Warehouse Distribution Manager - Cables Operation

Job Purpose Summary

The Warehouse Distribution Manager – Cables Operation role is a critical part of the CMS business, with primary accountability for the distribution, accuracy, availability and commercial control of Cables stock across UK operations.

The role will ensure that Cables stock is received, stored, accurately shipped, reconciled, reported and made available to support customer demand, sales performance and operational service levels. This includes maintaining high standards of inventory accuracy across SAP, WMS and associated stock records.

Working closely with Warehouse teams, Operations, Sales, Demand Planning, Purchasing, Finance and external logistics partners, the role will provide strong warehouse operations leadership, identify operational constraints, drive root-cause resolution and improve stock processes and procedures across UK Cables activity.

The role is also responsible for cable stock reconciliation, cycle counting, audit readiness, stock movement governance, obsolete and slow-moving stock visibility, and the timely production of accurate reporting to support informed commercial and operational decision-making.

This is a senior role within CMS, acting as a key point of contact for the UK Cables sales teams and providing clear leadership to improve stock accuracy, reduce losses, protect revenue and ensure that processes are consistently followed.

Role Responsibilities

UK Cables Stock Management

• Own and manage the integrity of UK Cables stock across relevant warehouse, 3PL and system locations.
• Maintain accurate stock records across SAP, WMS and associated operational reporting tools.
• Lead cable stock reconciliation activity, ensuring discrepancies are investigated, resolved and communicated promptly.
• Develop and maintain cycle count and rolling stock take processes to improve stock accuracy and audit readiness.
• Monitor Cables stock availability, slow-moving stock, ageing stock, damaged stock and potential stock loss, escalating risks where appropriate.
• Provide regular stock reporting and insight to senior stakeholders to support commercial and operational decisions.

Operational Management

• Ensure inbound, outbound, returns and internal stock movements for Cables are completed in a controlled, timely and accurate manner.
• Work with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure Cables stock is stored safely, clearly identified and handled in line with operational requirements.
• Review stock movement processes and identify opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency and control.
• Support delivery in full and on time by ensuring resources, stock availability and system accuracy are aligned to business demand.
• Act as the escalation point for Cables stock issues, working cross-functionally to resolve root causes and prevent recurrence.

Commercial & Stakeholder Management

• Partner with Sales, Demand Planning, Purchasing, Finance and Operations to provide accurate Cables stock insight and support business planning.
• Provide clear visibility of stock risks, including shortages, overstock, obsolete stock, aged inventory and stock discrepancies.
• Support margin protection and revenue assurance by managing resource costs,  improving stock accuracy and reducing avoidable losses.
• Prepare and present meaningful stock reports, KPI updates and action plans for relevant stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Governance

• Develop, implement and maintain standard operating procedures for UK Cables stock control processes.
• Identify process gaps and lead continuous improvement action plans to strengthen all operational processes and procedures.
• Ensure operational activities are compliant with internal procedures, audit requirements and relevant health and safety standards.
• Use stock data, trends and root-cause analysis to recommend improvements to systems, processes and controls.

Training & Development

• Provide guidance, coaching and knowledge transfer to colleagues involved in all Cables warehouse processes.
• Ensure relevant team members understand warehouse procedures, system requirements and escalation routes.
• Promote a culture of delivery in full and on time, stock accuracy, ownership and accountability across UK Cables operations.

Health and Safety

• Ensure stock handling, storage and movement activity is completed safely and in line with company procedures.
• Support safe warehouse working practices, including clear storage locations, safe access routes and appropriate handling of Cables stock.
• Comply with Health, Safety and Environmental policies and contribute to a safe working environment for colleagues, visitors and logistics partners

Additional Responsibilities

Skills & Personal Attributes

Skills & Abilities

• Strong warehouse, stock control and inventory management experience, ideally within a UK warehouse, distribution or supply chain environment.
• Experience managing warehouse operations, stock accuracy, reconciliation, cycle counting, stock takes and discrepancy investigation.
• Strong working knowledge of SAP, WMS and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for stock analysis and reporting.
• Ability to analyse warehouse activity data, identify trends, investigate root causes and provide clear recommendations.
• Good understanding of physical stock flows, warehouse processes, inbound and outbound movements, returns and 3PL activity.
• Ability to develop and implement clear standard operating procedures and stock governance controls.
• Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Demand Planning and Finance.
• Commercial awareness with an understanding of the impact warehouse operations has on customer service, revenue, margin and operational cost.
• Experience within Cables, electrical distribution, technology distribution or a similar product environment would be advantageous.

Attributes

• Highly accurate and detail-focused, with a strong commitment to warehouse operations.
• Proactive and hands-on, with the confidence to investigate issues and drive them through to resolution.
• Able to build strong working relationships and influence stakeholders across different functions.
• Confident in challenging existing processes and recommending practical improvements.
• Organised and resilient, with the ability to manage conflicting priorities while maintaining accuracy.
• Commercially minded, with a clear understanding of how stock accuracy supports service levels and protects revenue.
• Able to communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams, senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Continuous improvement mindset, with a focus on simplifying warehouse processes and reducing avoidable stock issues.

Key Traits