Workshop Manager – Automotive Repair Centre
Full‑time | 8:30AM – 5:00PM | Competitive Salary | Chard
We are expanding our team and introducing a brand‑new Workshop Manager position to strengthen workflow, quality, and technician performance across our busy automotive repair centre. With 6 full‑time mechanics, 1 MOT tester, 1 apprentice and 2 admin staff, we are looking for a confident, organised, and technically strong leader who can keep the workshop running smoothly day‑to‑day.
This role is ideal for an experienced technician or senior workshop controller who enjoys leading a team, improving processes, and ensuring high standards of workmanship.
About the Role
The Workshop Manager will play a central role in the daily running of the workshop, focusing on:
- Maintaining smooth workflow and supporting job allocation
- Driving technician performance, quality, and efficiency
- Providing hands‑on technical support (approx. 4 hours per day)
- Ensuring jobs are completed safely, correctly, and on time
- Supporting admin staff with technical clarity and accurate job documentation
- Overseeing end‑of‑day standards, bay cleanliness, and job completion discipline
This is a leadership role on the workshop floor—not a customer service role. Customer communication is handled by our admin team, with the Workshop Manager providing technical input when needed.
Key ResponsibilitiesWorkshop Operations & Workflow
- Support daily job allocation to ensure fair distribution and efficient workflow
- Monitor job progress, identify delays, and adjust priorities throughout the day
- Conduct morning start‑up checks and end‑of‑day pack‑down oversight
- Ensure workshop organisation, cleanliness, and equipment readiness
- Manage WIP and ensure jobs do not stagnate
Technical Leadership
- Carry out approx. 4-6 hours of diagnostics/repair work daily
- Provide guidance on complex faults and repair strategies
- Conduct quality checks and manage comebacks professionally
- Ensure all work follows OEM procedures and safety standards
Team Performance & Development
- Lead, support, and motivate the team of technicians
- Set and maintain performance, quality, and documentation standards
- Coach and develop the apprentice, ensuring structured progression
- Promote a positive, accountable workshop culture
Technical Support to Admin
- Approve estimates from a technical perspective
- Provide technical explanations for customer updates when required
- Ensure job cards, notes, and diagnostic reports are clear and complete
Compliance & Safety
- Enforce safe working practices and PPE use
- Ensure environmental compliance (waste oil, batteries, tyres, refrigerant)
- Maintain workshop safety checks and equipment standards
What We’re Looking For
- Strong technical background (diagnostics experience preferred)
- Previous experience in a workshop leadership or senior technician role
- Excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills
- Ability to lead a team with fairness, clarity, and confidence
- Strong understanding of workflow, efficiency, and quality control
- Professional, calm, and consistent approach to daily challenges
- MOT tester qualification is desirable but not essential
- Someone with at least 10 years proven technical/senior role experience
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Monday–Friday working hours (8:30AM–5:00PM)
- Supportive team environment with clear responsibilities
- Opportunity to shape and develop a brand‑new role
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and help us build a more efficient, organised, and high‑performing workshop, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to [email protected].
Pay: £37,500.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Senior : 10 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
