Depot Lead in Crawley

At Lanes Group, nothing is more important than the health, safety and well-being of our people and our customers. It’s a major reason we are the UK’s largest independent specialist infrastructure delivery partner of choice with a turnover in excess of £530 million, (EBITDA £45m), with over 4,000 brilliant people and a countrywide network of operational locations. Our services cover the majority of the FTSE 100 & 250 respectfully.

The Depot Lead is responsible for the efficient management of depot operations, ensuring the proper handling, storage, and distribution of materials and stock. This role includes overseeing the depot's standards, ensuring it remains tidy, clean, and compliant with health and safety regulations. The Depot Lead will manage stock levels, order PPE, and ensure the smooth movement of materials. Additionally, the role involves conducting regular audits, ensuring compliance with internal policies, and preparing for external audits. Proactivity and escalation of any issues when needed will be a key part of this role.

Position: Depot Lead

Location: Crawley Depot (West Sussex)

Job Type: permanent, full-time

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours (start times to be discussed on interview)

Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 per annum

Benefits: 21 days holiday (plus bank holidays); health cash plan; onsite parking; auto enrolment pension scheme.

About the Role

Due to continued growth and development, we are now looking for customer focused people to join us in our Utility Division, working on our Southern Water contract service to deliver real and effective solutions to waste-water network and drainage problems.

• Depot Standards and Housekeeping: Oversee and maintain high depot standards, ensuring the depot remains tidy, organised, and clean at all times. Take responsibility for the physical appearance of the depot, ensuring that stock is neatly stored, and all equipment is appropriately organised. Regularly assess the depot environment to ensure it remains safe and compliant with health and safety regulations, promptly escalating issues as needed. Proactively identify areas for improvement in depot cleanliness and organisation, implementing necessary changes to maintain high standards.
• Stock and Inventory Management: Maintain accurate records of stock, including receiving, storing, and distributing materials and equipment. Ensure that stock is managed effectively using just-in-time stock control practices, proactively ordering and replenishing materials as required. Ensure stock movements are recorded accurately, including deliveries, returns, and discrepancies. Oversee the safe storage and organisation of materials, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Health, Safety, and Compliance: Ensure depot operations comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, including the proper storage and handling of materials and PPE. Conduct regular safety checks on tools, equipment, and vehicles to ensure they meet safety standards. Manage PPE inventory, ensuring it is ordered, stored, and distributed in accordance with safety requirements. Escalate any health and safety concerns promptly to the appropriate channels to ensure a safe working environment. Conduct regular internal audits and prepare for external audits to ensure compliance with company policies and external regulations.
• Logistics and Deliveries Management: Coordinate the receipt, storage, and distribution of materials to meet operational needs. Oversee the loading and unloading of stock, ensuring materials are handled safely and efficiently. Ensure that vehicles are loaded correctly, optimising space and ensuring the safe transport of materials. Assist with vehicle movement within the depot when required, utilising an HGV licence for operational needs.
• Fleet and Equipment Management: Ensure the maintenance and proper use of depot vehicles and equipment, ensuring they are serviced and ready for use when needed. Ensure that vehicle tools and equipment are available, functional, and properly stored, and that staff are trained in their safe use. Utilise the HGV licence for moving vehicles within the depot when necessary.
• Operational Efficiency and Continuous Improvement: Monitor depot performance and identify opportunities for improvements in stock management, depot cleanliness, and overall operational efficiency. Implement changes to improve workflow, reduce downtime, and enhance service delivery. Lead initiatives to streamline depot operations and improve overall efficiency, ensuring that best practices are followed.
• Administrative and Reporting Duties: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of stock levels, deliveries, PPE usage, and any discrepancies. Generate reports on stock movements, order fulfilment, depot performance, and any health and safety compliance issues. Prepare for and participate in external audits, ensuring all relevant documentation is complete and compliant.
• Customer and Client Liaison: Liaise with clients and other departments to ensure timely and accurate delivery of materials, meeting all client requirements. Address customer concerns and resolve issues related to stock, deliveries, or depot operations in a timely and professional manner. Ensure that client specifications are met and that all client requirements are communicated effectively to ensure satisfaction.

What is essential is the ability to work safely to quickly diagnose and deliver practical and efficient solutions to attain the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

About You

The ideal candidate will have operational expertise (including budgeting and forecasting). Having strong negotiation, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills is crucial to this role. Strategic thinking and result-driven with a data driven approach to decision making, focusing on achieving targets is important as is effective organisation skills and the ability to multitask and prioritise your workload. Being proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and strong attention to detail is imperative. Adaptability and flexibility is key.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Industry accreditations are required
• Health and Safety certifications (e.g. IOSH or First Aid) are an advantage
• Experience in the drainage, utilities or retail industry will be beneficial
• A full UK drivers licence
• Class 2 HGV licence is desirable

At Lanes Group, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We believe that our differences make us stronger and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups.

Lanes Group are a signatory of the 'Charter for Employer Positive About Mental Health' run by Mindful Employer.

Please note: we do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.