Kelly Johnston

Senior operations, distribution and supply chain leader with more than 18 years of management experience across national distribution, multi-site operations, warehousing, fulfilment and parcel logistics. Track record of taking ownership of complex and underperforming operations, stabilising performance and delivering measurable improvements in output, capacity, engagement and service. Experienced in leading >95 associates concurrently across a National Distribution Centre and geographically dispersed regional operations, with strong capability in operational transformation, automation, continuous improvement, third-party management, ERP/WMS change and leadership development.

Combines hands-on operational credibility with strategic change leadership and commercial awareness.

NDC Dispensing Manager - Fittleworth Medical - Nottingham

(2023-05)

Senior operational leadership of the National Distribution Centre dispensing operation within a regulated healthcare environment. Accountable for a 24/5 operating model, operational performance, people leadership, capacity, service continuity and delivery of major transformation initiatives.

• Transformed a severely underperforming operation, increasing daily operational output by 53% while strengthening productivity, service capacity and operational control.
• Increased machine-cutting capacity by 87% through centralisation, process redesign and operational optimisation.
• Held concurrent leadership responsibility for >95 associates across the NDC and Scotland/Central regional operations during overlapping responsibilities.
• Led operational workstreams across Microsoft Dynamics implementation and the transition toward Advanced Warehousing / pick-direct ways of working.
• Delivered significant site and capacity change including mezzanine expansion, office refurbishment, process alignment, centralised cutting and trade-customer integration.
• Led freight, agency and third-party operational relationships, resolving service issues and supporting continuity through periods of significant change and growth.
• Built leadership capability and accountability through coaching, engagement and succession planning, creating stronger operational ownership across the team.
• Partnered cross-functionally with supply chain, customer service, IT and other business functions to deliver operational readiness and sustainable change.

Scotland & Central Regional Operations Manager - Fittleworth Medical - Scotland & Central England

(2021-11 - 2024-10)

Regional leadership responsibility across 13 Care Centres, with accountability for operational performance, service delivery, people leadership, cost control and implementation of business change across a geographically dispersed network.

• Led operational performance across 13 Care Centres throughout Scotland and Central England, improving consistency, communication and local accountability.
• Managed the regional operation concurrently with NDC responsibilities for a period, taking combined leadership responsibility for >95 associates across multiple sites and operating environments.
• Improved employee engagement in the Scotland & Central region from 6.7 to 9.3 through visible leadership, stronger communication, coaching and team development.
• Led teams through significant operational change, including regional process alignment and business transformation initiatives.
• Managed freight, service-provider and supplier relationships while supporting regional budget control, stock availability and service continuity.
• Worked with central functions and senior stakeholders to translate business objectives into practical operational delivery across the region.

Scotland Operations Manager - Fittleworth Medical - Scotland

(2020-03 - 2021-11)

Led operational delivery across the Scotland network, with responsibility for people, service, performance and implementation of operational standards during a period of significant business change.

• Strengthened operational consistency and local accountability across the Scotland network.
• Led teams through service and process change while maintaining customer continuity and operational performance.
• Developed managers and frontline teams through coaching, performance management and clear operational standards.

Distribution & Operations Manager - Direct Distribution

(2018-05 - 2020-03)

Managed warehouse, fulfilment, distribution and field operations, combining day-to-day delivery with supplier, customer and third-party relationship management.

• Introduced scanning technology through a third-party application, improving operational visibility and control.
• Supported a freight-provider transition and negotiated improved hotel rates, strengthening cost management and operational resilience.
• Managed inventory, resource planning, supplier relationships and service expectations across a fast-moving distribution environment.

Customer Service Advisor / De-Brief Clerk - DPD UK

(2014-09 - 2017-03)

Director & Co-Founder - Reflex Enterprise Ltd

(2014-02 - 2017-03)

Operations Manager - Citylink

(2012-11 - 2014-09)

Director & Shareholder - RFT Logistics Ltd

(2011-11 - 2012-05)

Shift Manager - Yodel

(2008-02 - 2012-05)

Service Coordinator - Assure Alarms

(2004-02 - 2008-02)

Level 7 Professional Diploma - Supply Chain Management - Institute of Supply Chain Management (IOSCM) (2026-09)

BA (Hons) - Business Management - Glasgow Caledonian University

HND - Business Management - South Lanarkshire College

HNC - Business Management - South Lanarkshire College