Logistics Network Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Logistics Network Design Manager

Company: Asda

Location: Asda House, Leeds, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Supply Chain & Logistics Operations

Date Posted: 05 June 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Estimated 5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of Asda's future logistics network through advanced logistics network design and supply chain operations planning.

• Drive operational excellence and network optimisation initiatives to support business growth, transformation, and resilience, focusing on measurable business benefits.

• Manage and mentor a team of logistics analysts, fostering a data-driven approach to capacity planning and strategic forecasting.

• Develop comprehensive business cases to support strategic investments and key decisions, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives and retail logistics demands.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders to translate long-term forecasts into actionable supply chain strategy and continuous improvement programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title "Logistics Network Design Manager" and the description emphasizing "future logistics network," "growth, transformation, and operational excellence," and "long-term forecasts into actionable strategies" strongly suggest a strategic focus within supply chain operations. The mention of managing analysts and building business cases points to a mid-to-senior level position requiring significant experience in operations strategy and team leadership, with an estimated 5-10 years of relevant experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design, planning, and optimization of Asda's logistics network, ensuring it aligns with overarching business objectives and supports future growth.

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking logistics network strategy, incorporating elements of operational resilience and adaptability to evolving market conditions.

• Drive efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and service enhancements across the logistics function by identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Translate complex, long-term strategic forecasts into practical, actionable initiatives and programs that deliver tangible commercial outcomes.

• Construct and present robust business cases, supported by rigorous data analysis, to justify strategic investments and network changes to senior leadership.

• Champion the adoption of data-driven insights to inform decision-making, performance monitoring, and the achievement of key commercial targets.

• Stay abreast of emerging industry trends, technological innovations, and best practices in logistics network design and optimization to maintain a competitive edge.

• Adapt and refine network strategies in response to dynamic business performance, shifts in market demand, and external economic factors.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of logistics analysts, fostering a culture of analytical rigor and strategic problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a blend of strategic leadership, analytical execution, and team management, typical of a senior operations role. The emphasis on "future logistics network," "growth, transformation, and operational resilience," and "adapting strategies" highlights the need for proactive and strategic thinking in a dynamic retail environment. The expectation to "use data-driven insights to guide decisions" and "build comprehensive business cases" reinforces the analytical and commercial acumen required.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Research, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for a managerial role of this nature.

Experience: Proven experience (estimated 5-10 years) in logistics, network planning, or supply chain strategy, with a significant portion involving team leadership and strategic project execution.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in logistics network design, including modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques.

• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain operations, with a focus on warehousing, transportation, and distribution.

• Proven ability to develop and implement supply chain strategy, translating long-term visions into actionable plans.

• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.

• Proficiency in business case development, financial modeling, and justifying strategic investments.

• Strong data analysis and quantitative skills, with the ability to derive actionable insights from complex datasets.

• Proven team leadership and people management capabilities, including mentoring and performance development.

• Strategic thinking and planning capabilities, with a focus on network optimisation and future-proofing operations.

• Commercial awareness and a results-oriented mindset, focused on achieving measurable business outcomes.

• Practical problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving logistical challenges.

• Experience in adapting strategies to changing business conditions and driving continuous improvement. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced logistics network design software (e.g., Llamasoft/Coupa, AnyLogic, or similar).

• Familiarity with capacity planning methodologies specific to large-scale retail operations.

• Knowledge of transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS) from a network design perspective.

• Experience in a fast-paced retail or FMCG environment.

• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for presenting complex network data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "What You'll Need" section directly translates into the required skills. The estimated experience level is based on the managerial responsibilities and the need for proven experience in strategic areas. Preferred skills are inferred based on industry best practices for logistics network design managers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful logistics network design projects, highlighting the problem, methodology, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results.

• Examples of developed business cases for significant supply chain investments or network changes, showcasing financial justification and ROI projections.

• Documentation of strategic planning processes led or significantly contributed to, illustrating the translation of forecasts into actionable initiatives.

• Evidence of process optimization initiatives within logistics or supply chain operations, detailing the improvements in efficiency, cost, or service levels.

• Proof of data analysis projects where insights directly influenced strategic decisions or operational improvements. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how complex logistics processes were analyzed, documented, and optimized for efficiency and scalability.

• Documentation of experience in developing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for network planning or logistics operations.

