Depot Manager - Harlow in Nelson

Depot Manager

Location: Harlow

At Wellocks, we are passionate about supplying the UK’s finest restaurants with the very best ingredients. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re on an exciting journey to continue building a high‑performing, people‑focused culture. We are now looking for an experienced and driven Depot Manager to lead our Harlow transport operation.

As Depot Manager, you’ll take full ownership of depot performance – leading your team, driving operational excellence, and ensuring all transport and health & safety standards are met.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Oversee the day‑to‑day running of the depot, ensuring an efficient, reliable fleet operation
• Plan and manage resources including drivers, vehicles, and routes
• Deliver excellent service to both internal and external customers
• Promote a positive, high‑performing team culture focused on engagement and retention

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with UK transport legislation (drivers’ hours, tachographs, O‑licence requirements)
• Maintain vehicle roadworthiness through effective maintenance and defect management
• Lead on health & safety, including risk assessments, incident investigations, and safe systems of work
• Support audits and ensure actions are completed in a timely manner

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop your team through regular 1:1s and performance reviews
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and training to build a capable and compliant team
• Foster strong communication across the depot and wider network
• Handle employee relations matters professionally and fairly

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Own depot KPIs, analyse performance and deliver improvement plans
• Manage budgets, control costs, and identify efficiencies
• Drive continuous improvement and implement best practice processes
• Maintain accurate reporting and operational records

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience in transport, logistics, or distribution management
• Strong knowledge of UK transport compliance and operational practices
• Transport Manager CPC (required)
• Health & Safety qualification (IOSH/NEBOSH desirable)

Skills

• Strong leadership and people management capability
• Excellent planning, organisation, and problem‑solving skills
• Data‑driven mindset with experience using KPIs to drive performance
• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
• IT proficiency, including Excel and operational systems

Who You Are

• A strong, accountable leader with a safety‑first mindset
• Passionate about delivering excellent customer service
• Commercially aware and results‑focused
• A collaborator who thrives in a fast‑paced environment
• Driven to continuously improve and challenge the status quo

Benefits

• 33 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Generous employee discounts on all our products
• One day off a year for volunteering
• Cycle to Work Scheme offering discounted bikes and cycling equipment
• Pay‑through donation to a charity of your choice with tax benefit
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Employee assistance services for finances, health and wellbeing

About us

Wellocks is one of the leading UK fresh food distributors, using the finest ingredients to support chefs. We offer pre‑prepared veg items as part of our service. We’re part of the William Jackson Food Group, a family‑owned business founded in 1851. Our sister businesses include Abel & Cole, Jacksons Bakery and Belazu.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All colleagues are expected to maintain a discrimination‑free, respectful environment and to support one another in professional growth.