Head of Depot Operations - Ashford

RHENUS HIGH TECH LIMITED; Ashford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

RHENUS HIGH TECH LIMITED is seeking an experienced Depot Operations Leader to oversee daily depot activities, ensuring efficient planning, loading, and compliance with Operator’s Licence and DVSA rules. The role focuses on driving continuous improvement and staff development within a high-demand logistics environment.

You will partner with Transport/Warehouse teams, manage HR processes, and deliver KPI-driven results while maintaining strong safety and operational standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years working in a similar role.
• Proven track record of delivering improvements in an operational environment.
• Strong commercial acumen and budgeting experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Experience in recruiting and developing a team.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage day-to-day depot operations to ensure best practices.
• Collaborate with Transport/Warehouse Management to optimise planning and loading.
• Analyse internal costs and vehicle productivity, reporting findings.
• Ensure compliance with Operator’s Licence requirements and DVSA rules.
• Provide strategic direction for depot logistics operations and audits.
• Lead HR processes including recruitment, onboarding and development of staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

MS Office (Word, Excel)

Team management

Planning & organisation

Data analysis

Time management

Autonomy & teamwork

Logistics knowledge

Education

Certificate of Professional Competence - IRHO

Forklift license

FORS Practitioner

DVSA / HGV knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Job description

What You Can Expect :Monitor and manage the day-to-day depot operations ensuring best practice for all depot activity.Work with Transport/Warehouse Management to ensure efficient planning and loading practices are adopted.Analyse and report on internal costs and vehicle productivity.Ensure that the requirements of the Operator’s Licence are always adhered to.Provide strategic direction for depot logistics operations.Ensure the depot is set for the following day’s business at the end of each day.Ensure depot security is always maintained.Ensure all operational staff are trained in correct working practices and training records are up to date. This includes eLearning training.Ensure all staff adhere to all health and safety guidelines.Maximise staff efficiency across all depot operations.Ensure all workspaces are meticulously maintained throughout the day.Monitor staff attendance, absence, and holiday.Ensure timely, quality communication between Transport/Warehouse teams, and all internal departments.Complete quarterly Depot audits.Complete weekly and monthly KPI reports.Work closely with management counterparts to ensure smooth implementation of new business.Review and address all operational issues in line with company and customer SLA’s.Ensure process changes are communicated to all depot and partner operations staff.Schedule and chair monthly operational meetings with internal department managers.With the support of HR, oversee all aspects of HR and disciplinary procedures for the Depot Operations. Attend a monthly HR meeting.Responsible for recruiting, onboarding, and development of new operational staff.Monitor and report on maintenance spend, including tools, tackle, and consumables.Responsible for depot facilities and raising purchase orders on external suppliers for repair/maintenance work. Ensuring all records and certification is saved in the correct locations. Support the Transport Office Supervisor and Warehouse Manager to conduct team meetings.Work with the transport/warehouse management to ensure Loler testing is completed, and records updated.Responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the buildings/alarms systemsEnsure reviews and personal development programmes are being completed for all staff.Complete occasional customer site inspections and site audits.Support HSEQ Manager with external audits.Responsible for managing company uniform and personal protective equipment.Review monthly internal audits for actions.Forecast planning with internal department managers to support for peak periods and operational demand.Ensure strong communication with the finance department.Be available on call for alarms, out of hours work and weekends.Responsible for vehicle investment renewal proposals. Forward plan at least 3 years in advance.Ensure stock integrity is maintained through accurate booking in/out and storage.Ensure efficient and compliant waste management processes are always adopted.Ensure safe operating practices for forklift trucks and other plant/machinery.Maintain forklift truck license records.Ensure stock checks and cycle counts are completed in line with internal and client SLAs.Monitor and report on staff productivity.Manage transport partners including, onboarding, annual reviews focusing on performance, quality, costs and any training requiredUndertake periodic vehicle inspections and vehicle load inspections.Source external training providers.What You Bring:Key Skills and Experience:Minimum 5 years working in a similar role.Proven track record of delivering continuous improvement within an operational environment.Strong commercial acumen.Excellent communication skills.Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Word, and Excel applications.Experience of managing, recruiting, and developing a team.Experience of preparing investment proposals.Strong management, motivational and leadership skills.Excellent planning, organisation, and communication skills.Strong analytical skills.Ability to analyse data and identify performance trends.Exceptional time management and organisational skills.Ability to work autonomously and part of a team.A sound understanding of the high teach transport and logistics industry.Solid knowledge of transport legislation and DVSA complianceExperience of all aspects of vehicle procurementManaging and maintaining FORS accreditation.Qualifications:Full clean driver's license (class 1 HGV desirable)Certificate of Professional Competence, International Road Haulage Operations, (desirable )Forklift license (desirable)FORS Practitioner (desirable)