Parkland Motors is a high-volume, established used car dealership with 200+ vehicles in stock and a weekly preparation target of 35–40 vehicles.
We are seeking a Workshop Controller who will be the operational backbone of our automotive service department. You will coordinate the daily workflow, assign jobs to vehicle technicians based on skill level, and monitor repair progress. Your goal is to maximise efficiency, ensure deadlines are met, and maintain high customer satisfaction
You will take full charge of our workshop, bodyshop and vehicle preparation departments.
We're looking for an experienced individual who can drive operational throughput, manage costs effectively, lead high-performing teams, and deliver exceptional retail customer service in a busy dealership environment
The Operation You'll Be Responsible For
- Leading a team of 11 skilled technicians and valeters:
- 5 Mechanics
- 3 Bodyshop Technicians
- 3 Valeters
- Managing retail workshop, bodyshop and MOT customers
- Overseeing a continuous flow of vehicle stock, ensuring structured preparation, efficient scheduling and timely turnaround
Key Responsibilities
- Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the workshop, bodyshop and vehicle preparation departments.
- Deliver 35–40 retail-ready vehicles each week, meeting agreed quality, safety and presentation standards.
- Manage all Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI) for incoming vehicles.
- Assess vehicles on arrival, identifying mechanical, cosmetic and compliance requirements to ensure accurate planning from the outset.
- Oversee the entire preparation process, from vehicle intake through to forecourt readiness.
- Allocate technicians and resources effectively to optimise productivity and reduce downtime.
- Source and purchase new and used parts through trade suppliers and approved online platforms.
- Control preparation costs, parts expenditure and labour efficiency to achieve budget and profitability targets.
- Ensure compliance with servicing, MOT, health and safety, and company quality standards.
- Deliver excellent customer service across retail workshop, bodyshop and MOT operations.
- Lead, motivate and develop the workshop team, promoting accountability, collaboration and high performance.
- Monitor departmental KPIs and implement improvements to enhance operational performance and customer satisfaction.
- Full operational control of workshop, bodyshop and preparation departments
- Deliver up to 40 retail-ready vehicles per week to agreed standards
- Manage PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) of all incoming vehicles
- Oversee early-stage vehicle assessment, identifying mechanical, cosmetic and compliance requirements immediately upon arrival
- Plan and control workflow from vehicle arrival through to forecourt readiness
- Allocate labour effectively to maximise productivity and minimise downtime
- Source and order new and used parts via trade suppliers and online portals (including platforms such as eBay)
- Manage preparation costs, parts spend and labour efficiency
- Maintain compliance across servicing, MOT and retail work
- Handle retail workshop and bodyshop customers professionally
- Drive performance, accountability and team culture
Essential Experience
- Proven experience as a Workshop Manager, Aftersales Manager, or Prep Manager within a high-volume dealership
- Demonstrated ability to manage workshop KPIs and vehicle throughput
- Strong commercial understanding of margins and cost control
- Experience sourcing parts through trade networks and online platforms
- Experience managing both internal prep work and retail customer jobs
- Confident leadership style with the ability to push performance standards
What We’re Looking For
You will be:
- Highly organised and process-driven
- Commercially aware and margin-focused
- Experienced in managing prep pipelines efficiently
- Comfortable leading an established team in a fast-paced environment
- Able to take ownership without constant oversight
This is not a stepping-stone role — we are looking for an experienced controller capable of running a busy dealership department independently.
Salary & Package
£30,000 – £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Permanent, full-time position
Long-term opportunity within a growing dealership
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
