Depot Manager – Container Deposit Scheme (CDS)
Location: Bayswater, VIC
About Outlook Australia:
Outlook Australia’s vision is an inclusive society for all. We are a leading Not-for-Profit organisation dedicated to empowering people with disabilities and those experiencing disadvantage, enabling them to participate fully in community life.
About the Role:
As the Depot Manager for our Bayswater CDS depot, you will lead and manage all day-to-day operations and drive local business development from the ground up. This is a vital, hands-on role in a fast-paced environment, ensuring a well-run, customer-centric depot. You will be responsible for efficient depot opening and closing, maintaining a clean, safe, and compliant facility, supporting staff to meet standards, and ensuring an engaging customer experience. A key focus is grassroots promotion and business development to increase container volumes through networking, relationship building, and local community opportunities.
A Day in the Life:
Your day will begin with a hands-on walkthrough, ensuring the depot is clean, organised, and ready. You’ll conduct morning briefings, confirm staff attendance, and verify safety checks. A significant part of your role involves business development – making strategic calls to prospective clients, following up leads, and arranging site visits to build rapport with commercial partners. You’ll spend time in the field, identifying new opportunities with local hospitality venues, construction sites, and retail centres to increase container volume. Mid-afternoon, you’ll monitor operations, provide on-the-spot coaching, and troubleshoot issues, liaising with the Area Manager. Your day concludes with accurate transaction processing, cash reconciliation, and preparing the depot for the next morning. This role balances operational control with commercial outreach.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure daily depot operations adhere to established procedures, quality standards, and KPIs.
- Lead team briefings, toolboxes, and training sessions.
- Oversee accurate cash handling and daily reconciliation processes.
- Prioritise customer satisfaction and professionally manage enquiries.
- Actively promote the depot to increase container volumes.
- Seek and secure new commercial accounts through grassroots engagement.
- Strengthen relationships with existing clients and represent Outlook at community events.
- Manage the depot budget effectively and analyse financial data.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant depot environment, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Workforce management including recruitment, rostering, training and day-to-day performance management.
About You:
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Demonstrated experience in grassroots business development.
- Proven leadership and team management skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal and customer service abilities.
- Strong financial management and cash handling experience.
- Excellent organisational, time management, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proficiency in rostering and scheduling.
- A current Driver’s Licence is required.
- Previous experience managing operations in recycling or similar environments is highly desirable.
What We Offer:
- A rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact within a leading Not-for-Profit organisation.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment aligned with our values of Better Every Day, Achieve It Together, Be Authentic, and Own Your Actions.
- Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
- The chance to contribute to creating transformative career opportunities for people facing barriers.
How to Apply:
If you are a proactive, hands-on leader with a passion for operational excellence and community impact, we encourage you to apply!
Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing your suitability for this role by clicking “Apply Now”.
For a confidential discussion about this position, please contact People and Culture at peopleandculture@outlookaust.org.au.
Outlook Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.
