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.