At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse team to deliver essential highway services and ensure operational excellence.
- Company: Join Derbyshire County Council, committed to community service and sustainable practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and eco-friendly commuting options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in highway maintenance and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 44433 - 47925 £ per year.
We are looking for a proactive and experienced Depot Manager to lead the operational delivery of highway services from one of our key depots. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for managing a diverse team of supervisors, operatives, and supply chain partners to deliver critical frontline services across a defined geographic area. From winter maintenance and emergency response to resurfacing and drainage works, you’ll ensure that all activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. You’ll foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, while supporting workforce development and succession planning. As Depot Manager, you’ll be the operational face of the service for local communities, elected members, and stakeholders — ensuring that our works are well-communicated, responsive, and aligned with strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead depot operations and manage the delivery of planned, reactive, and emergency works.
- Oversee workforce planning, training, and development to maintain a resilient team.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, environmental standards, and council policies.
- Coordinate resources, materials, and plant to maximise delivery efficiency.
- Act as the local point of contact for residents, councillors, and emergency services.
- Maintain readiness for winter service and emergency incidents.
- Support budget management and ensure value-for-money in depot operations.
- Promote sustainable construction practices and encourage innovation.
- Take an active role, on a mandatory rota, as directed, including outside of normal working hours.
About You
- Proven experience in managing highway maintenance or construction operations.
- Strong leadership skills in depot or site‑based environments.
- Knowledge of highways legislation, safety protocols, and operational delivery.
- Excellent planning, scheduling, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
- Commitment to public service values, continuous improvement, and team development.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Relevant professional qualification or extensive experience in highways/construction.
- Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) or equivalent.
- Experience in winter service, emergency response, and workforce management.
Desirable
- Membership of professional bodies (e.g. ICE, IHT).
- Traffic Management qualification.
- Experience with GIS tools, asset management systems, and ISO accreditations.
Support & Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave Scheme: Ensures a healthy work‑life balance.
- Local Government Pension Scheme: Provides financial security.
- Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in‑house counselling.
- Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and Wisdom app.
- Electric/Plug‑in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encourages environmentally friendly commuting options.
- Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
Company: Derbyshire County Council
Salary: Grade 12 £44,433 – £47,925 per annum
Location: Derbyshire, Derbyshire
Sector: Highways Maintenance
Job Role: Manager
Depot Manager employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Derbyshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. As a Depot Manager, you will benefit from a generous annual leave scheme, a robust local government pension, and access to comprehensive wellbeing support services, all while playing a vital role in enhancing local communities through effective highway maintenance operations. With a commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability, this position provides a meaningful opportunity to lead a dedicated team in delivering essential services across Derbyshire.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Depot Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the highways and construction sectors. Attend local events or join relevant online groups to meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past achievements in managing highway maintenance or construction operations. This will help you stand out during interviews and showcase your hands-on leadership style.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you’re interested in, like Derbyshire County Council, and express your enthusiasm for potential opportunities. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow news related to highways legislation, safety protocols, and operational delivery. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you’re committed to continuous improvement and public service values.
We think you need these skills to ace Depot Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, especially in highways or construction operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Depot Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and managed projects, and don’t forget to mention your commitment to public service values.
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of highways legislation and safety protocols in your application. This will show us that you’re not just experienced, but also knowledgeable about the industry standards we uphold.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of highway maintenance and construction operations. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation, safety protocols, and operational delivery methods. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Depot Manager, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations like winter service or emergency response. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be the face of the service for local communities and stakeholders, think about how you can effectively communicate and engage with them. Prepare to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement and how you’ve ensured that services are responsive to community needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Improvement
Be ready to talk about how you've supported workforce development and succession planning in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've promoted sustainable practices and encouraged innovation within your team, as this aligns with the values of the organisation.
