Lead Depot Operations & Safety

William Jackson Food Group Limited; Harlow; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday

Employee discounts

Cycle to Work Scheme

Volunteer day

Charity payroll donations

Holiday Purchase Scheme

Employee assistance services

Job summary

Wellocks, part of the William Jackson Food Group, is seeking an experienced Depot Manager to lead the Harlow transport operation and drive performance, safety, and service excellence across the depot.

You will own depot KPIs, manage budgets, and develop your team through coaching and training, while ensuring compliance with UK transport regulations and maintaining a safe working environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in transport, logistics, or distribution management.
• Strong knowledge of UK transport compliance and operational practices.
• Transport Manager CPC (preferred).
• Health & Safety qualification (IOSH/NEBOSH desirable).

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the depot, ensuring an efficient, reliable fleet operation.
• Plan and manage resources including drivers, vehicles, and routes.
• Deliver excellent service to both internal and external customers.
• Promote a positive, high-performing team culture focused on engagement and retention.
• Ensure full compliance with UK transport legislation (drivers’ hours, tachographs, O-licence requirements).
• Maintain vehicle roadworthiness through effective maintenance and defect management.
• Lead on health & safety, including risk assessments and incident investigations.
• Support audits and ensure actions are completed in a timely manner.
• Lead, coach, and develop your team through regular 1:1s and performance reviews.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and training to build a capable and compliant team.
• Foster strong communication across the depot and wider network.
• Handle employee relations matters professionally and fairly.
• Own depot KPIs, analysing performance and delivering improvement plans.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and identify efficiencies.
• Drive continuous improvement and implement best practice processes.
• Maintain accurate reporting and operational records.

Skills

Leadership

Planning & Organisation

Data-driven

Stakeholder management

Communication

Tools

Excel

Operational systems

Job description

Wellocks, part of the William Jackson Food Group, is seeking an experienced Depot Manager to lead the Harlow transport operation and drive performance, safety, and service excellence across the depot.

You will own depot KPIs, manage budgets, and develop your team through coaching and training, while ensuring compliance with UK transport regulations and maintaining a safe working environment.