Operations Supervisor

Description:

A depot leadership role where your decisions keep things moving. If you thrive under pressure, lead from the front, and take real pride in operational standards, Watson Fuels wants to hear from you.

Niche Recruitment is proud to be partnering with Watson Fuels to recruit an Operations Supervisor for its Wigan depot-based team. If you are a Wigan-based experienced logistics or transport professional who enjoys leading people, solving problems on the fly, and making sure every delivery goes out safely and on time, this is worth reading.

This is a hands-on, office-based role at the heart of the Wigan depot operations and the surrounding satellite depots.. You will be a visible leader for your drivers, a key link between planning and delivery, and the person who keeps things moving when the day throws up its inevitable challenges.

With almost 70 years of history and over 200 red tankers on the road, Watson Fuels has built its reputation as one of the UK's most determined and supportive fuel suppliers. The culture is one where people are genuinely looked after, operational standards are taken seriously, and hard work and commitment are recognised.

What the role involves

Owning the day-to-day and in-day delivery planning for the depot, producing schedules that meet customer requirements and exceed volume targets

Managing in-day operational challenges including late orders, driver availability, and vehicles off the road, replanning at pace to protect service for priority customers

Providing hands-on leadership and supervision of drivers, managing attendance, timekeeping, and adherence to schedules

Ensuring full compliance with driver hours, tachograph requirements, and transport regulations

Acting as a role model for HSSEQ standards, delivering toolbox talks and safety briefings, and ensuring incidents and near misses are properly reported and investigated

Monitoring daily KPIs including on-time delivery and vehicle utilisation, escalating risks and issues where needed

Supporting driver inductions, coaching, and performance management to maintain consistent standards

Contributing to audits, inspections, continuous improvement initiatives, and a positive depot culture

Liaising with supply, customer service, and fleet teams to keep operations running smoothly

What Watson Fuels is looking for

Experience in logistics, transport, or distribution in a supervisory or planning role

Proven ability to plan and manage vehicles and drivers in a fast-paced environment

Confident handling day-to-day operational challenges such as breakdowns, absence, and delivery delays

Sound knowledge of driver hours, tachograph compliance, and Working Time Directive requirements

Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate a driver team

A safety-first mindset and a high standard of personal conduct and professionalism

Experience handling investigations, disciplinaries, and performance management is desirable, as is knowledge of regulatory bodies such as HMRC, VOSA, and the Environment Agency

What's on offer

Competitive salary

10% discretionary annual bonus

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Matched pension contributions

Private medical and dental cover, with single cover paid by Watson Fuels

Employee Assistance Programme

Perkbox rewards, savings, and wellbeing perks

Cycle to Work and Home and Tech schemes

Free annual flu jab and eye care

Long service awards

Mileage paid at 55p per mile for business travel

Why this role could be your next step

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced logistics or transport professional who is ready to take real ownership of depot operations and lead a team in a business that genuinely invests in its people. Whether you are currently working as a transport planner, shift supervisor, or depot team leader, if you bring the right experience, work ethic, and leadership instinct, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now with your up-to-date CV and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss next steps