Vehicle Maintenance Manager in Manchester

As Vehicle Maintenance Manager, you will take full ownership of vehicle maintenance, fleet compliance, and associated risk across the business. You will ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements, including Operator’s Licence undertakings, while maintaining a safe, roadworthy, and compliant fleet. This is a senior operational role with responsibility for compliance governance, workshop performance, people leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Fleet Compliance & Governance
  • Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including DVSA standards and Operator’s Licence undertakings.
  • Act as the business lead for Fleet Compliance and Fleet Risk.
  • Manage DVSA Earned Recognition KPIs, ensuring accurate data submission and issue resolution.
  • Serve as a nominated Transport Manager on the Company’s Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence.
  • Maintain oversight of LOLER inspections, tachograph calibration, PMI schedules, MOTs and servicing.
• Maintenance & Operations
  • Ensure all in-scope vehicles are serviced and maintained to a high standard, minimising downtime and compliance risk.
  • Hold responsibility for all vehicle maintenance contracts (GV79), ensuring they remain valid and effective.
  • Oversee daily driver walkaround checks and ensure timely rectification of reported defects.
  • Manage vehicle maintenance facilities and workshop operations, resolving issues efficiently.
• Leadership & Collaboration
  • Lead, manage and develop vehicle maintenance staff, setting clear standards and expectations.
  • Build strong working relationships with Operations, Compliance, HR and Senior Management.
  • Act as a key point of escalation for fleet-related compliance or maintenance risks.
• Reporting & Assurance
  • Provide regular governance and compliance reports to the UK Fleet Manager and Group Compliance Manager (Transport).
  • Maintain accurate records and ensure audit readiness at all times.

Skills & Experience

• Essential
  • Transport Manager CPC.
  • Strong working knowledge of Operator Licensing and transport legislation.
  • Proven experience managing fleet maintenance and compliance in a transport or depot environment.
  • Experience leading teams and managing workshop or maintenance operations.
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail and record keeping.
  • Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to identify efficiencies and reduce risk.
• Desirable
  • Category B driving licence.
  • Experience operating within Earned Recognition frameworks.
  • Exposure to multi-site or large fleet operations.

We are Panda. We value waste. We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.

At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together. We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward.

We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems; we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make. And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing. Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Take the first step and join us on the journey.

Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.