At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic depot team in recycling and aggregate processing operations.
- Company: Join Day Group, a leader in sustainable construction materials.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, a non-contributory pension, and career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture with exciting growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainable materials while leading a growing operation.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership within industrial environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Join Day Group as Depot Manager at our Wellingborough depot and take responsibility for the safe, efficient operations of one of our key recycling and aggregate processing sites. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you’ll lead the depot team, oversee production activities, and ensure materials are processed and dispatched to the highest standards of quality, safety, and customer service. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll be responsible for managing people, plant, and processes within a busy operational environment. You’ll drive performance, maximise productivity, maintain compliance, and ensure the depot continues to operate safely and efficiently while supporting the wider objectives of the business.
Working closely with operational teams, maintenance providers, transport teams, and internal stakeholders, you’ll play a key role in developing the depot’s capabilities, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining the high standards expected across Day Group’s recycling and aggregate operations.
Person Specification
We are looking for an experienced operational leader with a strong background in aggregates, recycling, waste, construction materials, manufacturing, or a similar heavy industrial environment. You will be an effective people manager who can motivate and develop teams, whilst maintaining a strong focus on health and safety, quality, and operational performance. You’ll be comfortable making decisions, solving problems, and managing competing priorities in a fast‑paced production environment. The successful candidate will be commercially aware, highly organised, and capable of identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance depot performance. Above all, you will lead by example and promote a positive safety culture throughout the operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the safe, efficient, and cost‑effective operation of the depot
- Lead depot teams to maximise productivity, quality, and operational performance
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce production costs
- Ensure the safe production and dispatch of quality materials
- Take ownership of depot procedures and work instructions, ensuring compliance across all operational activities
- Implement and maintain Company health, safety, environmental, and quality policies
- Support the delivery of health and safety training and promote a strong safety culture
- Monitor and improve the performance of direct reports through effective leadership and development
- Ensure plant and equipment are maintained through planned maintenance programmes to maximise availability
- Manage staffing levels, training requirements, and workforce planning to meet operational demands
- Plan current and future workloads and communicate operational priorities effectively
- Liaise with internal departments to support customer requirements and wider business objectives
- Support and maintain compliance with ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards
- Undertake any other reasonable duties required to support the successful operation of the depot
Skills and Experience
- Previous experience managing operations within a depot, production, recycling, aggregates, waste, manufacturing, or industrial environment
- Strong people management and leadership skills
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building abilities
- Self‑motivated with a flexible and hands‑on approach
- Good understanding of fixed and mobile plant, machinery, and operational equipment
- Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental responsibilities within an operational setting
- Experience implementing and maintaining operational procedures and standards
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast‑paced environment
- Experience planning workloads, managing resources, and driving operational efficiency
- Understanding of quality management systems and continuous improvement principles
- Experience within the aggregates, construction materials, recycling, or waste management sectors
- Knowledge of Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) processing operations
- Experience maintaining ISO 9001:2015 quality systems
- Experience managing planned maintenance programmes
- Knowledge of stock management and production planning
- Experience leading operational change and performance improvement initiatives
Why Join Day Group?
Day Group is one of the South’s leading suppliers of primary and recycled aggregates, built on a reputation for quality, reliability, and service. Our Wellingborough depot represents a significant long‑term investment in the future of sustainable construction materials. Opened in 2024 following a £20 million investment, the site has already increased processing capacity from 200,000 to 350,000 tonnes of IBA each year, with further expansion planned to reach 400,000 tonnes in 2027. As a depot manager, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a growing operation, develop a team of dedicated operational professionals, and play a key role in shaping the next stage of the site’s development. In return, we offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for progression, and the chance to build a long‑term career with a well‑established and growing business.
9% non‑contributory pension scheme
Cycle to Work scheme
On-site parking
All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. Day Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Depot Manager employer: Day Group
At Day Group, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the aggregates industry, offering a supportive work culture that values each employee's contributions. Our Wellingborough facility not only provides competitive benefits such as a non-contributory pension and annual bonuses but also fosters career development opportunities in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability. Join us to be part of a team that is dedicated to responsible construction and making a positive impact on the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Depot Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Day Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Depot Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Day Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Day Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Day Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Day Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
