Workshop Manager in Forest Row

Location: East Sussex, RH18 5JL

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum, depending on experience

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary & Benefits:

• Overtime paid at time and a half.
• 22 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Holiday entitlement runs from April to April each year.
• Pension scheme.
• Potential contribution towards fuel costs for candidates travelling a significant distance.
• No weekend work.
• Excellent opportunity for career progression and development.
• The opportunity to join a stable, well-established, family-run business that has been operating since 1988.

Working Hours:

• Monday to Friday.
• 8:00am - 5:00pm.
• 1-hour unpaid lunch break from 1:00pm - 2:00pm.
• Operating hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm.
• No weekend work.

About the Opportunity:

A fantastic opportunity has become available with a well-established, family-run business that has been operating since 1988. The company is seeking an experienced and motivated Workshop Manager / Foreman to oversee the day-to-day running of their workshop. This position would suit an experienced Senior Technician looking to take the next step in their career, as well as established Workshop Managers or Foremen seeking a new opportunity.

The Role:

As Workshop Manager / Foreman, you will play a key role in the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of the workshop. You will oversee workflow, support and guide the technical team, maintain high standards of workmanship, and ensure work is completed efficiently and within agreed timescales. This is a hands-on role, and the successful candidate will be required to work closely as part of the workshop team. While you will have supervisory and leadership responsibilities, you will also be expected to support colleagues and assist with practical workshop duties where required. During periods when the Administration Clerk is on annual leave or otherwise unavailable, you may also be required to assist with administrative duties, including answering telephone calls, supporting with invoicing and handling general enquiries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the workshop.
• Work closely and collaboratively as part of the workshop team.
• Lead by example and provide support and guidance to technicians and colleagues.
• Manage, support and motivate the workshop team.
• Allocate and prioritise workloads to ensure work is completed efficiently and within agreed timescales.
• Monitor productivity, quality and overall workshop performance.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship and customer service.
• Provide technical support and assistance to colleagues where required.
• Assist with hands-on workshop duties when necessary.
• Ensure the workshop operates in line with relevant health and safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.
• Manage and monitor workshop equipment, tools and resources.
• Identify opportunities to improve workshop efficiency and performance.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers and other members of the business when required.
• Provide administrative cover during periods of staff absence, including answering telephone calls, supporting with invoicing and assisting with general administration.
• Support the continued development and growth of the workshop team.

Candidate Requirements:

Applications are welcomed from experienced Workshop Managers, Foremen, Senior Technicians or experienced Technicians who are ready to progress into a leadership position. The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience working within a workshop or automotive environment.
• Strong technical knowledge and practical experience.
• Experience as a Senior Technician, Workshop Controller, Foreman or Workshop Manager would be advantageous.
• A minimum Level 1 relevant qualification.
• A strong team-focused attitude and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• The ability to lead, support and motivate a team while remaining hands-on and actively involved in daily workshop duties.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy workshop environment.
• A strong understanding of health and safety procedures.
• MOT experience or an MOT Tester qualification is preferred but not essential.

Apply:

If you are an experienced Senior Technician looking to progress into a Workshop Manager or Foreman role, or an established Workshop Manager seeking a new challenge, this could be an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your career.