Depot Manager

First Military Recruitment Ltd; New Addington; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

First Military Recruitment are seeking an experienced Depot Manager for a busy depot. You will oversee day-to-day operations, lead a multi-disciplinary team and ensure safety, quality and customer service.

This hands-on leadership role requires a strong understanding of plant machinery, equipment maintenance and asset management, with a focus on cost control and performance against KPIs. Ex-military candidates are encouraged to apply, and experienced leaders are welcome.

Qualifications

• Experience in general, depot or operations management.
• Strong leadership and multi-disciplinary team management skills.
• Experience budgeting, cost control and improving profitability.
• Good understanding of health, safety and environmental requirements for depot operations.
• Proven ability to maintain ISO quality management and ensure regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day depot operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Maintain ISO quality management systems and processes.
• Monitor stock and equipment availability to meet customer needs.
• Coordinate delivery, servicing, maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Lead and develop the depot team across engineering, drivers, admin and yard.
• Set objectives, monitor performance and conduct regular reviews.
• Manage workforce planning and staff schedules, including recruitment.
• Promote a positive, accountable and performance-driven culture.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare fortnightly reports detailing depot performance and KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement and control operating costs.

Skills

General Management

Depot Management

Operations Management

Leadership

Budgeting

Health & Safety

Communication

Fleet & Equipment

Customer Service

IT Systems

Education

Leadership/Management qualification

IOSH/NEBOSH qualification

Job description

JS389 Depot Manager

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 p/yr

Location: Biggin Hill

Overview

First Military Recruitment are currently seeking an experienced Depot Manager on behalf of one of our clients.

The successful candidate will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of a busy depot, ensuring operational efficiency, commercial performance and high standards of customer service.

This is a hands-on leadership position requiring a strong understanding of plant machinery and equipment, together with the ability to lead and develop a diverse team across engineering, logistics, administration and yard operations.

The Depot Manager will play a key role in driving operational standards, maintaining health and safety compliance, controlling costs and ensuring the depot consistently delivers against business objectives.

Our client strongly encourages applications from Ex-Military personnel; however, all candidates will be considered.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the depot, ensuring operational activities are delivered efficiently, safely and in accordance with company procedures.


• Ensure ISO quality management systems and processes are consistently maintained and followed.


• Monitor stock and equipment availability to ensure customer requirements are met.


• Coordinate the efficient delivery, servicing, maintenance and repair of equipment.


• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity and service delivery.


• Lead, motivate and develop the depot team, including management, administration, engineers, drivers and yard personnel.


• Set clear objectives, monitor performance and conduct regular reviews to support individual and team development.


• Manage workforce planning and staff schedules, ensuring appropriate resource levels to meet operational demands.


• Take responsibility for recruitment and selection of depot personnel.


• Promote a positive, accountable and performance-driven working environment.


• Build and maintain effective relationships with key customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.


• Ensure consistently high standards of customer service and respond effectively to operational or service-related issues.


• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider organisation to support business objectives and improve the customer experience.


• Ensure the depot operates in accordance with all relevant health, safety and environmental legislation and company policies.


• Oversee regular safety inspections and audits, identifying potential risks and ensuring appropriate corrective actions are implemented.


• Ensure plant and equipment are maintained, inspected and operated in line with relevant industry standards and manufacturer recommendations.


• Promote a strong health and safety culture throughout the depot.


• Manage the depot budget, maintaining control over operating expenditure and financial performance.


• Monitor and report on key performance indicators relating to productivity, profitability, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.


• Identify and implement opportunities to reduce costs, improve margins and maximise operational performance.


• Ensure resources are utilised effectively to support the depot's commercial objectives.


• Monitor equipment utilisation and availability, ensuring assets deployed effectively and efficiently.


• Identify requirements for capital investment, replacement equipment and improvements to depot facilities.


• Provide recommendations and supporting information to Senior Management regarding asset investment and operational requirements.


• Produce and submit fortnightly reports to Senior Management detailing depot performance, operational activity and key performance indicators.


• Contribute to wider organisational initiatives aimed at improving customer experience, quality, productivity and operational standards.


• Drive a culture of continuous improvement across all areas of depot operations.

Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience in a General Management, Depot Management or Operations Management position, ideally within the plant hire, heavy equipment, construction or associated industries.


• Strong understanding of heavy plant machinery and equipment, including maintenance, servicing, repairs and rental operations.


• Demonstrable experience leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams.


• Strong commercial awareness, with experience managing budgets, controlling costs and improving operational profitability.


• Sound knowledge of health, safety and environmental requirements relevant to depot or plant operations.


• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to manage competing priorities.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with customers, suppliers and employees.


• Confident using computer-based systems for operational management, scheduling, reporting and performance monitoring.


• A proactive and hands-on approach, with a strong focus on accountability, customer service and operational excellence.


• IOSH or NEBOSH health and safety qualification.


• Experience in fleet management or plant and equipment rental operations.


• Recognised leadership or management qualification