• Evidence of creating frameworks for evaluating and selecting optimal network configurations, considering factors like cost, service, and risk.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on network design and strategy, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of these skills is crucial. The emphasis is on tangible results, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex data into business value, which is standard for senior operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive salary plus benefits.

• Estimated Annual Salary Range: £65,000 - £90,000 (GBP)

• Rationale: This estimate is based on the job title (Managerial level), responsibilities (strategic leadership, team management, complex analysis), location (Leeds, UK, a major business hub), and the industry (large retail/logistics). This range aligns with similar Logistics Network Design Manager or Senior Supply Chain Planner roles in the UK market, considering Asda's scale.

Benefits:

• Discretionary company bonus

• Company pension up to 7% matched

• Company Car allowance of £5,700

• 15% colleague discount in store and online

• Comprehensive wellbeing services:

  • Stream access
  • 24/7 virtual GP
  • Counselling services
  • Health and dental cash plans
  • 24/7 employee assistance helpline

• Discounts across a range of services and activities (e.g., airport parking, theme parks, cinemas)

• Asda Allies Inclusion Networks

• Excellent parental leave policies (maternity, adoption, paternity, shared parental, neonatal care, fertility treatment support)

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary information is "Competitive salary plus benefits." The estimated range is derived from UK-wide salary benchmarks for similar roles, factoring in location and company size. The benefits listed are directly from the job description. The working hours are also explicitly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Grocery & General Merchandise)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Asda is one of the UK's largest retailers, employing over 100,000 people). This size implies complex operational challenges, significant scale, and a robust organizational structure. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to work on large-scale projects with substantial impact, but also potentially more bureaucracy and a need for strong change management skills.

Founded: 1949. Asda has a long history in the UK retail market, suggesting a culture that balances established practices with the need for innovation to remain competitive.

Team Structure:

• The role reports into a senior logistics or supply chain leadership position, likely a Head of Logistics, Director of Supply Chain, or similar.

• The Logistics Network Design Manager will lead a team of logistics analysts, implying a direct management responsibility for individual contributors focused on data analysis and network modeling.

• This role will require extensive collaboration with various internal departments, including Operations, Merchandising, Finance, IT, and potentially Store Operations and E-commerce teams, to gather data, align strategies, and implement network changes. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes using "data-driven insights to guide decisions," indicating a strong reliance on analytical rigor and quantitative methods for strategic planning and operational improvements.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: A core methodology involves translating long-term forecasts into actionable strategies and robust business cases, demonstrating a structured approach to GTM (Go-to-Market) planning for network changes.

• Continuous Improvement: The emphasis on "identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service" points to a culture that values ongoing refinement of processes and systems.

Company Website: https://www.asda.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from Asda's well-known position as a major UK retailer. The size and history are inferred to provide relevant context for operations professionals. The team structure and methodology are deduced from the role's responsibilities and the explicit mention of data-driven approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Managerial role within the operations and supply chain domain. It sits above individual contributor analyst roles and below senior director or VP-level positions. The scope involves leading a team, defining strategy for a critical function (logistics network), and influencing significant investment decisions. This level requires strong leadership, strategic foresight, and the ability to manage complex projects and stakeholders.

Reporting Structure: The Logistics Network Design Manager will report to a higher-level executive within the Supply Chain or Logistics division. This structure allows for strategic alignment with broader company goals and provides a platform for the manager to influence executive-level decision-making through well-supported proposals.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial. By optimizing the logistics network, the manager directly influences:

• Cost Efficiency: Reducing transportation, warehousing, and inventory costs.

• Service Levels: Ensuring timely and accurate delivery to stores and customers, which is critical for customer satisfaction and sales.

• Scalability: Enabling the network to support Asda's growth and expansion plans, including e-commerce.

• Operational Resilience: Building a robust network that can withstand disruptions and maintain service continuity.

• Sustainability: Opportunities to optimize routes and reduce environmental impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to move into Director-level roles overseeing broader supply chain functions, such as Head of Logistics, Director of Supply Chain Planning, or VP of Operations.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like network modeling, sustainability in logistics, or e-commerce fulfillment strategy.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to transition into roles in broader operations management, strategy, or even commercial functions within Asda, leveraging the strategic and analytical skills honed in this role.

