At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead depot operations, manage teams, and ensure efficient service delivery.
- Company: Established fresh produce distribution business with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, pension, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Play a key leadership role in a growing organisation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG or logistics, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
An established fresh produce distribution business in West London is seeking a Depot Manager to lead its Hayes operation, overseeing warehouse, transport, and team performance to deliver excellent service and efficiency. The role requires a hands-on operations leader with FMCG or logistics experience, strong people management skills, and the ability to drive safety, cost control, and continuous improvement.
As Depot Manager, you will take full ownership of the site's operational performance, ensuring efficient, compliant, and customer-focused delivery across warehousing, transport, and team leadership functions. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading day-to-day depot operations, ensuring service levels, cost control, and productivity targets are consistently achieved
- Managing warehouse and transport teams, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement
- Overseeing stock management, inventory accuracy, and waste reduction within a fresh/temperature-controlled environment
- Driving health & safety compliance, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory standards
- Optimising fleet utilisation and route planning in coordination with logistics teams
- Managing budgets, P&L responsibility, and identifying cost-saving opportunities
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers
- Leading, coaching, and developing a team of supervisors and operatives to support succession planning
The ideal candidate will bring strong operational leadership experience from a fast-paced distribution or FMCG environment. You will demonstrate:
- Proven operational or depot management experience, ideally in multi-drop logistics, food distribution or chilled supply chain
- Background in food, fresh produce, FMCG, or temperature-controlled logistics (highly desirable)
- Full UK driving licence (3.5 tonne van experience preferred)
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop large teams
- Solid understanding of transport and warehouse operations
- Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and KPIs
- Knowledge of health & safety and compliance regulations
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
- A hands-on approach with the ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment
Competitive base salary - £40k-£45k. Performance-related bonus. Pension and benefits package. Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation. The opportunity to play a key leadership role in a critical operational site.
Shift pattern: Any 5 of 6 (Monday to Saturday) 45 hours per week contract, 3am start time initially.
Depot Manager in Hayes employer: Michael Page Careers
As an Operations Excellence Manager - Lean Six Sigma at our Cheltenham location, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving operational efficiency in the industrial and manufacturing sector. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and continuous improvement, offering competitive benefits such as a company car, private healthcare, and a robust pension scheme. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our operational strategies while being supported by a diverse and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Depot Manager in Hayes
✨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 Michael Page Careers 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 Michael Page Careers!
✨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 Michael Page Careers 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 Manager in Hayes
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 Michael Page Careers:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Michael Page Careers. 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 Michael Page Careers
✨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 Michael Page Careers.
✨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 Michael Page Careers 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 Michael Page Careers. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
