At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop depot teams, drive operational excellence, and improve processes.
- Company: Cotteswold Dairy, a dynamic and people-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, flexible location, and 22 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Exciting multi-site role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Inspire teams, make a real impact, and shape the future of our operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership and a passion for developing people.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Is your CV ready? If so, and you are confident this is the role for you, make sure to apply asap.
Area Manager (Depots) at Cotteswold Dairy | Multi-Site Operations Leadership
- Salary: £55,000 per annum
- Car Allowance: £5,000 per annum
- Location: Flexible base, with regular travel between depot locations
- Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
- Hours: 40 hours per week, usually Monday to Friday, with flexibility required
- Holiday: 22 days plus 8 bank holidays
Lead People. Drive Performance. Make a Difference.
Are you an experienced operational leader who knows that great results start with great people? At Cotteswold Dairy, we're looking for a confident, approachable and commercially minded Area Manager to lead and develop our distribution depot management teams, strengthen operational performance and help shape the continued success of our business.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys being visible, supporting managers, improving processes and creating a positive, high-performing culture across multiple locations.
We're not simply looking for someone who can manage operations. We're looking for a leader who can inspire people, build accountability and bring out the best in their teams.
The Role
Reporting to the Commercial Manager, you'll take responsibility for the leadership and operational performance of our distribution depots (excluding our Tewkesbury site). Working closely with Depot Managers, you'll provide the guidance, coaching and direction needed to ensure each location operates safely, efficiently and consistently, while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.
This is a hands-on, multi-site leadership role requiring regular travel, a strong operational understanding and the ability to adapt your leadership style to different people and situations.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and developing people: Coach, support and challenge Depot Managers to build confident, capable and accountable teams.
- Driving operational excellence: Monitor performance, identify improvement opportunities and ensure depots operate efficiently and effectively.
- Creating a strong safety culture: Champion health and safety, food safety and compliance with relevant transport and environmental legislation.
- Improving processes: Apply continuous improvement and LEAN principles to reduce waste, improve productivity and strengthen operational consistency.
- Supporting commercial performance: Work collaboratively with Sales and other departments to ensure depot capacity, resources and operations support business demand.
- Developing future talent: Support recruitment, training, performance management.
Depot Area Manager in Stratford employer: Cotteswold Dairy
Cotteswold Dairy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-oriented work culture that values reliability and motivation. With flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth, our team members enjoy a rewarding experience as they deliver fresh dairy products to customers in the Hereford area, all while being part of a respected independent business that prioritises excellent customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Depot Area Manager in Stratford
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Cotteswold Dairy and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Cotteswold Dairy!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Cotteswold Dairy keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Depot Area Manager in Stratford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Cotteswold Dairy:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Cotteswold Dairy. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotteswold Dairy
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Cotteswold Dairy.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Cotteswold Dairy that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Cotteswold Dairy. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
