At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a fast-paced depot, ensuring smooth operations and effective logistics strategies.
- Company: Join Co-op, a community-focused organisation that values its members.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, a company car, annual bonuses, and generous holiday allowances.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading large teams and managing budgets effectively.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 105000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Depot General Manager to join us in Andover to lead all aspects of our fast-paced depot. In this role, you’ll turn our wider logistics strategy into an effective operational plan, making sure we have the resources and processes in place to deliver this successfully.
Our Andover depot is responsible for delivering products to more than 400 stores and, as a Depot General Manager at Co-op, you’ll have a big part to play in this. We’ve around 400 colleagues at our Andover depot, and we’ll look to you to lead them. You’ll also own the relationship with our third-party suppliers and trade union partners, and work closely with other senior colleagues across the wider business.
Why this role matters
Our depots are at the heart of our food business. Every day, thousands of products pass through our logistics network to keep our customers supplied with the products they need. As our Depot General Manager, you’ll create the conditions for success across the site, making sure everything is running safe and smoothly, while supporting colleagues to perform at their best.
What you’ll do
- Manage our depot, creating an effective and customer-focused operational plan
- Lead, coach, and develop an engaged, multi-disciplinary leadership team, and promote a culture of continuous improvement across the depot
- Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners
- Deliver our operational plan to budget and maintain a cost-effective operation
What you’ll bring
We’re committed to making our roles as accessible as possible, so we only ask for the minimum criteria. To thrive here, you’ll need to bring:
- Experience leading large-scale teams
- Experience delivering positive change within a large, complex, and challenging environment
- An understanding of logistics/manufacturing, site management, and/or end-to-end food retail operations
- Great leadership skills, and a passion for developing others
- Strong experience of managing a large budget effectively
Why Co-op?
At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:
- Private healthcare
- A company car or 6,000 car allowance
- An annual bonus scheme (based on personal and business performance)
- 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
- A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
- 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
- Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
- Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
- 24/7 colleague support service
- Training and support for your development and career progression
- Cycle-to-work scheme
A place you’ll belong
We’re building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, and our support centre is an inclusive environment where all our colleagues can thrive. If you have a disability, we’ll make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. We’re also proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme - if you’re disabled and you meet the minimum criteria for this job, we’ll guarantee you an interview.
Learn more about our recruitment process at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process. Explore our commitments to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion-wellbeing. As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes 15-20 minutes. If you're a current Co-op colleague, this does not need to be completed.
Depot General Manager employer: The Co-Operative Group
Co-op Legal Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees and the communities it serves. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have access to coaching and training opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package including private healthcare and a generous pension scheme. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and belonging, making it a rewarding place to build your career in Manchester, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bristol, or Sheffield.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Depot General Manager
✨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 The Co-Operative Group 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 The Co-Operative Group!
✨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 The Co-Operative Group 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 General Manager
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 The Co-Operative Group:This is your chance to really connect with the team at The Co-Operative Group. 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 The Co-Operative Group
✨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 The Co-Operative Group.
✨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 The Co-Operative Group 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 The Co-Operative Group. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!