Field Based Depot Manager

Howdens; Epsom; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Howdens Joinery, the UK’s leading Trade Kitchen Supplier, is seeking a Designate Depot Manager to support a group of depots across the South London area while completing hands-on training.

You’ll gain experience across all depot operations—from sales and customer service to stock, warehouse and people management—and will move into a permanent Depot Manager role when ready. This role is fast-paced, with autonomy and a clear path to progression.

Qualifications

• Previous management experience in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team.
• Ability to spot new opportunities to grow sales.
• Hands-on problem-solver with practical approach.
• Strong communication skills for building local trade relationships.
• Full UK Driving licence and willingness to travel between depots during training.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the day-to-day running of multiple depots.
• Learning all areas of depot operations through hands-on experience.
• Identifying sales opportunities and helping improve depot performance.
• Reviewing P&L performance and understanding how to manage a depot budget.
• Getting involved in recruitment, coaching and motivating your team.
• Building strong relationships with local trade customers.
• Leading by example in a fast-paced, competitive and rewarding environment.
• Creating a positive team culture where people feel supported and motivated.

Skills

Management experience

Team leadership

Sales growth

Problem solving

Strong communication

Driving licence

Job description

Join Howdens, the UK’s leading Trade Kitchen Supplier

This role is a great opportunity for anyone looking to take the next step in their career within Howdens. Colleagues with experience supporting depot operations, including those currently working as Assistant Depot Managers may find this a natural progression as it provides the exposure and development needed to step into a future Depot Manager role.

We’re looking for a Designate Depot Manager, where you’ll support a group of depots across the South London area while completing hands‑on training that prepares you to run your own depot. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys variety, learning on the job and working with different teams.

You’ll be involved in the day‑to‑day running of our depots, gaining experience across all areas of operations from sales and customer service to stock, warehouse and people management. Once you’ve completed your training and a suitable opportunity becomes available, you’ll step into a permanent Depot Manager position.

As a manager‑led business, our Depot Managers have real autonomy and make decisions that directly impact the success of their depot. It’s fast‑paced, competitive and commercially focused, but also hugely rewarding both financially and in the strong sense of team spirit across our network.

What we are looking for:

• Previous management experience in a fast‑paced, customer‑focused environment


• Someone who can lead, motivate and develop a team


• Ability to spot new opportunities to grow sales


• A problem‑solver who takes a hands‑on approach


• Great communication skills with the ability to build strong local trade relationships


• Full UK Driving licence and flexibility to travel across depots during training

What you will be doing:

• Supporting the day‑to‑day running of multiple depots


• Learning all areas of depot operations through hands‑on experience


• Identifying sales opportunities and helping improve depot performance


• Reviewing P&L performance and understanding how to manage a depot budget


• Getting involved in recruitment, coaching and motivating your team


• Building strong relationships with local trade customers


• Leading by example in a fast‑paced, competitive and rewarding environment


• Creating a positive team culture where people feel supported and motivated

About Howdens:
Howdens Joinery is a highly successful FTSE 100 business, with more than 900 depots nationwide and more than 11,000 staff. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we continue to experience significant growth and success. Despite our scale, Howdens remains a local business with traditional values.
There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast‑paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email [e-mail] with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

Please note that candidates applying for this role must have a valid right to work in the UK, we do not offer sponsorship of employment for any depot positions at this time. We appreciate your understanding.