Workshop Controller / Manager in Manchester

Established in 2012, Cartime is one of the UK’s fastest growing used car dealerships, recently announced as the UK Car Supermarket of the Year for the second year running. We specialise in providing prestige, showroom-condition cars from all makes and models, including brands such as Audi, BMW, Range Rover, Mercedes and Jaguar. With three showrooms located in Manchester, we boast the largest 4x4 Centre in the North West, and have further expansion planned.

Due to rapid growth in vehicle volumes and operational demand, we are recruiting a Workshop Controller / Manager to support the ongoing efficiency and performance of our preparation operations.

The Benefits

• Basic salary of £40,600 and KPI's bonus scheme (OTE up to £50,200).
• Vibrant and supportive working environment with genuine opportunities for progression.
• Exciting development and improvement journey.

The role

We are looking for a strong, organised, proactive and hands-on Controller / Manager to lead and coordinate a busy automotive workshop. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional with solid knowledge of the car retail and aftersales market and a passion for delivering high standards in the right time.

• Manage and oversee the daily operation of the workshop, ensuring smooth, efficient workflow across all activities.
• Allocate, monitor, and control workload across the team to maximise efficiency and meet deadlines.
• Assign technicians to tasks based on skill set, availability, and job priority.
• Track job times, efficiency, productivity, and work quality, ensuring accurate reporting.
• Ensure all incoming work is planned effectively, with time and resources managed appropriately.
• Maintain strong communication and coordination between preparation departments, technicians and sales.
• Ensure accurate diagnostics, repair standards, and completion of all required documentation for each job.
• Drive productivity, housekeeping, and compliance with all workshop safety standards.
• Lead, motivate, coach, and develop the team to achieve daily and monthly objectives.
• Monitor, quality-check, and authorise work.
• Liaise with other departments to resolve queries and support.
• Handle escalations, quality issues, and workflow improvements.
• Control and organise parts ordering, returning, and usage to reduce costs and improve profitability.
• Produce regular reports on workshop performance and efficiency, identifying areas for improvement.
• Assist management in implementing and maintaining effective processes.
• Maintain a safe, compliant working environment in line with company and regulatory standards.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven related experience at similar position.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate team.
• Excellent understanding of the automotive retail/aftersales sector.
• Ability to manage deadlines, multitask, and maintain organisation in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident communicator with a professional and assertive approach.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong IT and reporting skills (DMS / workshop management systems experience preferred).

What We Offer

• Competitive basic salary of £40,600.
• KPI bonus up to £800 per month (OTE up to £50,200).
• 45h contract, flexibility required.
• Supportive team environment.
• Opportunities for training and development.

What you will need

• Level 3 City and Guilds in vehicle maintenance.
• Previous experience in a similar role (typically 5+ years).
• Full clean UK Driving Licence.

This is a rare opportunity to join Cartime during a period of rapid growth. For the right candidate, this role offers a key leadership position within a respected workshop, with the autonomy to operate independently against agreed targets and make a direct and meaningful impact on day-to-day operations.