Care Logistics Lead reference: 1054706

Review: Care Logistics Lead Opportunity in Edinburgh

This Care Logistics Lead position offers a compelling opportunity for an ambitious and empathetic logistics professional looking to make a tangible difference within a values-driven organisation. With a salary of £27,000-£29,000 plus benefits and a standard Monday-Friday working week, this role is based in Edinburgh (EH5) and presents a chance for significant career development.

At its core, this role is about ensuring that sensitive and important logistical operations are executed with the utmost precision and care. You will be instrumental in supervising and coordinating a team of ceremonial crew, ensuring that every funeral is conducted to the highest standards. This involves a blend of manual and digital systems management, highlighting the need for meticulous planning and execution to guarantee that individuals and resources are precisely where they need to be, when they need to be.

Key Responsibilities and Career Advantages:

• Team Leadership and Coordination: You will manage and coordinate the schedule for a team of primarily part-time ceremonial crew. This offers valuable experience in team management, scheduling, and operational oversight, crucial for advancing into more senior logistics or management roles.
• Operational Planning: The role involves planning clothing collection, the movement of personal belongings, and the transportation of the deceased for viewings. This provides exposure to intricate logistical planning in a highly sensitive environment, developing skills in detail-oriented execution.
• Continuous Improvement: A significant aspect of this position is gathering and analysing insights to drive continuous improvements in funeral delivery and team performance. This is a fantastic avenue for developing analytical skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving, which are highly transferable across many industries.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintaining a strong understanding of the local environment and engaging with stakeholders such as clergy, crematoria, hospitals, and care providers is key. This fosters excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Deputising Responsibilities: The opportunity to deputise for the Care Logistics Manager provides direct experience in higher-level decision-making and management, accelerating your career progression within the organisation.

What to Consider for Your Career Path:

• Empathy and Discretion: This role demands a high level of sensitivity, discretion, and empathy. If you thrive in roles where emotional intelligence and a person-centred approach are paramount, this is an excellent fit.
• Pace and Adaptability: The environment is described as one where you need to work at pace and adapt to a rapidly changing situation. This is ideal for individuals who are resilient, agile, and can maintain composure under pressure.
• Customer Focus: A genuine passion for customer experience and a desire to ensure a positive client experience are essential. This role will hone your ability to understand and meet needs in demanding circumstances.
• Physical Demands: The role requires a full UK manual driving license and the physical ability to carry out lifting and manual handling of heavy loads. Candidates should be aware of these practical requirements.
• Values-Driven Organisation: Joining the Co-op means becoming part of a business with a strong social purpose, owned by its members. This environment fosters a sense of community and provides the satisfaction of contributing to a fairer world.

Exceptional Benefits and Development:

Beyond the core responsibilities, the benefits package is substantial and indicative of a company that invests in its employees:

• Generous Staff Discounts: Enjoy 30% off Co-op branded products and 10% off other brands in food stores, plus discounts on other Co-op products and services.
• Work-Life Balance: A competitive 23 days holiday (pro-rata, rising with service) and a standard 37.5-hour working week contribute to a healthy work-life balance.
• Financial Wellbeing: A pension scheme with up to 10% employer contributions and access to Wagestream, a money management app for early access to earned pay, are significant advantages.
• Health and Wellbeing: Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, virtual GP services, and free eye tests demonstrate a commitment to employee health.
• Career Growth: The organisation explicitly mentions "endless career development opportunities," including apprenticeships, highlighting a strong commitment to internal progression.

In summary, the Care Logistics Lead position at the Co-op is more than just a logistics role; it's an opportunity to lead with compassion, develop critical operational and interpersonal skills, and contribute to a reputable organisation with a strong ethical foundation. If you are a motivated individual with a keen eye for detail and a heart for service, this role offers a rewarding career path with excellent support and benefits.