Depot Operations Manager

Tolchards is a leading drinks distribution business, supplying pubs, restaurants, hotels, cafés, clubs and other hospitality businesses across the South of England. We’re a growing, fast-paced company with a strong focus on delivering great service to our customers and creating a supportive, hardworking environment for our people.

Our Highbridge depot is our newest acquisition to the Tolchards group, therefore you will play a key role in establishing and leading the operation from the ground up, helping to shape the depot’s culture, performance and success from day one.

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager will be responsible for the overall day-to-day management and performance of the Highbridge distribution depot, ensuring the operation runs safely, efficiently and cost-effectively while delivering excellent customer service.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong people management, operational knowledge and commercial awareness. The successful candidate will take full ownership of the site, lead and develop the team, manage performance and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Take full responsibility for the daily operation of the depot, including warehousing, stock management, picking, loading and distribution.
• Ensure effective planning of staffing, resources, vehicles and workloads.
• Oversee transport efficiency, route optimisation and delivery performance.
• Maintain high standards of stock accuracy, warehouse productivity and customer service.
• Identify operational challenges and proactively implement improvements.

People Management & Leadership

• Lead, motivate and develop the depot team, including supervisors, warehouse colleagues and drivers.
• Take responsibility for recruitment, induction, training and employee development.
• Manage attendance, absence, conduct and performance in line with company policies.
• Set clear expectations, hold individuals accountable and address underperformance promptly and fairly.
• Build a positive, productive and performance-driven culture across the site.

Performance & Cost Management

• Take ownership of operational KPIs, including productivity, picking accuracy, delivery performance and customer service.
• Monitor and control labour costs, overtime, agency expenditure and operational efficiencies.
• Use operational data and company systems, including MaxOptra and Samsara, to monitor performance and drive improvements.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve productivity without compromising service.
• Provide regular performance updates to the Company Director, highlighting challenges, actions and opportunities.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure the depot operates safely and complies with relevant legislation and company policies.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety across the warehouse, yard and transport operation.
• Ensure appropriate training, risk assessments, safe working practices and equipment checks are maintained.
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions, working alongside the company's Health & Safety and Compliance teams.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure employees are accountable for maintaining standards.

Communication & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure effective communication between the depot and wider business, including Sales, Telesales, Stock Control and central management.
• Develop efficient processes and ways of working to support business growth.
• Take ownership of operational issues and ensure they are resolved effectively.
• Work closely with the Company Director to deliver agreed objectives and improvements.

Key Performance Measures

Performance will be measured against agreed KPIs, including:

• Customer Service: On-time deliveries, delivery accuracy and customer complaints.
• Warehouse Performance: Picking accuracy, stock accuracy and productivity.
• Transport Efficiency: Route optimisation, vehicle utilisation and delivery costs.
• People Management: Attendance, retention, training and individual performance.
• Cost Control: Labour efficiency, overtime, agency costs and operating budgets.
• Health & Safety: Compliance, training and completion of corrective actions.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing a warehouse, logistics or distribution operation.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience managing performance and developing teams.
• Good understanding of warehouse operations, transport and health and safety requirements.
• Commercial awareness and experience managing operational costs and KPIs.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• CPC/Transport Manager qualification
• Confident making decisions, taking ownership and working independently.
• Experience within drinks distribution or FMCG would be advantageous.

Key Expectations

The Operations Manager will be expected to take full ownership of the Highbridge depot, ensuring the people, operation and performance are managed effectively.

The successful candidate must be a visible, proactive and accountable leader who can make decisions, address challenges and continuously improve the operation.

This role requires someone who can independently manage and lead the depot, with the Company Director providing strategic direction, oversight and support rather than day-to-day management.

Pay: From £40,000.00 per year

Experience:

• Logistics Management: 3 years (preferred)
• People Management: 3 years (preferred)

Location:

• Highbridge TA9 4JR (preferred)

Work Location: In person