At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead depot operations, manage logistics, and ensure timely deliveries.
- Company: Watson Fuels, a supportive and determined fuel supplier with 70 years of history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, private medical cover, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of operations and lead a dedicated team in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics or transport, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 40000 £ per year.
A depot leadership role where your decisions keep things moving. If you thrive under pressure, lead from the front, and take real pride in operational standards, Watson Fuels wants to hear from you. Niche Recruitment is proud to be partnering with Watson Fuels to recruit an Operations Supervisor for its Cullompton depot regional team. If you are an experienced logistics or transport professional who enjoys leading people, solving problems on the fly, and making sure every delivery goes out safely and on time, this is worth reading. This is a hands‑on, office‑based role at the heart of the Cullompton depot operations and the surrounding satellite depots in Torrington, Totnes and Bridgewater. You will be a visible leader for your drivers, a key link between planning and delivery, and the person who keeps things moving when the day throws up its inevitable challenges.
With almost 70 years of history and over 200 red tankers on the road, Watson Fuels has built its reputation as one of the UK's most determined and supportive fuel suppliers. The culture is one where people are genuinely looked after, operational standards are taken seriously, and hard work and commitment are recognised.
What the role involves:
- Owning the day‑to‑day and in‑day delivery planning for the depot, producing schedules that meet customer requirements and exceed volume targets.
- Managing in‑day operational challenges including late orders, driver availability, and vehicles off the road, replanning at pace to protect service for priority customers.
- Providing hands‑on leadership and supervision of drivers, managing attendance, timekeeping, and adherence to schedules.
- Ensuring full compliance with driver hours, tachograph requirements, and transport regulations.
- Acting as a role model for HSSEQ standards, delivering toolbox talks and safety briefings, and ensuring incidents and near misses are properly reported and investigated.
- Monitoring daily KPIs including on‑time delivery and vehicle utilisation, escalating risks and issues where needed.
- Supporting driver inductions, coaching, and performance management to maintain consistent standards.
- Contributing to audits, inspections, continuous improvement initiatives, and a positive depot culture.
- Liaising with supply, customer service, and fleet teams to keep operations running smoothly.
What Watson Fuels is looking for:
- Experience in logistics, transport, or distribution in a supervisory or planning role.
- Proven ability to plan and manage vehicles and drivers in a fast‑paced environment.
- Confident handling day‑to‑day operational challenges such as breakdowns, absence, and delivery delays.
- Sound knowledge of driver hours, tachograph compliance, and Working Time Directive requirements.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate a driver team.
- A safety‑first mindset and a high standard of personal conduct and professionalism.
- Experience handling investigations, disciplinaries, and performance management is desirable, as is knowledge of regulatory bodies such as HMRC, VOSA, and the Environment Agency.
What's on offer:
- Competitive salary, with full details shared on application.
- 10% discretionary annual bonus.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Matched pension contributions.
- Private medical and dental cover, with single cover paid by Watson Fuels.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Perkbox rewards, savings, and wellbeing perks.
- Cycle to Work and Home and Tech schemes.
- Free annual flu jab and eye care.
- Long service awards.
- Mileage paid at 55p per mile for business travel.
Why this role could be your next step:
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced logistics or transport professional who is ready to take real ownership of depot operations and lead a team in a business that genuinely invests in its people. Whether you are currently working as a transport planner, shift supervisor, or depot team leader, if you bring the right experience, work ethic, and leadership instinct, we would love to hear from you. Apply now with your up‑to‑date CV and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss next steps.
Operations Supervisor in Cullompton employer: Niche Recruitment Ltd
Watson Fuels is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where hard work is recognised and operational standards are upheld. Located in Cullompton, this role provides hands-on leadership opportunities within a dynamic logistics environment, alongside competitive benefits such as a discretionary annual bonus, private medical cover, and a commitment to employee growth through training and development initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Supervisor in Cullompton
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Niche Recruitment Ltd.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Niche Recruitment Ltd. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Supervisor in Cullompton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Niche Recruitment Ltd, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Niche Recruitment Ltd and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Niche Recruitment Ltd. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Niche Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Niche Recruitment Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Niche Recruitment Ltd.
