Depot Manager jobs
Running a logistics depot is often a 24/7 job, and the depot manager need to put in place and maintain systems that ensure key performance indicator targets are met, and that the depot can “run itself” when management is not present (particularly if a shift management system is not in place). While there will be contact with clients, much of the ordering and fulfilment will be dealt with by sales and accounts staff, both at the depot and at head office. The depot manager’s role will be more involved with the running of the actual depot, ensuring the company’s long-term goals are met and keeping within budget.
Where operational change is required, the depot manager might have the freedom and a budget to implement it, although in many cases regional and head offices will assume such powers. The role might also involve hiring staff and ensuring that they continue to perform to a high standard, as well as overseeing security and health and safety on site.
Ultimately, the depot manager will be projecting the company’s ethos and expected level of customer service to the clients, as it may well be his or her staff that they have the majority of their contact with.
The skills required
Successful candidates for depot managerial positions will have a proven ability to run large, complex and fast-moving operations smoothly and profitably. As manager, you might be expected to deal with any issues that arise with customers without taking them to the regional or head office level, so good problem-solving and diplomacy skills will be essential.
You will need to be able to control a budget and keep firm control over the depot’s accounts to ensure efficient and profitable running of your arm of the company’s logistics operation. You will also need to be able to motivate and reward staff under your control.
Depot Manager Jobs in Hemel Hempstead
After World War 2, the government set about a programme of building New Towns around the UK to re-house those made homeless by the Blitz. One of the towns built for Londoners was Hemel Hempstead, although a village of the same name had existed there since before medieval times. The town is situated 20 miles (33 km) north west of the centre of London and 10 miles (17 km) south of Luton, with St Albans just to the east.
The town has a shopping centre in the middle, and to the north east there is a large industrial complex called the Hemel Hempstead Industrial Estate. The estate came to worldwide prominence in December 2005 when there was a massive explosion at the Buncefield oil storage terminal. The explosion was supposed to be so loud that it was heard on mainland Europe; the sky glowed and a pall of black smoke covered drifted over London; thousands of properties were damaged. As well as being a depot for forecourt tankers, the depot had pipelines going directly to Heathrow Airport, which had to ration fuel and caused some travel disruption.
The depot was such an important part of the nation’s fuel infrastructure that it was ordered to be rebuilt, and it continues to grow as new parts are brought on stream. The rest of the industrial park continues to rebuild, and the town remains an important element in the UK’s supply system. With such good connections to London by road and rail, and with Luton Airport just up the M1, the town is well placed to continue growing. It’s not unusual for Depot Manager jobs to come up in Hemel Hempstead, so it’s worth checking with us if you are looking.
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Cast UK’s logistics opportunities
With our founder members coming from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, and our consultants also coming from the same fields, Cast UK understand the needs of employers and candidates alike. As we only deal with these connected fields, we have become a go-to recruitment consultancy for many employers, many of whom trust us to create a shortlist through our in-house personnel management.
Candidates approach us looking for work for a range of reasons, from seeking fulfilment to moving house to looking for a promotion. The positions we offer cover the whole of the UK, so please check out what’s available in your region and feel free to get in touch if you’ve seen something you’re interested in – we might just have your dream job on offer!
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Depot Manager for your business or find you a job as a Depot Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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