Depot Supervisor

Global Highland is delighted to be supporting our client in the recruitment of a Depot Supervisor – Backshift to join their Operations team.

This is a key supervisory position responsible for overseeing the afternoon and evening transport operation, while ensuring the depot, fleet and operational requirements are fully prepared for the following day.

The successful candidate will play an important role in maintaining fleet readiness, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and service delivery. The position will also provide valuable administrative support to the Depot Manager, including the preparation and analysis of operational and driver performance data.

This role would suit an experienced transport, logistics or fleet professional who is confident supervising teams, managing operational issues and working in a fast-paced environment where safety, compliance and effective communication are essential.

Key Responsibilities

As Depot Supervisor – Backshift, your responsibilities will include:

• Conduct structured end-of-shift debriefs with returning drivers.
• Identify and record vehicle defects before vehicles are parked.
• Review failed, delayed or disrupted deliveries and take appropriate action.
• Ensure all operational paperwork, documentation and compliance checks are completed before the end of each shift.
• Provide operational intelligence and key information to support planning for the following day.
• Make changes to vehicle allocations or routes where issues arise with vehicles or drivers.
• Complete daily depot and vehicle walk-round checks.
• Deliver toolbox talks and support effective communication of operational and safety information.
• Print routes and ensure they are issued to drivers via their tablets.
• Conduct internal depot audits and maintain appropriate records.
• File and monitor vehicle defect reports.
• Maintain and update the breakdown log, ensuring issues are followed up appropriately.
• Carry out gate checks and monitor site access.
• Bridge fuel from the terminal to the local tanks when required and appropriate.
• Prepare driver performance reports for management review, using systems such as Webfleet and Vision.
• Complete quarterly inspections.
• Provide holiday cover for the Day Supervisor and Depot Manager where required.
• Coordinate and supervise tyre inspections.
• Provide a detailed and accurate handover to the Day Shift Supervisor or Depot Manager.
• Report, investigate and follow up incidents, including ensuring appropriate close-out actions are completed.
• Respond appropriately to spills and raise the alarm in the event of an emergency or crisis.
• Ensure the closure and securement of the Point of Installation (POI) at the end of the shift.
• Control and monitor third-party bridging activity into the POI, including gatehouse checks and associated requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

The role may also involve:

• Shunting vehicles to and from local sites when required.
• Supporting the supervision of our sister depots, including site visits, housekeeping checks and operational inspections.
• Providing backshift on-call cover for the North Region.
• Providing routing and planning cover all local depots. 
• Expediting and escalating issues with third-party service providers and contractors.
• Responding to spills and supporting emergency/crisis response procedures.

About You

We are looking for an organised, proactive and safety-focused individual with previous experience within transport, logistics, fleet or depot operations.

You will ideally have supervisory experience and be comfortable making decisions independently, particularly when dealing with vehicle, driver, delivery or operational issues.

Strong communication and administrative skills are essential, as the role involves working closely with drivers, management, maintenance providers and other third-party contractors.

You should also be confident working with operational data and preparing reports, with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Knowledge of the geography of the Highlands would be advantageous.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Full driving licence.
Driver CPC qualification/card.
ADR qualification.

Experience

Previous experience within transport, logistics or fleet operations.
Previous supervisory experience.
Working knowledge of fleet maintenance processes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Skills & Knowledge

Strong organisational and administrative skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to prioritise and respond effectively to operational issues.
Strong attention to detail, particularly around safety, compliance and documentation.
Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
Ability to manage and coordinate drivers, vehicles and third-party providers.

Desirable Criteria

HGV licence – highly desirable.
Previous experience within fuel logistics.
Experience working with external suppliers and contractors, including vehicle maintenance providers and tyre contractors.
Experience using fleet management and driver performance systems such as Webfleet and Vision.
Experience with CMMS systems.

What You'll Bring

The successful candidate will be a dependable and practical supervisor who can confidently manage the operational demands of a busy backshift environment.

You will be comfortable balancing people management, fleet readiness, compliance, administration and operational problem-solving, while ensuring clear communication between shifts and supporting the wider depot operation.

If you have a background in transport or fleet operations and are looking for an opportunity to take on a varied supervisory role within a well-established operation, Global Highland would be keen to hear from you.