Yard Foreman

Yard Foreman

Location: Huntingdon
Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Welfare Hire is part of Kelling group and is a leading name in Mobile Welfare Unit Hire throughout England, Scotland and Wales. With the largest fleet of modern, innovative and eco-friendly towable mobile welfare units and welfare vans on the market, the ECO range delivers the latest in smart and unique design features to optimise onsite welfare and lighting.

We are seeking a dedicated Yard Foreman to take responsibility for the efficient operation of our yard and warehouse at the Huntingdon depot. This is a hands‑on role, combining leadership and operational duties to maintain high standards of service, safety, and efficiency while contributing to the overall success of the depot.

About You:

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing a fast‑paced yard or warehouse environment. You will be experienced in leading a team, solving problems effectively, and ensuring that all operations run smoothly while adhering to company policies and health and safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage, train, and develop a team of yard and depot staff, ensuring they are motivated and equipped to perform at their best.
• Assign daily workloads and tasks based on team skill levels and business priorities.
• Operational Excellence:
• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of orders to deliver excellent customer service.
• Implement and monitor stock rotation processes to maintain efficiency.
• Monitor stock levels and raise purchase requisitions when necessary.
• Health & Safety:
• Take responsibility for the health and safety of the yard and warehouse, ensuring compliance with company policies and relevant legislation.
• Logistics & Asset Management:
• Plan and execute repairs for damaged assets, ensuring all equipment and tools are appropriately maintained and PDI’d (Pre-Delivery Inspected).
• Oversee yard and workshop logistics, ensuring smooth daily operations and efficient use of space.
• Quality & Standards:
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and external presentation for the depot.
• Conduct final PDI sign-offs and ensure all assets meet quality standards before dispatch.
• Administrative Duties:
• Maintain accurate administrative records and use PDAs to assign and track jobs.
• Ensure compliance with the company’s employee handbook, policies, and procedures.
• Other Responsibilities:
• Serve as a key holder, responsible for opening and closing the depot.
• Assist with strategic development and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
• Provide hands‑on assistance, guidance, and training to team members as needed.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in a supervisory or management role within a fast‑paced environment, preferably in a yard or warehouse setting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong people management abilities, with a focus on teamwork and productivity.
• Industry experience, particularly within the Hire sector, is advantageous.
• Knowledge of relevant products and industry standards is beneficial.
• A full driving licence is essential.
• A forklift truck licence is advantageous but not mandatory.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate, and develop all depot employees, creating a high‑performing and engaged team.
• Set clear expectations and hold team members accountable for performance, behaviours and standards.
• Conduct regular one‑to‑one meetings, performance reviews, probation reviews, and return‑to‑work interviews.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, training, succession planning, and employee development.
• Address performance concerns promptly through coaching, development plans and formal processes where required.
• Conduct investigations, disciplinary hearings, and grievance meetings in line with company procedures.
• Ensure all employees receive the appropriate training and competency assessments required for their role.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and customer focus.

Operational Management

• Maintain full responsibility for the day‑to‑day operation of the depot.
• Ensure all units are either hire‑ready or actively progressing through repair.
• Drive fleet availability and minimise units in repair through effective planning and resource management.
• Monitor depot KPIs and implement actions to improve performance where required.
• Ensure all jobs are completed accurately and on time within Syrinx and associated systems.
• Oversee pre‑delivery inspections, stress tests, off‑hire inspections, refurbishment sign‑offs, and quality control processes.
• Ensure depot processes and procedures are consistently followed and audited.
• Manage depot resources effectively to maximise productivity and minimise downtime.

Fleet & Asset Management

• Maintain accurate oversight of all fleet assets located within the depot.
• Ensure units are maintained to company standards and are presented in a clean, professional, hire‑ready condition.
• Monitor fleet utilisation and identify opportunities to improve availability.
• Conduct regular fleet audits and stock checks.
• Ensure all defects are reported, prioritised and rectified promptly.
• Manage depot stock levels, spare parts, consumables, and equipment.
• Work closely with Technical and Operations teams to reduce fleet downtime.

Health, Safety, and Compliance:

• Take overall responsibility for Health & Safety within the depot.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and legislative requirements.
• Conduct regular depot inspections and safety audits.
• Lead accident, incident, and near‑miss investigations.
• Ensure all corrective actions are completed within agreed timescales.
• Facilitate toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Monitor contractor activities on site.
• Ensure all equipment, vehicles, lifting equipment, and safety systems are inspected and maintained.
• Champion a positive safety culture and lead by example.
• Monitor driving hours, ensuring driver compliance with Working Time Directive (WTD) and conduct regular tachograph checks.
• Manage accident reporting, investigations, and lead safety observations.
• Ensure exceptional service delivery to all customers.
• Act as the escalation point for depot‑related customer issues.
• Work collaboratively with Customer Operations, Technical, and other support functions to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ensure customer complaints are investigated thoroughly and resolved professionally.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to lead and make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture.
• The chance to contribute to strategic improvements and operational success.
• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Company pension and life insurance
• Health and wellbeing programme
• Employee and store discounts
• Additional leave and sick pay
• Free on‑site parking
• Supportive team culture with opportunities for growth