Depot Manager
- Rashani Johnson
- Delivery Practice Director
Interim Depot Manager – Waste / Environmental Services
Southwest of England Based
3-6-month contract (Insde IR35)
Hybrid working (site-based with some flexibility, dependent on operational need)
Panoramic Associates is currently working with a Local Authority client in the Southwest to facilitate the appointment of an experienced Interim Depot Manager to lead day-to-day depot operations across frontline waste / environmental services. This role will focus on maintaining safe, compliant and high-performing operational delivery, with strong oversight of people management, fleet, H&S and service standards.
Responsibilities of the Role:
- Lead the daily running of the depot to ensure operational continuity across waste / street scene services.
- Manage supervisors and operational teams, ensuring productivity, performance, and employee engagement.
- Ensure depot compliance across Health & Safety, risk assessments, accident reporting and safe systems of work.
- Oversee fleet and plant management, including daily checks, defect reporting, maintenance coordination, and contractor liaison.
- Support service delivery performance (missed collections, rounds optimisation, depot KPIs) and drive continuous improvement.
- Manage depot resources effectively including staffing, rotas, absence management, and agency usage where applicable.
- Handle operational issues, escalations and customer-impacting incidents with a calm, solutions-focused approach.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders and external contractors to maintain service standards and resolve operational challenges.
To be successful in the role you will have:
- Proven experience managing a waste / environmental services depot within a Local Authority or comparable setting.
- Strong people leadership experience across operational teams (including performance management and absence management).
- Up-to-date working knowledge of H&S compliance in an operational environment (e.g., RAMS, incident investigations, toolbox talks).
- Experience overseeing fleet/plant operations and working with maintenance providers and contractors.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-demand operational service.
Next Steps
This role is an initial 3-6-month contract with likely extension and is Inside IR35. The role will require a strong on-site presence due to operational needs (hybrid flexibility may be available depending on the council’s requirements).
Interviews will be taking place in the next couple of weeks-if you are interested in knowing more, apply today or contact Rashani Johnson @ Panoramic Associates.
