Workshop Manager - Plant and Light Vehicles
Location: Studley, Warwickshire
Sector: Workshop Management / Plant and Vehicle Maintenance
Employment Type: Full-time; salaried appointment; contract duration to be confirmed
Salary: £40,000-£48,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Hours: On-site role; contracted hours to be confirmed within the current workshop operating pattern
Recruitment Partner: ANT Recruitment
About the Company
ANT Recruitment is supporting an established UK transport and engineering business. The employer’s identity will be discussed confidentially during the recruitment process.
The Role
Lead a mixed plant and light-vehicle workshop while remaining actively involved in diagnosis, servicing and repairs. This is a working manager position, with substantial time on the tools alongside daily supervision, coaching and quality control.
The workshop covers vans, pickups and mixed plant. Equipment includes forklifts, hydraulic jacks and generators, with some older equipment requiring practical diagnostic judgement. This appointment is separate from the specialist trailer/SPMT maintenance requirement.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and allocate daily maintenance work, balancing routine servicing, repairs and equipment availability.
- Stay visible on the workshop floor and provide hands-on technical support rather than managing entirely from an office.
- Monitor work in progress, inspect completed work and follow up defects, incomplete tasks and recurring faults.
- Coach technicians and support apprentices within their competence and supervision needs.
- Develop clear working routines, job records, housekeeping and communication between the workshop and fleet management.
- Help establish suitable workshop equipment, resources and maintenance processes as the operation is improved.
- Prioritise safe, legal and compliant maintenance, escalating issues that need specialist advice or further authorisation.
- Set professional standards for punctuality, teamwork, responsibility and care of vehicles and equipment.
Skills and Experience Required
- A strong practical maintenance background with credible workshop supervisory or management experience.
- Ability to lead technicians while contributing to fault-finding and repairs.
- Confidence coordinating a mixed vehicle/plant workload and recognising the limits of personal competence.
- Experience checking work quality, supporting colleagues and maintaining clear maintenance records.
- An organised, constructive approach to improving an established workshop and bringing people together.
Desirable Experience
- Relevant technical or workshop-management qualifications.
- Experience with vans, pickups, forklifts, hydraulic equipment or generators.
- Transferable HGV or PSV workshop leadership experience, supported by a clear plan for learning unfamiliar plant.
Candidate Profile
This role would suit a hands-on leader who enjoys improving how a workshop operates. You should be comfortable with older equipment, a mixed team and a workshop that is being developed. Practical judgement, visible supervision and a willingness to help colleagues matter as much as an impressive job title.
Package and Working Arrangements
- The normal salary band discussed is £40,000-£48,000 per annum. Any departure from that band requires separate agreement.
- The salaried management package discussed includes Bupa and 25 days of annual leave plus eight bank holidays; eligibility and policy terms will be confirmed at offer stage.
- A pension is available. Contribution percentages and the basis of calculation remain to be verified.
- A three-month probation was discussed. No bonus scheme or company car was offered.
- The plant workshop was not working weekends at the time of the briefing, but future coverage and the contractual pattern must be confirmed.
- Accommodation may be discussed case by case for the right candidate; it is not an included or guaranteed benefit. Sponsorship is unconfirmed.
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Workshop Manager - Plant and Light Vehicles employer: ANT Recruitment
Join a leading aviation engineering operation as a Ground Support Equipment Mechanic, where you will thrive in a dynamic and safety-focused environment. Our company values hands-on expertise and offers extensive training and development opportunities, ensuring you grow your skills while maintaining essential equipment that keeps airport operations running smoothly. With a commitment to employee well-being and a collaborative work culture, this role provides a rewarding career path in the heart of the aviation industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshop Manager - Plant and Light Vehicles
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to ANT Recruitment specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
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How to prepare for a job interview at ANT Recruitment
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
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✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
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