Head of Depot Operations

Stewart Johnson Partners Limited; Ashford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6% employer pension contribution

22 days’ annual leave

On-site depot location

Job summary

Stewart Johnson Partners Limited is seeking an experienced Head of Depot Operations in Ashford, Middlesex. The role oversees warehouse, transport and depot functions, balancing service, compliance, and cost control while driving improvements.

You will lead teams, manage budgets and ensure safety and regulatory compliance, reporting to the Country Manager. The position is permanent and on-site with a Monday–Friday schedule.

Qualifications

• At least five years in depot/transport/logistics leadership.
• Ability to recruit, develop and manage teams and improve operations.
• Strong commercial judgement with cost control and investment planning.
• Solid knowledge of transport legislation, DVSA compliance and FORS accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily warehouse, transport and depot operations including planning, loading, stock accuracy and site security.
• Manage and develop operational teams, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement using KPI reporting, cost analysis and productivity data.
• Ensure compliance with transport legislation, DVSA, Operator’s Licence and FORS standards.
• Plan resources for peak demand and new business to meet customer SLAs.
• Oversee depot facilities, maintenance, audits and safe working practices.

Skills

Team leadership

Commercial judgement

Analytical skills

Planning and organisation

Communication skills

DVSA compliance

FORS accreditation

Vehicle procurement

Education

Certificate of Professional Competence in International Road Haulage Operations

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Head of Depot Operations

Salary - Up to £55,000 DOE

Hours - Monday to Friday | 42.5 hours per week

Location - Ashford, Middlesex

Contract - Permanent, full-time

We are recruiting for an experienced Head of Depot Operations to take responsibility for warehouse, transport and depot operations at an established specialist logistics business in Ashford, Middlesex. This is a senior operational role combining team leadership, commercial decision-making and continuous improvement.

About the Company

Our client provides specialist transport and logistics services, supporting customers with demanding operational and service requirements. The business is looking for a commercially minded leader who can keep day-to-day operations running safely and efficiently while improving performance across the depot.

Reporting to the Country Manager, you will work closely with the Warehouse Manager, Transport Office Supervisor and colleagues across other UK depots.

The Role

You will lead the depot operation, balancing customer service, compliance, productivity and cost control. Your remit will cover people, fleet, facilities and warehouse processes, with responsibility for planning resources and maintaining service standards.

• Lead daily warehouse, transport and depot operations, including planning, loading, stock accuracy and site security.
• Manage and develop operational teams, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, training, attendance and performance with HR support.
• Drive continuous improvement and use KPI reporting, cost analysis and vehicle productivity data to improve efficiency.
• Maintain compliance with transport legislation, DVSA requirements, the Operator’s Licence, FORS and health and safety standards.
• Plan resources for peak demand and new business, working with internal teams to meet customer SLAs.
• Oversee depot facilities, maintenance spend, equipment inspections, audits and safe working practices.
• Prepare fleet investment and vehicle renewal proposals, manage transport partners and support longer-term operational planning.
• Lead operational meetings and maintain clear communication across warehouse, transport, finance and wider teams.

What We Are Looking For

• At least five years’ experience in a similar depot, transport or logistics operations leadership role.
• A proven record of leading, recruiting and developing teams, with evidence of improving operational performance.
• Strong commercial judgement, analytical skills and experience of cost control, vehicle procurement and investment proposals.
• Solid knowledge of transport legislation, DVSA compliance, Operator’s Licence requirements and maintaining FORS accreditation.
• An understanding of specialist high-tech transport and logistics, strong planning and communication skills, and confidence using Word and Excel.
• A full clean driving licence and a Certificate of Professional Competence in International Road Haulage Operations. A Class 1 HGV licence, forklift licence and FORS Practitioner qualification are desirable.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary up to £55,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Monday to Friday, 42.5 hours per week.
• 22 days’ annual leave.
• 6% employer pension contribution.
• Based at the Ashford, Middlesex depot.
• Availability for on-call support, alarms, out-of-hours work and weekends is required when needed.

Why Apply

An opportunity to take ownership of a broad depot operation, influence fleet and resource decisions, and make measurable improvements to service, safety and profitability. The role will suit an experienced operational leader who enjoys developing people and taking responsibility for results.