Warehouse Manager at Universal Business Team in Cranleigh, England, GB

Warehouse Manager (Manufacturing & Operations)

Location: Cranleigh, Surrey Salary: £38,000 £43,000 + Benefits Contract: Full‑time, Permanent

A successful and fast‑growing UK manufacturer is seeking a highly capable Warehouse Manager to take ownership of its warehouse operations. This is a confidential search for a business supplying precision‑engineered, safety‑critical products to the construction and built‑environment sector.

If you are a hands‑on leader who thrives in a structured, fast‑paced operational environment — and you take pride in running a warehouse that is safe, organised, and consistently performing — this role offers a significant opportunity to make your mark.

The Role

As Warehouse Manager, you will lead the day‑to‑day running of the warehouse, ensuring that all goods are received, stored, picked, packed, and dispatched efficiently and safely. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of organisation, accuracy, and compliance, while ensuring the warehouse supports the wider business in meeting customer delivery commitments.

This is a role for someone who enjoys ownership, structure, and continuous improvement — and who can bring discipline and leadership to a busy operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety regulations and safe working practices
• Manage transport planning, routing, and despatch to maximise efficiency and minimise cost
• Oversee packing and loading processes to ensure products are delivered damage‑free
• Monitor and report on transport performance, costs, and utilisation
• Lead the unloading, checking, and storage of incoming supplier deliveries
• Maintain accurate labelling, storage, and stock‑handling processes
• Uphold 5S principles across all warehouse areas, ensuring a clean, organised, and efficient environment
• Communicate proactively with Operations and Customer Service regarding stock, delays, or issues
• Lead, coach, and develop warehouse operatives to achieve high performance and strong teamwork

Success in This Role Looks Like

• A safe, compliant, well‑organised warehouse environment
• Efficient transport planning and cost‑effective routing
• Zero avoidable product damage during handling or delivery
• Strong communication flow between Warehouse, Operations, and Customer Service
• High levels of accuracy in stock handling, labelling, and storage
• A motivated, well‑led warehouse team with clear expectations and accountability

We are looking for a Warehouse Manager with credibility, discipline, and leadership presence. You will bring:

• Proven experience leading a warehouse or workshop team
• At least 3 years’ experience in a manufacturing, assembly, or operational environment
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety responsibilities
• Confidence using IT systems for stock control, job planning, and reporting
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• A calm, steady approach — able to manage pressure without losing focus
• Strong communication skills and the ability to set clear expectations
• A hands‑on leadership style with the ability to coach, train, and develop others
• High attention to detail and a commitment to keeping processes accurate and up to date
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities at short notice
• Forklift certification (desirable but not essential)

This role requires someone who takes ownership, leads by example, and sets high standards for themselves and their team.

Why This Opportunity?

• Join a respected UK manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality and reliability
• Lead a key operational function with real influence on customer satisfaction
• Shape warehouse processes, introduce improvements, and build a high‑performing team
• Work in a stable, supportive environment with room to grow