Warehouse Operations Lead
South London | Full-time, 5 days/week | Competitive salary

My client is a fast-scaling UK startup on a mission to make furnishing effortless. They furnish residential properties for agents, investors, property developers, and build-to-rent operators - at speed, at scale, and with a level of service the industry hasn't seen before.
Operating at the intersection of B2B service, B2C product, and tech-enabled operations, they've been growing rapidly since 2021 and are investing heavily in their people, processes, and infrastructure - including a major step-change in how the warehouse runs. This is a brilliant time to join, with the business currently going through another funding round to support its next phase of growth.

The Role
As Warehouse Operations Lead, you'll own the day-to-day running of the warehouse operation across two sites. You'll supervise the warehouse and installation teams, set the standard for how things get done, and make sure every product that moves through the operation is handled correctly, tracked accurately, and dispatched on time.
You'll also be a key player in a major warehouse digitalisation programme that's being launched - helping shape and embed the systems and processes that will take the operations to the next level.
This is a hands-on, high-ownership role that sits at the heart of the operation. You'll report to the Head of Operations and work closely with the wider ops, scheduling, and project teams.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Supervision
* Support the Head of Operations in the daily management of the warehouse and installation team
* Champion Health & Safety, maintaining a safe and healthy workplace in line with company policy
* Act as deputy Person in Control (PIC) in the absence of the PIC, including security and lock-up
Projects & Installation Loading (Outbound)
* Oversee and coordinate the loading process, ensuring items are loaded correctly per loading sheets, minimising missing items and QC issues
* Conduct final QC checks before loading and ensure items are loaded safely and securely for transit
* Liaise with the Head of Operations and Design team on missing items and re-selections
* Maintain stock organisation (5S standards) and the Picking Bays board
* Work with the Head of Operations on installation schedules and resourcing; liaise with Scheduling on pre-loading vans
* Support the damage reporting process and root-cause investigation with Procurement
* Conduct daily area-readiness checks and support customer issue investigations
Collections - Goods Returning
* Maintain the collections area, ensuring returns are processed back into stock in a timely, organised manner
* Act as SME for collection materials; ensure sufficient materials are ready for next-day loading
* Run a thorough QC and labelling process for all returns; report discrepancies promptly
* Manage the damage assessment and write-off process, and promote sustainable packing materials
General Warehouse Operations
* Receive and check courier/out-of-hours deliveries; ensure goods-in process and PO discrepancies are handled correctly
* Support quarterly stocktakes and daily cycle counting
* Responsible for site opening and security; keep containers and stock movement sheets up to date
Warehouse Digitalisation (Key Growth Responsibility)
* Play an active role in the transition to a new Warehouse Management System (WMS) - planning, testing, and training
* Champion digital working practices and embed new processes across the team
* Feed back practical, on-the-ground insight during implementation
* Proactively identify opportunities to reduce errors and improve efficiency through digital tools
About You
Essential
* Proven warehouse experience, with supervisory or team-lead experience
* Strong attention to detail and high standards of accuracy - particularly around loading, stock management, and QC
* Physically fit and comfortable in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
* Clear, confident communicator, able to give direction and liaise across teams
* Reliable, takes ownership, and leads by example
* Comfortable with technology and keen to learn new digital systems
Desirable
* Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or inventory/stock software
* Experience in furniture, homeware, or a similar mixed-SKU, high-volume environment
* Forklift or other materials handling qualifications
* Good understanding of health & safety regulations in warehouse settings

What's On Offer
* A central role in a fast-growing startup at a genuinely exciting moment
* Real ownership and a direct line to the leadership team
* The chance to help shape how the operations scale, including leading the warehouse digitalisation programme
* Competitive salary, annual leave, and benefits package
* Clear progression opportunities as the warehouse and wider business grow