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 are 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