Interim Head of UK Operations

Initial Contract: Until February 2027
Day Rate: £500–£638max (DOE) - Umb - PAYE
Hybrid – Primarily Milton Keynes with some London travel
DV clearance required (or ability to obtain)

Are you a seasoned operational leader experienced in running complex, multi-site logistics environments? We’re partnering with a large government-focused organisation undergoing a significant transformation programme, and they are seeking an experienced Interim Head of UK Operations to provide senior leadership during a period of strategic change.

The Opportunity

This high-profile interim role sits at the heart of a major modernisation programme, including the transition to a new logistics management system and relocation to a single, purpose-built facility. You’ll take the lead for UK operations across three sites, ensuring seamless daily performance while helping shape the organisation’s future logistics model.
Working closely with senior leaders, you will drive an efficient, resilient and safety-led operation—balancing cost, service, and security in a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead day to day UK warehouse operations across multiple sites.
• Provide senior oversight of end-to-end supply chain activity, ensuring best-in-class performance.
• Directly manage c.62 staff across several operational teams.
• Oversee delivery performance, supplier relationships and financial management of c.£35m in critical services.
• Support the operational planning required for a major relocation into a new logistics facility.
• Ensure compliance with UK legislation, Health & Safety standards and internal governance.
• Drive continuous improvement, operational resilience and workforce planning.
• Report monthly on KPIs, risks and operational changes.
• Embed a high engagement, high performance culture across teams.

About You
Essential experience includes:
• Proven leadership in logistics, supply chain, warehouse or distribution operations in a complex or global environment.
• Strong people management skills and experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams.
• Clear track record of delivering service excellence and cultural change.
• Excellent stakeholder, negotiation and relationship building skills.
• Deep knowledge of Health & Safety legislation.
• Experience managing budgets, performance targets and operational risk.
• Ability to lead during transition and periods of strategic change.

Desirable:
• Lean Six Sigma accreditation.
• Knowledge of export/import regulations and global freight.
• Experience within government or highly regulated environments.
• Understanding of aviation security, threat awareness or consignor status.

Security Requirements
Due to the sensitive nature of the work, candidates must be British nationals with at least two years’ UK residency in the last five years. DV clearance is required. Lapse is also considered.

What you need to do now

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