Depot Manager

About the Company At Ritchies, we have been proudly serving New Zealanders for over 85 years, ensuring that they reach their destinations safely and efficiently. Our commitment to our people, our fleet, and the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do. We are now looking for a skilled and people-focused Depot Manager to lead our Whangarei depot. About the Role As the Depot Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and long-term success of the Whangarei depot. Your role will involve overseeing various aspects, including people management, safety practices, fleet operations, customer relations, financial oversight, and continuous improvement initiatives. In this dynamic position, you will maintain operational excellence by ensuring the depot runs efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards. This includes managing scheduling, fleet maintenance, charter and tour operations, and our Intercity and SkyDrive services, while also nurturing strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. We envision a leader who embodies an engaging and supportive leadership style centered on accountability and respect. You will oversee a diverse team of supervisors, office staff, trainers, and approximately 200 to 300 drivers. Your role will include active participation in recruitment, performance management, coaching, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Safety is paramount in our operations. In this role, you will champion health and safety practices across the depot, lead incident investigations, ensure up-to-date documentation, and exemplify the culture of care that we expect from all Ritchies team members. As part of your responsibilities, you will also manage the depot's financials, including quoting, invoicing, payroll oversight, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and commercial viability in all areas. Continuous improvement will be a key focus, as you seek innovative ways to enhance performance and adapt to advancements in technology and industry standards. Requirements We are looking for candidates who possess the following qualifications: - A minimum of 10 years of operational leadership experience - Proven experience in leading large and diverse teams - Strong commercial acumen and planning capabilities - Excellent communication and relationship-building skills - The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment - Strong computer proficiency - A proactive, solutions-focused mindset Desirable qualifications include experience in the public transport or logistics sector and a tertiary qualification in business or operational management. Benefits Joining Ritchies offers you the opportunity to be part of a respected Kiwi company with deep ties to local communities. You will benefit from the support of knowledgeable regional and national teams, lead a dedicated workforce, and have access to ongoing development opportunities to grow your leadership capabilities. We offer a competitive package and the chance to shape the future of the Whangarei depot. Who You'll Work With In this role, you will collaborate closely with your Regional Manager, head office support teams, supervisors, workshop teams, drivers, and various stakeholders, including customers, schools, tour groups, and the wider Whangarei community. Ready to lead a team that keeps Northland moving? If you are a hands-on leader who values people, takes pride in achieving operational excellence, and is eager to make a positive impact every day, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to help shape the future of our Whangarei depot.