# Distribution Team Leader - 1890 > Thorlabs · Ely, United Kingdom · Full-time · Posted 2026-05-12 **Workplace:** on_site **Department:** Motion Control / Customs Compliance-Budget (FTC/TEMP/Budgeted Head/Replacement) ## Description **What is the job?** This role oversees the efficient and accurate packing and shipping of finished goods in a continuous flow to meet the shipping cut off target. Key tasks include optimising workflows and layout to remove waste from the process and developing the team to follow standard work, report deviations, and engage in problem solving that leads to continuous improvement. **Working Hours:** Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 4:30pm and Friday 7:30am to 12:30pm **Department:** Motion Control **Interview process:** 2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 1 hour Teams interview; Second stage: Onsite 3 hour interview **Who we are?** Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line. **Where you will be working?** Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station. ## Requirements **What is essential to us…** - Qualifications in the industry relevant to the role - Previous team leader experience is desirable - Previous experience in a Stores/Material Handling role is desirable - Detail oriented and works in a structured and organised manner - Computer literate and able to use ERP systems (eg. AX 2012 or D365) effectively - A positive approach to continuous improvement activities - A flexible approach to work requests – prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done - Strong communication skills with the ability to train, mentor and present new ideas - Strong team player, with the ability to collaborate with various teams that rely on the Distribution team **What we would like you to do/ to see…** **Leadership (up to 20% Focus)** - Ensure all team members are safe and are working in line with PPE requirements and safe systems of work - Lead daily Tier 1 meetings and ensure team participates in continuous improvement initiatives that address issues that impact throughput; participate in Tier 2 meetings with other team leaders and supervisors - Motivate team members and perform quarterly appraisals or 1-to-1 meetings - Communicate goals and objectives to team members and utilise resources adequately - Assist management with hiring and training new starters and provide performance assessments - Develop strategies to promote team member adherence to company and industry regulations - Conduct return to work interviews and disciplinary actions (warnings, performance improvement plan, etc.) - Responsible for the Health & Safety of your work area and your team members.  Including, the review and upkeep of all risk assessments, identifying H&S training requirements, providing inductions to new team members.  Dealing with PPE issues and H&S breaches, undertaking regular H&S inspections and accident reporting - this would include supporting and or leading accident investigations. - Undertake the role of Fire Marshal for your work area and team members. Including regular checks for hazards and issues, completion of fire risk assessment actions, ensuring all people in your area are aware of evacuation procedures and drawing their attention to hazardous practices. **Functional (80% Focus)** - Implement standard work for Packing and Shipping processes and conduct regular audits to ensure consistently high performance  - Create SOPs and workflows for all Packing and Shipping tasks - Provide hands on support to ensure that inspected goods on the packing shelf by a specified time are packed in time to meet the shipping cut-off - Complete cycle counts as required and investigate and correct stock discrepancies   - Regularly review and optimize lay-out and workflows of packing and shipping areas, with the goal of removing waste from the process and improving efficiency - Apply problem solving methods (5 Whys, Ishikawa) to identify root causes of underperformance in key performance metrics and apply PDCA approach to implement corrective actions - Ensure racks are well maintained, 5S is followed, and safe practices are followed at all times - Understand and ensure the team comply with company procedures related to customs compliance (processes, documentation) and participate in regular compliance audits - Actively contribute to new methods and strategies that improve the department/team efficiencies, productivity and reduce costs **What will you get?** At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment. **And the benefits are?** Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays. **Job Reference:** THOR-VC-1890 This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old. _\*This is a legal requirement, further information is here_ [_School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)_](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fknow-when-you-can-leave-school&data=05%7C02%7CSFuller%40thorlabs.com%7Cc4ba59233f5248ddc83308dcc801c66e%7C411510044224448aa787d4279c1f087d%7C0%7C0%7C638605157155394887%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HtICNYMJkx9yOZDbdWEKDxBJjxTB0l4YorqReApKZDk%3D&reserved=0) _This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa._  All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK. _**We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.**_ ## Benefits ![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/1d9df0756b97de3ca3cff2432a066cfb.png) -Contributed Pension Scheme ![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/5161fae0b975b7364228077b183258ac.png) -Group Life Cover ![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/b6a6454e1f80e14fb65c722973e86d9f.png) -Private Health Care ![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/e850ec11c8473c8e62469f16a60f3ef3.png) -Group Income Protection & more. Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail recruitment@thorlabs.com. We are Disability Confident Committed![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/018230f8a07f4ced54205c316cd1e679.jpg) _In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process._![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/240aefd1da5a91c47c09d21854537d8a.png) ## Apply [Apply at Thorlabs](https://apply.workable.com/thorlabs/j/F27022CAF4/apply) --- Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)