Job Overview
Are you a decisive leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment? We are looking for an experienced Depot Manager to take full accountability for the leadership, safety, and financial success of our depot.
As the heart of our regional operations, you will manage everything from P&L performance and fleet utilization to workshop efficiency and team development. You will lead by example, fostering a positive culture of accountability, teamwork, and high standards, whilst delivering exceptional service to our customers.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Culture
· Lead & Motivate: Oversee day-to-day operations, creating a productive workspace that keeps staff turnover low and morale high.
· Performance Management: Monitor daily outputs across the hire desk, workshop, and yard, addressing underperformance constructively.
· Growth & Training: Ensure all mandatory training, certifications, and annual performance reviews are completed on time.
Financial & Commercial Performance
· P&L Accountability: Manage the depot budget, controlling overheads, transport costs, and workshop spend.
· Fleet Optimization: Maximize financial and physical fleet utilization against set company benchmarks.
· Sales Collaboration: Partner with Regional Sales Managers to price enquiries accurately and drive profitable depot growth.
Operational & Service Excellence
· Fleet Availability: Minimize equipment downtime between collection and being made "ready for hire" (RFH).
· Logistics Efficiency: Optimize delivery and collection routes to manage fuel costs, driver hours, and third-party transport spend.
· Stock Control: Maintain strict inventory management over spare parts, consumables, and safety gear to minimize variances.
· Customer Service: Act as the ultimate escalation point for regional customer issues, securing swift and professional resolutions.
· Health, Safety & Compliance
· Champion Safety: Command authority on Health & Safety, ensuring 100% compliance with safe working practices, risk assessments, and COSHH registers.
· Audits & Legislation: Maintain excellent ratings in transport, safety, and LOLER/PUWER audits.
· Incident Management: Oversee immediate investigations into equipment defects, transport incidents, or near-misses alongside the Compliance Manager.
What We Are Looking For
· Industry Experience: Proven track record in depot management within the Hire industry (experience in powered access is highly desirable).
· Decisive Leadership: Ability to delegate efficiently across engineering and admin teams, making high-pressure decisions quickly. Experience of managing teams of 25+ people
· Commercial Sharpness: A strong acumen and understanding of the financial impact of operational choices (e.g., sub-hiring vs. delivery breakdowns). Experience in managing operational budgets and using KPIs to drive performance and improve operational standards.
· Resilience & Adaptability: A calm, measured approach to managing conflicting priorities in a fast-paced logistics environment. Experience in leading and managing change.
· Safety First Mindset: A professional who never cuts corners on safety and actively challenges unsafe practices.
What we offer
- Competitive salary based on experience with performance related bonus
- Company vehicle + Fuel Card or Car Allowance
- 33 days holidays, inclusive of public holidays and a festive shut-down period
- Life insurance
- Health Insurance
- Company pension
- Health & Wellbeing programme
- Ongoing leadership development and career progression with a growing national business
Why Join Summit Platforms -
At Summit Platforms, we're committed to building a business where people can develop long-term careers. We invest heavily in our fleet, our technology and, most importantly, our people.
You'll be joining a business that empowers its managers to make decisions, encourages continuous improvement and recognises success. If you enjoy leading teams, driving operational excellence and making a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.
As the UK's largest independent provider of powered access equipment, telescopic handlers, and associated training services. We operate one of the youngest fleets in the industry and have built a reputation as one of the UK's leading service providers.
Pay: £60,000.00-£70,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
