Interim Logistics Project & Operations Manager

Name:

Ian

Ian is a highly experienced interim logistics and operations specialist with a strong track record delivering operational turnarounds, warehouse start-ups, closures, consolidations and performance recovery programmes across 3PL, retail, FMCG, fashion and eCommerce environments. He combines structured project leadership with highly hands-on operational management to stabilise underperforming sites, improve KPIs and deliver complex change while maintaining service continuity and workforce engagement.

He is particularly effective in multi-stream operational projects under tight timelines, including peak readiness programmes, site migrations, 3PL transitions and large-scale process and layout reconfigurations.

Career Highlights

Warehouse Performance

Reduced labour overspend from £15k/week to £10k under budget in failing FMCG operation.
Delivered 19% productivity uplift in multi-temperature DC within first three months.

Growth & Launches

Delivered successful new DC start-up and peak recovery following prior operational failure.
Consolidated four warehouse operations (18,000 pallets, 3,000 SKUs) into single 3PL facility.

ERP / WMS

Restored 400,000 sq ft operation following failed picking system implementation.

Transport Performance

Negotiated new fleet leasing programme delivering £1m savings over five years.
Managed closure of 14 sites and transfer of 200 staff under TUPE while maintaining KPIs.

Most Recent Assignment

Most recently, Ian was engaged by a furnishings supplier to a major homeware retailer to deliver an operational recovery following a challenging peak period. He built a performance recovery plan, reviewed management structure, and implemented process improvements to stabilise KPIs and productivity.

Prior to this, Ian worked with a specialist ingredients wholesaler, leading operational improvement programmes, selecting and transitioning work to new 3PL partners, improving KPIs by 15–33%, resizing the workforce in line with productivity gains, and recruiting senior logistics leadership roles.

Previously, Ian supported a homewares business as an Interim Project Manager, taking full operational responsibility through peak periods while delivering major layout redesigns, WMS optimisation, process improvements and successful warehouse moves. He also led the successful start-up of a new distribution centre and peak recovery programme for a schoolwear business.

Prior Experience

Ian brings over 25 years’ interim leadership across major logistics operations including Dunelm, Premier Foods, Wincanton, Palmer & Harvey and Samworth Brothers. His experience spans managing sites up to 400,000 sq ft, workforces of 500+, transport fleets of 100+ vehicles, large-scale refurbishments, multi-site closures and relocations, and delivering significant cost and labour productivity improvements in both open and closed-book environments.