Distribution Assistant (12-month FTC)

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Penguin Random House seeks a Distribution Assistant for a 12-month FTC in Colchester. The role covers stock checks, weekly packaging checks, SAP P2P PO creation and invoice coding, supplier liaison and courier coordination, and month end analysis to keep logistics running smoothly. The ideal candidate is highly organized, numerate and accurate with strong Excel skills and communication, able to work independently and in a team; SAP BY knowledge and warehouse familiarity are advantageous. Salary £24,729; five onsite days with potential remote work after probation. Apply with CV and a cover letter by 11:59 pm on Sunday 15 February, showing alignment with the essential criteria and noting any reasonable adjustments.

Distribution Assistant (12-month FTC)

We’re looking for a Distribution Assistant to join our busy Logistics team and play a key role in keeping our operations running smoothly. In this hands-on role, you’ll support a wide range of day-to-day logistics activities, from stock checks and counts to creating purchase orders and reconciling postal and freight invoices, ensuring accuracy and efficiency at every step. If you’re organised, detail-focused, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, this is a great opportunity to build experience within logistics and distribution.

This is a fixed-term opportunity for 12 months. We are ideally looking for someone to join the team in March 2026.

Key responsibilities:

• Weekly Packaging Stock Check                                             
• Weekly Stock Procurement – Packaging Material & Pallets
• Daily logging of postal data - Royal Mail, Arvato
• Weekly reconciliation & analysis of packaging/supplier invoices (various)
• Raising PO’s (SAP P2P) and Coding Invoices (SAP P2P)
• Seeking new suppliers whilst building & maintaining existing supplier relationships
• Full month end packaging stock take.
• Supporting with obtaining Courier quotes and arranging couriers. With all departments involved, raising the PO on SAP P2P and finally supplying the POD
• Update and amend stock figures.
• Weekly and monthly reconciliation & analysis of postal & freight invoices for selected Transport.
• Complete and compile month end Packaging Analysis
• Compile month end packaging, freight & courier re-charges

• The ability to cover all other logistics tasks

What you’ll bring

Essential criteria:

• Strong Excel skills                                                                                                           
• High numerate and accurate with figures. Strong with data entry.                            
• Excellent organisation and communication skills.
• Works effectively and inclusively with a range of people, both within and outside of the organisation.
• Works as an individual and part of a team.
• Demonstrates a good eye for detail.

Preferred criteria:

• Prior knowledge of SAP and BY is an advantage.                     
• TBS warehouse knowledge is an advantage.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the ‘What you’ll bring’ section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview. We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing [email protected]. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable with, for us to support your request. 

Application instructions

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Sunday 15th February.

Please ensure you include a cover letter, as it is a crucial part of our assessment process. The cover letter offers an opportunity to show how your experience and interests align with the role requirements. Typically, we expect the cover letter to be no more than one or two pages in length.

Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. When you apply for a position, we want to encourage you to showcase your unique voice. Throughout our recruitment process, please share your own thoughts, experiences, and skills. This helps us get a true sense of who you are and what you might bring to our team.

We celebrate creativity and diverse perspectives, so please be yourself! While we recognise AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your responses reflect you.

Salary

£24,729  

Hybrid working

While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect the successful candidate to work from our Frating based office five days per week. However, following the probationary period, the opportunity to work remotely for two days per week can be considered.

 Company: The Random House Group Limited | Job ID: 286419