Apprentice Warehouse Operative Distribution Centre Team Leader

SMITH BROS (CAER CONAN) WHOLESALE LTD

Doncaster (DN1 1QE)

Closes in 14 days (Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 15 September 2026


Summary

Working in a busy DC Electrical Wholesale Distribution Warehouse ensuring all daily objectives are achieved with strong picking / packing accuracy and high customer service approach whilst working towards a Level 3 qualification.

Wage

£30,000 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  • We would be looking at a salary range of £30-32k depending on the candidate, but we are looking for someone who wants to join us to stay and progress as they learn and build their experience.
Training course
Transport and warehouse operations supervisor (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9.30am- 6.00pm- A flexible approach to working hours is essential.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 5 October 2026

Duration

1 year

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Working to tight deadlines daily
  • Ensuring all staff have an excellent understanding of what needs to be done and when
  • Ensuring all disciplines are maintained across the shop floor
  • Supervising staff and daily activities in accordance with company policies and procedures
  • Reviewing resources with management and reorganising as required
  • Daily involvement in all warehouse activities including order picking, despatch, goods inwards, stock locating, loading operations, Fork Lift Truck Driving, etc.
  • Liaise with Third Party Transport providers
  • General housekeeping of warehouse
  • Working within the companies Health & Safety policy
  • Promoting the “Right first time” culture
  • Working within ISO9001, 14001, 45001 polices
  • Stock management
  • Communication between departments and management
  • Site Key Holder and Security Call Out
  • Any other duties as required by management

We are recruiting for the future; we are looking for people who want to develop a career at Smith Bros and who want to progress and develop.

We want to invest in our people with skills such as Forklift driving, management training, product knowledge, Health & Safety, etc.

Where you'll work

Storage Distribution Centre
Friars Gate
Doncaster
DN1 1QE

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

DERBY BUSINESS COLLEGE LIMITED

Training course

Transport and warehouse operations supervisor (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Allocate and monitor work and set objectives including continual professional development (CPD), for transport/ warehouse team members.
  • Identify skill and knowledge gaps in own performance and team performance in relation to transport/ warehouse operations
  • Complete performance development reviews (PDR)/ staff appraisals for transport/ warehouse team members
  • Plan training to meet the requirements of the business and the team members including where required, Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and Material/Mechanical Handling Equipment requirements
  • Achieve KPI’s and targets set for the transport/ warehouse team and individuals within the transport/ warehouse team
  • Carry out disciplinary and manage grievances as per organisational guidelines
  • Lead team and departmental communications and meetings
  • Carry out risk assessments appropriate to work environment in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive
  • use IT equipment and systems for the role such as telematics or warehouse management systems
  • plan and review warehouse compliance and efficiencies; labour, placement, schedules, resources to inform improvements, including inbound and outbound goods
  • ensure the security of the transport, warehouse and goods in line with organisational policies
  • communicate with internal and external customers using various communication methods
  • identify and propose innovative business improvements
  • schedule journeys: planning route, timings, costs and resources. Calculating driver hours/ use of tacho graphs and selecting the appropriate vehicle and ancillary equipment for the load being moved
  • Oversee and review fuel costs and deal with issues when they occur
  • Ensure the vehicle is safe and legally loaded and vehicle is marked and labelled compliantly in line with regulations regarding the carriage of dangerous goods
  • Ensure vehicle, driver and load documentation is available for the journey and meets legal requirements
  • Plan, organise and evaluate vehicle and warehouse maintenance schedules for compliance with the DVSA ‘Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness’ or other Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP)
  • Supervise loading to ensure correct procedures are used
  • Review and measure the performance of warehouse operations to inform improvements to safe operating processes and systems; i.e. picking, stowing, dispatch
  • lead and review the process for returned, damaged goods, customer bespoke and direct orders
  • Allocate and monitor work and set objectives including continual professional development (CPD), for transport/ warehouse team members.
  • Identify skill and knowledge gaps in own performance and team performance in relation to transport/ warehouse operations
  • Complete performance development reviews (PDR)/ staff appraisals for transport/ warehouse team members
  • Plan training to meet the requirements of the business and the team members including where required, Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and Material/Mechanical Handling Equipment requirements
  • Achieve KPI’s and targets set for the transport/ warehouse team and individuals within the transport/ warehouse team
  • Carry out disciplinary and manage grievances as per organisational guidelines
  • Lead team and departmental communications and meetings
  • Carry out risk assessments appropriate to work environment in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive
  • use IT equipment and systems for the role such as telematics or warehouse management systems
  • plan and review warehouse compliance and efficiencies; labour, placement, schedules, resources to inform improvements, including inbound and outbound goods
  • ensure the security of the transport, warehouse and goods in line with organisational policies
  • communicate with internal and external customers using various communication methods
  • identify and propose innovative business improvements

Training schedule

  • In addition to gaining practical experience in the role, you will also attain an NVQ Level 3 qualification which will help start your career and give you an insight into the businesses processes and procedures
  • Our training is all completed remotely via teams with a development coach who will be available for support 24/7 and will arrange weekly/fortnightly meetings with you
  • You receive 20% off-the-job training during this apprenticeship which is included in your weekly working hours

More training information

  • DBC Training are a multi award-winning employment and skills training provider
  • We offer high-quality employer solutions to improve productivity and learner solutions to support individuals to fulfil their potential
  • https://dbc-training.co.uk/

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths & English (grade 4/C or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Physical fitness
  • Health & Safety Awareness
  • Warehouse Operations Knowledge

About this employer

Smith Bros (Caer Conan) Wholesale Ltd was Established as a private company in 1925, Smith Bros provide solutions for electrical maintenance and installation equipment from the UKs leading manufacturers and suppliers. With a purpose built modern centralised storage and distribution centre with over 3,000 pallet spaces and a fleet of 3.5 - 15 tonne vehicles, Smith Bros can meet the requirements of both small and large businesses nationally.

https://www.smithbrosuk.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Free Car Parking
  • Staff Discount on purchases
  • 31 days holiday including bank holidays
  • Bonus Scheme after qualifying period.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

  • We are looking for the long-term pathway into potentially other roles in the business in both sales, operations, management

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DERBY BUSINESS COLLEGE LIMITED

Catherine

cat@dbc-training.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000053453.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 11:59pm)