Depot Manager

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Depot Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a busy depot. This is an opportunity for a capable operational leader to take responsibility for team performance, health and safety, stock management and the efficient movement of goods, while maintaining high standards of customer service.

You will play a key role in ensuring the depot operates safely, efficiently and in line with company procedures, legal requirements and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Depot Operations

• Oversee all day-to-day warehouse and yard activities, ensuring the efficient receipt, storage, handling and dispatch of goods.
• Manage goods in, goods out, customer collections and returned merchandise.
• Ensure deliveries are checked against the relevant documentation, stock is stored correctly and stock rotation procedures are followed where applicable.
• Oversee picking, packing, labelling and loading activities, ensuring goods are handled safely and accurately.
• Monitor stock levels, conduct stock checks and investigate discrepancies or damage.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and organised warehouse, yard and office environment.

Team Leadership

• Lead, supervise and support depot employees, creating a positive team environment and leading by example.
• Ensure employees complete the necessary inductions and follow company procedures.
• Plan staffing rotas and arrange appropriate cover for holidays, sickness and breaks.
• Identify training needs and support the development of the team.
• Assist with recruitment and selection of depot employees when required and approved.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Take responsibility for operational health and safety across the depot, including employees, contractors and visitors.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, company procedures and health and safety requirements.
• Conduct and action regular audits, working with external health and safety support where required.
• Ensure vehicles, forklifts and other equipment are used safely, maintained appropriately and subject to the necessary checks.
• Ensure daily vehicle and forklift checks are completed and issues are escalated appropriately.
• Ensure relevant driver and vehicle tachograph downloads are completed on time.
• Report accidents, incidents and other operational concerns.

Performance and Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements to warehouse and yard processes to increase efficiency.
• Monitor picking, loading and stock performance against operational requirements.
• Manage expenditure within agreed budgets and report potential cost implications.
• Maintain effective communication with transport, purchasing, finance, customer service and other relevant departments.
• Provide regular operational updates to the Operations Manager, highlighting issues, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Help maintain high standards of customer service and ensure customer requirements are met.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

• Experience managing or supervising a depot, warehouse, yard or similar operational environment.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Good knowledge of warehouse operations, stock control and goods handling.
• A sound understanding of health and safety and operational compliance.
• Excellent planning, organisation and coordination skills.
• Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
• The ability to identify problems, make practical decisions and implement improvements.
• An understanding of budgets, expenditure and operational performance.
• Competence in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, together with the ability to learn and use operational systems.

A recognised management qualification, a current forklift or telescopic handler licence, and relevant product knowledge would be advantageous. A valid driving licence is required.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a practical, organised and accountable manager who enjoys being involved in day-to-day operations while keeping sight of the bigger picture. You will be confident taking ownership, maintaining standards and working collaboratively with colleagues across the business.

If you have the leadership skills and operational experience to help a depot perform at its best, we would welcome your application.