Overview
What does a depot manager do?
As a depot manager, your responsibilities will cover several different areas. As a key contact for clients, as well as the leader for the team working within the depot, you will be responsible for generating new business and overseeing operations.
Responsibilities
* Managing the day-to-day operations of the depot, warehouse or factory
* Recruiting and mentoring staff
* Managing a customer base and developing plans to increase business
* Maximising growth and profitability
* Ensuring that high levels of service are maintained
* Holding team meetings
* Liaising with key customers to make sure they’re satisfied with the depot’s performance
* Agreeing service contracts and dealing with suppliers
* Managing stock levels
* Monitoring health and safety in the depot
* Analysing turnover and profitability
* Meeting with area and regional managers to share best practice
How to become a depot manager
While there are no formal qualifications needed to become a depot manager, there are several routes you could take to help you pursue this career. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.
You should explore these routes to becoming a depot manager, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University route
To become a depot manager, you could complete a foundation degree, a higher national diploma (HND) or an undergraduate degree in a subject such as logistics, supply chain management, business studies or transport management.
* Equivalent entry requirements explained
* Find a university course
* Funding advice
College/training provider route
While there are no formal qualifications needed to become a depot manager, having GCSEs (or equivalent) in maths and English at grade 4 or above would be beneficial for anyone considering this as a career.
You could also undertake a Level 3 diploma in Warehousing and Storage or a Level 5 qualification in Supply Chain Management, to prepare you for becoming a depot manager.
* Find a course near you
* Funding advice
Apprenticeship route
An apprenticeship with a depot company is a good way into the industry. You could complete an advanced apprenticeship in warehousing and storage, which will take one year.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
* Guide to apprenticeships
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a depot manager. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
* Find out more about work experience
Skills
* Strong communication skills
* Leadership abilities
* Ability to identify new business opportunities
* Confidence using relevant technologies
* Organisational skills
Qualifications
* Transport and Warehouse Operations Supervisor advanced apprenticeship
* Foundation degree, HND or degree in:
o Logistics
o Supply Chain Management
o Transport Management
o Business Management
Salary
* A newly trained depot manager can earn £23,000
* Depot managers with experience can earn up to £51,000*
Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.
* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources
#J-18808-Ljbffr