Depot Manager
Reporting into the Operations Director & General Manager
Purpose of the Role
To lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the depot, ensuring all traffic management equipment, vehicles, plant, materials, and facilities are maintained, organised, and available to support operational requirements. The Depot Manager will be responsible for depot performance, asset control, stock management, fleet readiness, housekeeping, health & safety compliance, and the management of depot personnel.
The role will work closely with the Transport Manager to support fleet operations whilst maintaining clear accountability for depot activities, asset management, and operational readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Depot Operations
- Manage the daily operation of the depot and yard, ensuring a safe, efficient, and well-organised working environment.
- Ensure all vehicles, equipment, and materials are available to meet operational requirements.
- Implement and maintain effective yard layouts, storage systems, and traffic management arrangements.
- Manage depot opening and closing procedures.
- Control site access, security arrangements, keys, and alarm systems.
- Conduct regular depot inspections and implement corrective actions where required.
- Ensure effective management of waste disposal, recycling, and environmental controls.
- Coordinate emergency and out-of-hours depot support where required.
Asset & Equipment Management
- Maintain accurate records of all traffic management assets and equipment.
- Manage stock levels and availability of:
- Barriers
- Cones
- Signs
- Temporary Traffic Signals
- Batteries
- VMS Equipment
- Safety Equipment
- Temporary Traffic Management Consumables
- Carry out regular stock counts, audits, and reconciliations.
- Manage the lifecycle of assets from purchase through to disposal.
- Monitor damaged equipment and ensure appropriate repair, quarantine, replacement, or disposal.
- Investigate asset losses and implement controls to reduce damage, theft, and wastage.
- Maintain asset registers and support periodic verification exercises.
Fleet Readiness & Depot Support
- Work closely with the Transport Manager to ensure vehicles are operationally ready for deployment.
- Ensure vehicles are clean, fuelled, equipped, and prepared for operational requirements.
- Support vehicle inspection and defect reporting processes.
- Maintain fleet availability and VOR reporting records.
- Coordinate vehicle movements to and from garages, workshops, and suppliers.
- Assist with scheduling vehicles for servicing, repairs, inspections, and maintenance activities.
- Liaise with garages, suppliers, hire providers, and maintenance contractors as required.
- Ensure vehicle-mounted equipment and depot-installed systems are maintained and operational.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure depot operations comply with:
- Health & Safety legislation
- Company policies and procedures
- Chapter 8 requirements
- PUWER regulations
- Environmental legislation
- Company quality standards
- Conduct regular depot safety inspections and workplace audits.
- Ensure PPE standards are maintained and enforced.
- Investigate and report accidents, incidents, near misses, and damage events.
- Ensure corrective actions arising from audits and inspections are completed within agreed timescales.
- Promote a positive safety culture throughout the depot.
Team Management
- Lead, manage, and develop depot-based personnel including yard operatives, mechanics, and depot support staff.
- Manage attendance, performance, conduct, and training requirements.
- Conduct regular toolbox talks, team briefings, and safety communications.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and induction activities.
- Develop succession planning and skills development within the depot team.
- Foster a positive and collaborative working environment.
Transport & Logistics Support
- Coordinate vehicle and equipment allocations to operational requirements.
- Ensure loading and preparation activities are completed accurately and efficiently.
- Support operational planning teams by providing accurate information on vehicle and equipment availability.
- Monitor fleet and asset utilisation and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Support operational teams with urgent and emergency resource requirements.
Financial & Cost Control
- Manage depot expenditure within approved budgets.
- Monitor fuel usage and identify opportunities to reduce waste.
- Control depot-related repair and maintenance costs.
- Manage consumable stock efficiently to minimise waste and unnecessary expenditure.
- Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives and operational efficiencies.
- Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
Reporting & Performance Management
Produce weekly and monthly reports covering:
- Fleet Availability
- Vehicle Readiness
- VOR Status
- Asset Utilisation
- Stock Accuracy
- Depot Compliance
- Fuel Consumption
- Asset Damage & Losses
- Depot Housekeeping Scores
- HSEQ Actions
- Depot Costs vs Budget
- Depot KPIs
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Previous experience managing a depot, yard, logistics, fleet, or operational environment.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Experience managing stock, assets, and operational resources.
- Good understanding of Health & Safety requirements.
- Competent IT skills including Microsoft Office and operational management systems.
Desirable
- Traffic Management industry experience.
- Chapter 8 awareness.
- IOSH Managing Safely.
- Experience managing vehicle fleets and operational equipment.
- Experience with Samsara, REPS, or similar management systems.
Pay: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
