Depot Manager

Also known as - Goods in manager, dispatch manager, warehouse manager, building supplies manager.

A depot manager in the construction industry is responsible for managing building supplies and materials. This includes managing goods coming in and out of depots, warehouses and factories, overseeing depot staff and monitoring stock levels to ensure all requirements and orders can be met.

Office
Supervisory-Managerial
Secondary qualifications
Numerical-analytical

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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.

As a depot manager your role may include:

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

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.

College/training provider

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.

Apprenticeship

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

If you have experience in warehouse distribution you may be able to apply directly to an employer for a role in a depot and work your way up to becoming a depot manager.

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

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a depot manager include:

Strong communication skills
Leadership abilities
Ability to identify new business opportunities
Confidence using relevant technologies
Organisational skills.

Qualifications

England

To become a Depot Manger you could complete a:

Transport and Warehouse Operations Supervisor advanced apprenticeship.
Foundation degree, HND or degree in:
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Transport Management
- Business Management

Scotland

To become a Depot Manger you could complete a:

Transport and Warehouse Operations Supervisor advanced apprenticeship.
Foundation degree, HND or degree in:
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Transport Management
- Business Management

Wales

To become a Depot Manger you could complete a:

Transport and Warehouse Operations Supervisor advanced apprenticeship.
Foundation degree, HND or degree in:
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Transport Management
- Business Management

How much could you earn as a depot manager?

The expected salary for a depot manager varies as you become more experienced.

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 and industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

From your position as a depot manager, there are plenty of opportunities for career progression, as your experience increases. You could move into the role of a plant inspector or controller, or become a plant manager, and take on responsibility for overseeing logistics around on-site fabrication.

You could become self-employed and run your own depot. Some depot managers specialise in supplying plant or building materials.