IPS is one of the UK's leading suppliers of professional event technology, supporting everything from major festivals and concerts to corporate productions, exhibitions and broadcast events.
We are looking for an experienced Workshop/Service Manager to take ownership of our purpose-built Workshop facility and lead a team responsible for maintaining, repairing, modifying and manufacturing equipment that supports live events across the UK and beyond.
This is not a desk-based management role.
We need someone who is equally comfortable leading a team as they are sitting at a workbench diagnosing faults, carrying out repairs and solving technical problems. You'll be expected to lead from the front, contributing directly to workshop output while ensuring the department operates efficiently, commercially and safely.
The Role
The Workshop supports a rental fleet of approximately 250,000 itemised assets, covering professional lighting, audio, video, power distribution, rigging, networking and associated event technology.
You'll take responsibility for:
- Leading the day-to-day operation of the Workshop.
- Managing and developing a team of Workshop Technicians.
- Carrying out fault-finding, servicing, testing and repairs.
- Performing component-level and PCB repairs where appropriate.
- Managing workflow, prioritisation and repair turnaround times.
- Driving equipment availability and minimising downtime.
- Managing manufacturer warranty returns and supplier relationships.
- Identifying and documenting customer damage for recharge purposes.
- Delivering seasonal manufacturing projects and custom modifications.
- Maintaining high standards of workshop organisation, quality and safety.
What You'll Be Doing Hands-On Technical Work
- Diagnose, service, repair and test a wide range of professional event equipment.
- Carry out advanced fault-finding and technical troubleshooting.
- Undertake component-level electronic repairs and PCB repairs where practical.
- Perform modifications, upgrades and custom manufacturing work.
- Support technicians with complex technical issues and repair decisions.
- Sign off completed repairs before equipment returns to service.
Workshop Leadership
- Manage daily workshop operations and workload planning.
- Allocate jobs and prioritise repair activity.
- Monitor productivity, turnaround times and service quality.
- Recruit, train and develop Workshop Technicians.
- Conduct appraisals and provide ongoing coaching and support.
- Promote a culture of accountability, quality and continuous improvement.
Commercial Responsibility
- Ensure equipment downtime is minimised and fleet availability maximised.
- Make commercially sound repair-versus-replacement decisions.
- Ensure customer damage is identified, documented and costed promptly.
- Monitor repair methods and costs to maximise return on investment.
Health & Safety
- Maintain a safe, organised and professional workshop environment.
- Ensure compliance with company procedures and Health & Safety legislation.
- Manage risk assessments and safe systems of work.
What We're Looking ForEssential
- Strong hands-on experience repairing and servicing technical equipment.
- Proven fault-finding and diagnostic ability.
- Experience carrying out electronic and PCB repairs.
- Previous experience managing or supervising a technical team.
- Strong organisational and workload planning skills.
- Good understanding of workshop Health & Safety requirements.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
- Competent with Microsoft Office and workshop administration systems.
- Relevant technical qualification such as:
- City & Guilds
- BTEC
- NVQ Level 3
- HNC/HND
- Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Audio Engineering or similar
Desirable
- Experience within live events, entertainment technology, broadcast or AV rental.
- Knowledge of professional lighting, audio, video, networking or power distribution equipment.
- Experience using HireTrack or similar rental software.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Modern purpose-built workshop facility.
- High-quality working environment.
- Opportunity to work with industry-leading event technology.
- Ongoing training and development.
- Supportive management team.
- Long-term career progression opportunities within a growing business.
Location
This role is based entirely from our new Milton Keynes facility. Due to the hands-on nature of the position, remote working is not available.
Pay: £35,581.00-£40,918.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Application question(s):
- Please outline your experience of working with, maintaining and repairing technical equipment used within the live events industry
- This is an on-site role based at our Bletchley premises. Due to the operational requirements of the position, remote or hybrid working is not available.
Work Location: In person
