Depot Lead in Southampton

Depot Lead is responsible for the efficient management of depot operations, ensuring the proper handling, storage, and distribution of materials and stock. The 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.

Location: Millbrook Depot (Southampton, Hampshire)

Job Type: Permanent, full-time

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

Salary: £28,000 per annum

Benefits: 21 days holiday (plus bank holidays); health cash plan; onsite parking; auto enrolment pension scheme. Work flexible hours, weekends, and participate in an on-call rota. Full training / PPE / use of company equipment will be provided to ensure that all staff have the right tools, competency, and confidence to undertake the work to the company high standard of operation regardless of background or previous experience.

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.

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.

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. Be aware of all company policies and your responsibilities towards them.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The ideal candidate will have operational expertise (including budgeting and forecasting). Strong negotiation, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills are 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 workload. Being proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and strong attention to detail is imperative. Adaptability and flexibility is key.

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. Join us in our commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse world. Lanes Group is a signatory of the "Charter for Employer Positive About Mental Health" run by Mindful Employer.