Benjamin Slater

Operations leader with experience delivering operational leadership across retail and distribution environments. Proven track record managing large teams (120+ colleagues), improving KPI performance, and driving commercial results in high-volume operations. Experienced in maintaining strong customer service standards, operational efficiency and compliance within fast-paced environments.

Shift Supervisor at Lakeland Limited (2022-04 – Present)

Operational leadership responsibility for a workforce of 120+ colleagues and approximately £3m in labour spend within a high-volume distribution operation.

• Improved operational efficiency 15% year-on-year through the introduction of a performance management tool tracking colleague productivity and departmental KPIs.
• Coordinated the launch of a peak 3PL operation accounting for 35% of total sales during a four-month trading period.
• Contributed to a 3% year-on-year reduction in site absence rates through improved attendance monitoring and reporting.
• Lead cross-site labour planning across 120+ employees, managing approximately £3m in labour spend.
• Conduct operational analysis on container unload processes, implementing improvements to increase efficiency and reduce errors.
• Monitor workforce attendance and performance metrics to support operational planning.

Assistant Manager - Starbucks at Welcome Break PLC (2019-10 – 2022-04)

• Led and developed a team of up to 20 colleagues, ensuring strong operational standards, high levels of customer service and effective labour planning. Delivered £1m annual sales performance, overseeing daily operations whilst maintaining strict brand and compliance standards.
• Operated within the busy motorway service environment alongside multiple national food and retail brands.
• Drove merchandise sales performance through coaching and customer engagement, resulting in the store ranking #1 in the business for merchandise sales and Grande/Venti upsell by year-end.
• Managed the implementation and training of a new EPOS system, improving stock control and reducing wastage to below the 0.7% KPI target.
• Implemented the Attensi training platform, improving colleague engagement and product knowledge to enhance the customer experience.

Assistant Manager - Costa Coffee at Roadchef Motorways Ltd (2013-11 – 2019-10)

• Led and developed team members while supporting store performance through sales growth, operational efficiency and strong commercial results.
• Conducted weekly internal brand audits, identifying opportunities to improve the customer experience and maintain brand compliance.
• Monitored KPIs, loss prevention processes and health & safety compliance, ensuring operational standard and legal requirements were consistently met.

Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Media Development – Blackpool & Fylde College (2015)