SUMIT CHATLEY
Seaton,Australia
Summary
Experienced and hands-on Depot Leader with over 13 years in operations, workforce management, fleet coordination, and safety compliance. Currently leading Torrens Transit’s largest depot in South Australia, overseeing rosters, budgets, HR, and daily operational performance. Recognised for cultivating a safety-first culture, managing large teams with empathy and accountability, and delivering services on time and within budget. Now seeking to contribute leadership and public transport expertise in a Depot Manager capacity within local government, supporting community service delivery with operational excellence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Operations Manager (Depot Lead)
Torrens Transit – Morphettville Depot (SA)
05.2024 - Current
- Lead all operational activities for Adelaide’s largest depot, overseeing a large-scale workforce and complex fleet logistics.
- Manage daily depot operations, fleet readiness, driver rostering, incident response, and cross-team coordination.
- Oversee budget forecasting and cost control, optimising resource allocation across staffing, vehicle scheduling, and depot assets.
- Embed a strong safety-first culture, leading WHS protocols, incident investigations, and compliance with all regulatory standards.
- Supervise people management activities, including conflict resolution, disciplinary matters, onboarding, and Return-to-Work programs.
- Coordinate closely with Engineering, HR, and Compliance teams to ensure vehicle availability and staff coverage aligns with service demands.
- Champion innovation, leading continuous improvement initiatives in depot scheduling, communication, and driver engagement.
- Key Achievements:
- Streamlined complex rosters, reducing staff fatigue and sick leave occurrences.
- Improved depot-wide safety metrics and incident resolution turnaround.
- Supported transition to modern rostering systems and digital reporting tools.
Operations Manager
Torrens Transit – Newton Depot (SA)
03.2022 - 05.2024
- Managed end-to-end depot operations, ensuring compliance with fatigue laws, on-time fleet dispatch, and driver support.
- Designed and maintained driver rosters and schedules, including leave approvals, shift swaps, and emergency coverage.
- Liaised with SAPOL, insurers, and internal compliance for accident investigations, hazard reports, and incident follow-ups.
- Conducted operational audits, responded to government transport bodies, and led depot-level safety improvements.
- Supported union engagement, recruitment processes, and depot administration.
Acting Operations Manager
Torrens Transit – Newton Depot (SA)
09.2021 - 03.2022
- Managed end-to-end depot operations, ensuring compliance with fatigue laws, on-time fleet dispatch, and driver support.
- Designed and maintained driver rosters and schedules, including leave approvals, shift swaps, and emergency coverage.
- Liaised with SAPOL, insurers, and internal compliance for accident investigations, hazard reports, and incident follow-ups.
- Conducted operational audits, responded to government transport bodies, and led depot-level safety improvements.
- Supported union engagement, recruitment processes, and depot administration.
Depot Fleet Coordinator
Torrens Transit – Port Adelaide Depot (SA)
04.2017 - 09.2021
- Oversaw daily vehicle dispatch and coordination, responding to emergencies, breakdowns, and schedule disruptions.
- Allocated drivers and fleet resources for last-minute changes, emergency replacements, and planned leave.
- Maintained internal logs, performance reports, and safety records.
- Assisted in depot management, handling customer queries, HR support, and administrative duties.
Bus Operator
Torrens Transit – Mile End Depot (SA)
09.2010 - 03.2017
- Operated Adelaide Metro services safely and on time.
- Provided customer support and reported incidents to depot coordinators.
- Maintained compliance with timekeeping, inspection, and driving protocols.
Business Development Officer
Southern Cross Education – Adelaide, SA
01.2014 - 01.2015
Graphic/Web Designer
Creative Frog Studio – Adelaide, SA
01.2009 - 01.2015
Various HR, Admin & Systems Roles
01.2001 - 01.2008
- HR & payroll processing, OHS training, ERP system management, stakeholder engagement
- Worked with clients including Walmart, H&M, GAP in compliance and auditing
Education
Bachelor of Computer Application -
Punjab Technical University
IndiaDiploma of Multimedia - undefined
Cambridge International College
AdelaideCertificate III in Driving Operations - undefined
Transport Training Solutions
Heavy Rigid (HR) Vehicle Licence - undefined
Torrens Transit
Warden & Emergency Response - undefined
Chubb Training Group
Prescribed Officer - undefined
Passenger Transport Act 1994
Skills
- Depot & Fleet Operations Management
- Staff Leadership & Team Accountability
- Budget Management & Cost Control
- WHS, Risk, & Incident Management
- Driver Rostering & Workforce Planning
- HR, Recruitment & Conflict Resolution
- Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Compliance
- Operational Reporting & Process Optimisation
- Maintenance & Asset Coordination
- Stakeholder & Union Relationship Management
Timeline
Senior Operations Manager (Depot Lead)
Torrens Transit – Morphettville Depot (SA)
05.2024 - Current
Operations Manager
Torrens Transit – Newton Depot (SA)
03.2022 - 05.2024
Acting Operations Manager
Torrens Transit – Newton Depot (SA)
09.2021 - 03.2022
Depot Fleet Coordinator
Torrens Transit – Port Adelaide Depot (SA)
04.2017 - 09.2021
Business Development Officer
Southern Cross Education – Adelaide, SA
01.2014 - 01.2015
Bus Operator
Torrens Transit – Mile End Depot (SA)
09.2010 - 03.2017
Graphic/Web Designer
Creative Frog Studio – Adelaide, SA
01.2009 - 01.2015
Various HR, Admin & Systems Roles
01.2001 - 01.2008
Diploma of Multimedia - undefined
Cambridge International College
Certificate III in Driving Operations - undefined
Transport Training Solutions
Heavy Rigid (HR) Vehicle Licence - undefined
Torrens Transit
Warden & Emergency Response - undefined
Chubb Training Group
Prescribed Officer - undefined
Passenger Transport Act 1994
Bachelor of Computer Application -
Punjab Technical University