Automation system performance and Continuous Improvement Leader
Northampton, GB, NN4 7HT
Warehouse Department Manager
At Decathlon UK, we offer Careers That Let You Play. As part of the DECATHLON Group, one of the world's largest sports retailers headquartered in France, we specialise in creating and distributing sports products through online and physical stores across 56 countries with over 1,700 locations. With over 40+ stores in the UK, our mission is to be the spirited champion of sports and healthier living in the nation.
THE JOB
You will take ownership of our warehouse automation system, Exotec. Your role focuses on keeping this automated system running smoothly by analysing WMS data, managing vendor relationships and controlling costs. By mastering this technology, you will be the key driver in increasing depot capacity and space utilisation while decreasing the resources required for picking. Your leadership will directly result in accelerated productivity growth (+5% annually), significant cost reduction and improved ergonomics, ensuring a superior working environment and streamlined processes.
You will also be responsible for continuous improvement in our warehouse. You will lead the evolution of our warehouse operations, identifying bottlenecks to increase throughput while championing a culture of safety and operational excellence.
System Performance & Accountability
-
KPI Ownership: Monitoring the automated system’s performance in real-time. You are responsible for identifying performance gaps and applying contractual penalties when output falls below expected KPIs.
-
Vendor Management: Leading regular meetings with the Exotec team to identify technical issues, review maintenance schedules
-
Implement action plans for continuous system development.
-
Strategic Optimisation: Collaborating with International stakeholders to optimise system flow, finding opportunities for software or hardware improvements to enhance omnichannel performance.
-
WMS Data Mastery: Using WMS systems as your primary tool to analyse trends, monitor system occupancy, and forecast potential bottlenecks.
Operational Excellence (OE) & Continuous Improvement (CI)
-
Standardisation: Guaranteeing 100% implementation of validated standard processes within one month of release.
-
Efficiency Roadmap: Defining deadlines for local projects and building action trackers to monitor warehouse-level progress.
-
CI Initiatives: Leading 5S and Visual Management; supporting teams in Deep Dive analysis (DMS, VSM processes).
-
Upskilling Targets: Training 50% of operatives and 80% of management to an "Intermediate" level in CI/OE.
Financial Management & Cost Control
-
Reviewing and auditing invoices and operational costs related to the automated system to ensure absolute financial accuracy.
-
Driving sustainable performance by ensuring every system update or process change delivers a measurable financial or environmental return.
Safety, Security & Business Continuity
-
Technical Safety: Ensuring all operational standards for the automated installations are met, prioritising the safety of the site and the integrity of the technology.
-
Crisis Management & Resilience: Executing site security measures and crisis management procedures (DRP) to ensure business continuity. This includes coordinating regular stress tests of the system to identify breaking points and ensure the automation can handle peak volume demands.
-
Duty Management: Ensuring the continuous operation of the site through secured openings and closings of the warehouse during assigned Duty Manager rotations.
-
Incident Root-Cause Analysis: Analysing technical incidents and implementing action plans to prevent recurrence and protect company assets.
Who You Are:
We are seeking individuals who are committed to efficiency, safety and teamwork. You are:
-
A Strategic Leader: Someone who can take charge of a technical environment, holding both external partners and International stakeholders accountable to strict performance and CI standards.
-
Analytical & Data-Driven: A master of WMS systems who enjoys "diving into the data" to understand trends, run system stress tests, and find hidden efficiencies to maximise space utilisation.
-
Organised and Efficient: Able to manage the local efficiency roadmap and complex system planning to ensure work is completed within budget and on schedule.
-
Continuous Learner: Obsessed with Operational Excellence; you stay connected with the International CI/OE ecosystem to streamline information and drive productivity growth (+5% annually).
-
Financially Minded: Obsessed with cost reduction and eliminating waste; you understand how to audit invoices and optimise resources to improve the bottom line.
-
A Technical Problem-Solver: Skilled in Change Management, helping the site adapt to new automated standards and technology updates while maintaining a focus on ergonomics and team well-being.
-
Safety & Resilience Focused: Committed to a "zero-incident" culture, ensuring the safety of the site and the integrity of high-tech assets during Duty Management and daily operations.
-
Sustainability-Driven: Interested in making operations more sustainable by optimising resources and reducing the carbon footprint of the automated system.
If you’re someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, a career at Decathlon could be a great fit. Our welcoming culture, rooted in values of vitality, responsibility, generosity and authenticity—and brought together by a shared passion for sports—offers a truly enriching experience for everyone.
Get to enjoy the following benefits and perks:
-
Healthy discounts on all Decathlon goodies
-
Fun weekly Staff Sports/Activities
-
Pedal your way to work with the Cycle-to-Work Scheme
-
Dive into top-notch training at Decathlon Academy
-
Dive into hundreds of discount vouchers (think groceries, travel, shopping and more!) with our discount hub developed by SmartSpending!
… and many more
Decathlon is committed to inclusion and non-discrimination, and thus acts on a daily basis in favor of disability, a multi-generational workforce, social diversity, and equality between women and men. If, due to a disability, you require any special accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know. At Decathlon, first and foremost, we are recruiting personality and character.