• Industry Exposure: Asda's scale offers exposure to best practices and challenges across a vast retail operation, providing a strong foundation for future career moves within the supply chain and logistics sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis is based on standard career trajectories for managerial roles in supply chain and operations within large enterprises. The focus is on how this specific role equips an individual for future advancement and the types of impact they can expect to make.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with a minimum of 3 days per week required in the Asda House office (Leeds). This indicates a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Asda House, Leeds, England. This is Asda's corporate headquarters, likely offering a professional, corporate environment with access to various business functions and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates a collaborative office space where team members can connect, brainstorm, and strategize effectively during their in-office days.

• Tools & Technology: As a manager in network design, expect access to advanced analytical software, modeling tools, and standard office productivity suites. Asda's IT infrastructure will support data analysis and communication.

• Team Interaction: In-office days will facilitate direct interaction with the logistics analyst team, cross-functional stakeholders, and potentially senior leadership, crucial for relationship building and project alignment.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 37.5 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement provides some flexibility in managing work-life balance, allowing for personal appointments or focused work time at home, while in-office days are dedicated to collaborative activities and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "hybrid way of working" and the minimum 3 days in the office are explicitly stated. The context of Asda House as a corporate headquarters is inferred. The workspace and team interaction points are logical extensions of a hybrid, managerial role in a large corporate setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, likely focusing on direct experience in logistics network design, team management, and strategic planning.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager and potentially a senior member of the operations team. This stage will delve into your experience, leadership style, and understanding of logistics network principles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

• Case Study/Presentation: A common element for this type of role. You may be asked to analyze a hypothetical logistics scenario, develop a network strategy, or present a business case. This assesses your analytical, strategic, and presentation skills.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Supply Chain/Logistics) to assess strategic fit, cultural alignment, and overall suitability for the role and Asda.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project in your portfolio, clearly state the problem, your role, the solution implemented, and the specific, quantifiable results (e.g., % cost reduction, % improvement in delivery speed, ROI achieved).

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Highlight projects where you developed long-term strategies, analyzed future needs, or influenced major investment decisions.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you led teams, mentored analysts, or managed cross-functional projects to successful completion.

• Tailor to Asda: If possible, subtly align your portfolio examples with the scale and challenges of a large retailer like Asda. Mentioning experience with large-scale networks or retail logistics is beneficial.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and that key information is immediately apparent. For presentations, focus on clear visuals and a compelling narrative.

Challenge Preparation:

• Network Modeling: Be ready to discuss your approach to network modeling, including software you've used, key variables considered (cost, service, capacity, risk), and how you validate your models.

• Business Case Development: Practice articulating the components of a strong business case, including financial projections, risk assessment, and strategic alignment.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you would engage with different stakeholders (e.g., Operations, Finance, IT) to gain buy-in for network changes.

• Industry Trends: Be knowledgeable about current trends in logistics and supply chain, such as e-commerce growth, sustainability, automation, and their impact on network design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, anticipating the typical interview and assessment process for a managerial role in a large corporation like Asda, emphasizing the importance of a strong portfolio and strategic preparation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Logistics Network Design Software: Proficiency with specialized tools like Llamasoft (now Coupa), AnyLogic, Network Optimizer, or similar simulation and optimization platforms is highly beneficial.

• Data Analysis & BI Tools: Experience with tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data visualization, dashboard creation, and presenting insights from network analysis.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, modeling, and financial analysis.

• Presentation Software: Expertise in Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for developing and delivering compelling business cases and strategy presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Software: Familiarity with tools like R or Python for advanced statistical analysis and modeling can be advantageous.

• Database Querying: Skills in SQL for extracting and manipulating data from various business systems.

CRM & Automation:

• While not the primary focus, an understanding of how CRM and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) interact with logistics data and potentially influence network design is useful.

• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Microsoft Project) for managing network design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for operations and supply chain roles focused on network design and analysis. Specific software examples are provided based on industry prevalence.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven & Analytical: A strong emphasis on using data to inform decisions, measure performance, and drive continuous improvement in logistics operations.

• Customer Focus: Ensuring the logistics network supports excellent service delivery to Asda's customers, both in stores and online.

• Efficiency & Cost Consciousness: A commitment to optimizing resources, reducing waste, and achieving cost-effective logistics operations without compromising service.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A recognition that complex network challenges require cross-functional input and a unified approach across departments.

