Workshop Manager
2 months ago
£30000–£40000 yearly
Full-time
Chigwell
Role Overview The Workshop Manager will be responsible for managing all aspects of workshop operations, from customer bookings and vehicle workflow management through to technician supervision, quality control, invoicing and compliance. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the workshop operates smoothly, jobs are completed efficiently, customers receive excellent service, and the business continues to grow. This role requires a strong understanding of vehicle servicing and repairs, excellent organisational skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to lead and motivate a team. Workshop Operations & Management • Oversee daily operation of MOT, servicing and repairs., • Manage workshop workflow to ensure vehicles are booked in, progressed and completed efficiently., • Allocate jobs to technicians based on workload and deadlines., • Monitor productivity, labour efficiency and turnaround times., • Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in line with manufacturer guidelines and industry best practices., • Carry out final quality checks where required before vehicles are returned to customers., • Identify opportunities to improve workshop processes and customer experience. Customer Service & Relationship Management • Act as the main point of contact for customers throughout the repair and servicing process., • Provide professional advice regarding vehicle maintenance, repairs and recommendations., • Communicate clearly with customers regarding diagnosis, costs, progress updates and completion times., • Handle customer queries, concerns and complaints professionally and promptly., • Build strong relationships with repeat customers and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction., • Ensure customers receive transparent explanations of work required and completed. Booking, Scheduling & Workflow Control • Manage all workshop bookings, MOT appointments, servicing schedules and repair jobs., • Plan daily and weekly workshop capacity., • Prioritise urgent repairs while maintaining efficient workflow., • Coordinate MOT slots, diagnostics, servicing and repair requirements., • Ensure customers are kept informed of appointment changes or delays. Estimates, Invoicing & Commercial Management • Prepare estimates and quotations for repairs and maintenance work., • Gain customer authorisation before additional work is carried out., • Manage job cards, invoices and payment processes., • Ensure accurate recording of parts, labour and additional charges., • Monitor workshop profitability and identify opportunities to improve revenue., • Work with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and availability of parts., • Monitor outstanding payments and support effective financial control. Health & Safety, Compliance & Standards • Ensure the workshop operates safely and complies with all relevant health and safety regulations., • Maintain a clean, organised and professional working environment., • Maintain compliance with MOT standards and industry regulations., • Ensure tools, equipment and machinery are maintained and fit for purpose. Stock, Equipment & Supplier Management • Monitor workshop stock levels, consumables and commonly used parts., • Order parts and manage relationships with suppliers., • Ensure efficient use and maintenance of workshop equipment., • Manage external suppliers, recovery companies and specialist repair partners when required. Skills & Experience Required • Previous experience managing an automotive workshop., • Strong knowledge of vehicle servicing, repairs and diagnostics., • Experience working with technicians and managing workshop workflow., • Excellent customer service and communication skills., • Ability to manage multiple jobs and priorities in a busy environment., • Commercial understanding of workshop operations, labour sales and profitability., • Strong organisational and administrative skills., • Ability to use workshop management systems, booking software and invoicing systems., • Previous experience within an MOT testing environment., • MOT Tester qualification is preferred., • Experience with diagnostic equipment and modern vehicle technologies.
