Depot Manager

About the Company At Ritchies, we have been dedicated to helping New Zealanders reach their destinations for over 85 years. We take pride in our people, our fleet, and the vital role we play in connecting local communities safely on a daily basis. About the Role We are currently seeking an experienced and people-focused Depot Manager to lead our Whangarei depot. This position is ideal for someone who excels at running high-performing operations, building strong relationships, and fostering a supportive workplace culture. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, possess a passion for operational excellence, and enjoy empowering others, this role presents a unique opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact. Why Join Ritchies? By joining our team, you will become part of a respected Kiwi company with deep ties to local communities. You will benefit from the support of a knowledgeable regional and national team while leading a dedicated workforce of drivers and operational staff. We are committed to your professional growth and offer ongoing development opportunities. Additionally, we provide a competitive compensation package and the opportunity to influence the future of the Whangarei depot. What You Will Be Leading 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 encompass various aspects including personnel management, safety, fleet operations, customer relations, financial oversight, and continuous improvement. Operational Excellence You will ensure the depot operates efficiently, safely, and to high standards. This includes overseeing scheduling, fleet management, maintenance, charter and tour services, as well as managing customer and stakeholder relationships. Your commitment to meeting our obligations to clients and passengers will be paramount, as will your ability to identify opportunities for business development and improved operational processes. A People Leader Who Brings Others With Them Your leadership style will foster an engaging and supportive environment centered on accountability and respect. You will manage and develop a diverse team that includes supervisors, office staff, trainers, and a large driving workforce of approximately 200 to 300 individuals. Your responsibilities will include recruitment, performance management, coaching, succession planning, and cultivating a positive workplace culture. Safety First, Always Safety is the cornerstone of our operations. You will advocate for health, safety, and wellness practices throughout the depot, lead incident investigations, ensure accurate documentation, and address any safety concerns proactively. You will exemplify the culture of care that we expect from all Ritchies team members. Financial & Administrative Oversight You will oversee the financial aspects of the depot, including quoting, invoicing, payroll management, expenditure, and reporting. Your focus will be on ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and commercial viability in all areas. Always Improving You will seek innovative ways to streamline operations and enhance performance, ensuring the depot adapts to technological advancements, industry expectations, and best practices. What You Will Bring We are looking for candidates who possess the following qualifications: - Over 10 years of operational leadership experience - Proven track record of leading large, diverse teams - Strong commercial acumen and planning capabilities - Excellent communication and relationship-building skills - Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment - Strong computer proficiency - A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset Desirable qualifications include experience in the public transport or logistics sector and a tertiary qualification in business or operational management. Who You Will Work With In this role, you will collaborate closely with your Regional Manager, head office support teams, supervisors, workshop teams, and drivers, as well as our 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 operational excellence, and desires to make a positive impact every day, we encourage you to apply. Join us in shaping the future of our Whangarei depot.