivery?

Here at GXO, we are recruiting a Head of Operations to lead our large, multi‑user site in Northampton, with responsibility for an operation of approximately 1,000 colleagues. This is a critical senior leadership role with end‑to‑end accountability for warehouse performance, service delivery, and commercial outcomes. You will directly lead four Contract Managers, setting strategic direction, driving performance, and ensuring alignment to GXO’s operational and customer objectives within a fast‑paced, customer‑focused environment.

This is a full‑time, permanent role, working Monday to Friday.

Pay, benefits and more:

We’re offering a of up to £85,000 per annum, plus company car or car allowance, and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays Our comprehensive benefits package includes flexible dental insurance, a company‑sponsored pension scheme, 24/7 online GP service, life assurance, and a fully comprehensive employee assistance programme. You’ll also have access to our MyBenefits platform, offering high‑street discounts, cycle to work scheme, cashback cards, savings schemes and more.

What you’ll do on a typical day:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all warehouse functions, ensuring service excellence, cost control, and compliance at scale.
• Own and review operational forecasts with customers, aligning labour, recruitment, and resource planning with business performance.
• Lead financial performance management, identifying cost‑saving initiatives and delivering corrective actions to maximise efficiency and profitability.
• Produce detailed cost reporting and performance narratives, providing clear justification for all spend.
• Review and optimise daily warehouse plans, driving continuous improvement and the consistent achievement of KPIs.
• Develop and coach senior operational leaders, strengthening succession planning, engagement, and leadership capability.

What you need to succeed at GXO:

• Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role within a large‑scale, fast‑paced logistics or distribution environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable experience managing budgets, cost control, and financial performance.
• A track record of leading complex operations through clear objective setting, KPI governance, and performance management.
• Passion for developing leadership teams, improving employee engagement, and driving a culture of continuous improvement.

GXO is a leading provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world. We help our customers manage their goods most efficiently using our technology and services. Our greatest strength is our global team – energetic, innovative people of all experience levels and talents who make GXO a great place to work. GXO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate, support and thrive on diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  We believe that diversity and inclusion in our business is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. We are an Armed Forces friendly organisation and Disability Confident Leader as part of the Disability Confident Scheme (GIS) and actively welcome applications from people with disabilities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Review GXO's candidate privacy statement here.