Depot Manager (Harlow)

Depot Manager

Location: Harlow

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Depot Manager to lead the Harlow transport operation. This key leadership role involves owning depot performance, leading a team, and ensuring safe, compliant, and high‑performing operations that provide exceptional service to customers.

Responsibilities

Leading the Harlow Depot Operation

• Oversee day‑to‑day depot operations, ensuring efficient and reliable fleet management.
• 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 health & safety initiatives, including risk assessments, incident investigations, and safe systems of work.
• Support audits and ensure timely completion of actions.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the 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 (preferred).
• 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.
• 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 products.
• One day off per year to volunteer.
• Cycle to Work Scheme offering discounted bikes and equipment.
• Charity donation via payroll with tax exemption benefit.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme.
• Employee assistance services covering finances, health, and wellbeing.

Equal Opportunity

All colleagues are expected to take personal responsibility for keeping our workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying, and for treating everyone fairly and respectfully.