Warehouse Team Leader (Despatch)

Vet Direct is a multi-functional shop for progressive veterinary practices; fulfilling consumable, uniform, instrument and equipment needs. Vet Direct are an important part of the CVS. CVS Group plc are an AIM listed, international integrated veterinary services provider which delivers to clients through the various business areas; our veterinary practices, our service divisions (eg buying groups, diagnostic laboratories and pet crematoria etc and e-commerce division. Our success is derived from the passion our people in all divisions have for animals and making pets a priority, is at the heart of our work, every day.

Vet Direct are excited to be recruiting for a Warehouse Team Leader (Despatch) who will be based at our warehouse in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Within this role the successful applicant will:

• Assist in the supervision of the daily running of a picking warehouse and associated systems. Assist with managing a team of up to 10 staff (pickers & packers) and ensure efficient operational processes are followed.
• Manage a busy despatch department & plan to ensure all orders are despatched daily OTDIF.
• Deputise for management during periods of Holiday/Absence, and cover any other TL absence.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment. 
• Ensure all relevant staff are trained in the Quality Manual, GDP practices and relevant SOP's

Other Key Responsibilities Include:

• Oversee daily warehouse operations under management direction.
• Ensure accurate picking, packing, and order fulfillment.
• Monitor and maintain stock of consumables for packing teams.
• Use courier systems (e.g., DHL) for domestic and international shipping.
• Track staff attendance and performance.
• Conduct monthly check-ins and 1-1s to drive performance.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations via CVS Safety Hub.
• Train and develop warehouse staff to meet role expectations.
• Set and communicate company targets and objectives.
• Ensure GDP-standard training for relevant staff.
• Support warehouse and IT process improvements.
• Maintain best practices and monitor performance for efficiency.
• Coordinate with internal teams (OLCC, Goods Inward, Health & Safety).
• Act as a key holder, responsible for opening/locking premises and occasional call-outs.

People Management:

• Provide strong leadership and clear direction.
• Foster teamwork, cooperation, and high performance.
• Conduct regular staff check-ins and support goal achievement.
• Address underperformance and recognize achievements.
• Uphold company values within the team.

Experience and Key Skills Required:

Essential:

• Ability to challenge the ‘status quo', bringing a creative approach to solutions that support continuous improvement.
• Good understanding of GDP, continuous improvement and strong people management skills.
• Ability to create successful teams in a ‘can do' culture and motivate staff to best performance.

Desirable:

• Exposure to collaboratively working with broader business functions to deliver process efficiencies and manage costs.
• Able to represent and act autonomously on behalf of the department and make sound business decisions.
• Experienced in Microsoft Excel, Word, Teams, Power Point, and Outlook.
• Experience of WMS systems – Orderwise knowledge & the use of hand held scanners would be a distinct advantage.

Alongside a salary up to £27,500 DOE, we offer benefits including; up to 7 weeks holiday (with our buy/sell holiday scheme) + Bank Holidays, pension matched up to 6%, access to our industry leading sharesave scheme, enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave, heavily discounted pet healthcare, continued professional development and a range of flexible benefits such as GymFlex and Cycle to Work to suit your needs.

CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to.