• Innovation & Adaptability: A willingness to explore new technologies and strategies to keep the logistics network modern, resilient, and competitive in a dynamic retail landscape.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires proactive engagement with departments like Merchandising, Finance, IT, and Store Operations to gather requirements, align strategies, and ensure seamless implementation of network changes.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making will be grounded in data and analysis, fostering a rational and objective approach to problem-solving.

• Strategic Partnership: Building strong working relationships with stakeholders to ensure buy-in and alignment on network strategies and investments.

• Process Improvement Culture: An environment where feedback is encouraged, and teams work together to identify and implement enhancements to existing logistics processes and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred from Asda's position as a large, customer-focused retailer and the explicit emphasis on data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration in the role description.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Scale and Complexity: Asda's vast operational scale presents inherent complexity in network design, requiring sophisticated modeling and robust change management.

• Balancing Conflicting Priorities: Navigating the trade-offs between cost, service levels, speed, and sustainability in network design decisions.

• Driving Change in a Large Organization: Gaining buy-in and managing resistance to significant network changes across multiple departments and stakeholders.

• Adapting to Evolving Retail Landscape: Responding to the rapid growth of e-commerce, changing consumer behaviors, and competitive pressures that impact logistics network requirements.

• Data Integrity and Availability: Ensuring access to accurate, timely, and comprehensive data from disparate systems for effective network modeling and analysis.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone strategic thinking, business case development, and executive communication skills.

• Advanced Analytics and Modeling: Exposure to cutting-edge logistics network design tools and methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Deep understanding of various business functions within a major retail organization.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying at the forefront of innovation in logistics and supply chain management through industry engagement and continuous learning.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Asda's supply chain and operations teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are standard considerations for senior operational roles within large, dynamic organizations like Asda. They highlight areas where candidates can demonstrate resilience, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new logistics network for a rapidly growing e-commerce business within a traditional retail structure?" (Focus on methodology, data needs, stakeholder engagement, and phased implementation.)

• "Describe a time you had to build a business case for a significant capital investment in logistics infrastructure. What were the key elements, and how did you gain stakeholder approval?" (Highlight financial modeling, ROI, risk assessment, and persuasive communication.)

• "How do you balance cost reduction initiatives with maintaining or improving service levels in a complex retail supply chain?" (Discuss trade-offs, data-driven decision-making, and customer impact.)

• "What are the key considerations for building resilience into a logistics network, especially in the current geopolitical and economic climate?" (Focus on diversification, risk mitigation strategies, and contingency planning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Asda's current logistics operations and its position in the UK retail market?" (Research Asda's supply chain, recent news, and competitive landscape.)

• "How would you foster a collaborative environment between your network design team and the operational execution teams?" (Emphasize communication, shared goals, and understanding operational constraints.)

• "How do you ensure that operational decisions align with Asda's values, such as customer focus and efficiency?" (Connect your approach to the company's stated values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, your analytical approach, the proposed solution, the implementation process, and the measurable business outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Key Metrics: Be prepared to discuss the specific KPIs and metrics you used to define success, track progress, and demonstrate ROI.

• Emphasize Strategic Impact: Focus on how your work contributed to broader business goals, such as market share growth, cost leadership, or operational scalability.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, assumptions, data sources, and any challenges faced during your projects. Be prepared to defend your decisions with data and logic.

• Tailor to the Role: Frame your examples to showcase skills directly relevant to logistics network design, team leadership, and strategic planning for a large retailer.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions and strategies are designed to help candidates prepare for the specific demands of a managerial role in logistics network design at a company like Asda, focusing on strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and leadership.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Asda Jobs portal.

• Tailor your CV to highlight experience in logistics network design, supply chain strategy, team leadership, business case development, and data analysis. Quantify your achievements with specific metrics and examples.

• Prepare a concise portfolio or be ready to discuss key projects that demonstrate your expertise in network optimization, capacity planning, and strategic forecasting. Focus on tangible results and your role in achieving them.

• Research Asda's current logistics network, operational challenges, and strategic priorities. Understand their market position and competitive landscape to better align your responses during interviews.

• Practice articulating your strategic approach to logistics challenges, your leadership philosophy, and how you would drive efficiency and growth within Asda's specific operational context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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