At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our Service Department, manage technicians, and ensure top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join a family-run business with over 100 years of experience in machinery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, generous leave, and employee perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a respected company and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in agricultural engineering and management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About us: Ernest Doe & Sons is a long-established, family-run business with over 100 years of experience supplying agricultural, construction, and groundcare machinery across the South and East of England. With a proud heritage dating back to 1898, we have built a strong reputation for providing quality products, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. Our philosophy is simple: To supply the best products and then to support them with the service facilities and expertise to keep them running perfectly.
We are looking for an experienced and organised Service Manager to lead our busy Service Department, supporting both agricultural and horticultural machinery customers. This is a key leadership role responsible for the efficient running of the workshop, managing technicians, maintaining excellent customer relationships, and ensuring the department operates profitably while delivering the highest levels of service. Reporting directly to the Branch Manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Service Department.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing and organising the Service Department to ensure efficient workflow and high productivity
- Directing, mentoring, and supporting workshop technicians
- Maintaining effective communication between management, technicians, and customers
- Managing customer relationships and ensuring excellent service delivery
- Monitoring departmental performance including profitability and KPI targets
- Ensuring warranty work is processed in line with manufacturer requirements
- Overseeing service scheduling and workshop capacity
- Handling customer queries professionally, particularly during busy periods
- Ensuring service standards, safety procedures, and company policies are consistently followed
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Strong knowledge of the agricultural engineering sector
- Experience with CNH products, particularly New Holland and Case equipment, would be highly advantageous
- Previous management or supervisory experience within a service environment is desirable
- Understanding of profit & loss management, KPI targets, and manufacturer warranty systems
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to deal diplomatically with customers
- Highly organised with the ability to multitask and prioritise effectively
- Confident handling staff matters in line with company procedures
- Proactive and methodical approach to problem solving
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the business
- Discretion when dealing with confidential matters
- Ability to manage customer expectations without overcommitting
- Self-motivated and capable of working on your own initiative
- Good level of health and fitness
- Smart and professional appearance in a customer-facing role
Additional Information:
- Start Date: Immediate
- Location: Littleport, Cambridgeshire, CB6 1SE
- Hours: 42.5 hours per week – 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday (1-hour unpaid lunch). Additional hours may be required to include alternate Saturdays and peak times e.g. harvest
- Contract: Permanent, Full Time, Salaried
- Salary: £Competitive - dependent on experience plus company vehicle and profit-related bonus
- Rewards: 32 days annual leave including bank holidays, Company Sick Pay Scheme, Workplace Pension, Employee Referral Bonus Scheme, Winter Flu Jab Service, Wellbeing Focus Group, Staff Discount in Country Stores and Life Assurance Cover (2 x salary)
Service Manager in Hemel Hempstead employer: Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd
Ernest Doe & Sons is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-oriented work culture that values its employees' contributions. With over 100 years of experience in the agricultural and construction machinery sector, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as generous annual leave, a company vehicle, and a profit-related bonus scheme. Located in Littleport, Cambridgeshire, our commitment to employee wellbeing and a collaborative environment makes us a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the agricultural engineering sector. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to get your name out there and show off your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Ernest Doe & Sons thoroughly. Understand their values, products, and customer service approach so you can align your experience with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams and improved service delivery in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Ernest Doe & Sons.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience in the agricultural engineering sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, especially if you've worked with CNH products like New Holland and Case equipment.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the Service Manager role.
Be Professional:Since this is a customer-facing role, ensure your application reflects a smart and professional tone. Use clear language and check for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of agricultural engineering, especially if you have experience with CNH products like New Holland and Case equipment. Being able to discuss specific machinery and how it operates will show that you're not just a manager but someone who understands the technical side of things.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past. Think about times when you directed or mentored technicians, resolved conflicts, or improved workflow. This will demonstrate your ability to lead the Service Department effectively.
✨Customer Relationships Matter
Be ready to talk about your approach to maintaining excellent customer relationships. Share specific instances where you handled customer queries or complaints professionally, especially during busy periods. This will highlight your communication skills and customer service focus.
✨Understand the Numbers
Familiarise yourself with profit & loss management and KPI targets. Be prepared to discuss how you've monitored departmental performance in previous roles. Showing that you can balance operational efficiency with profitability will be key to impressing the interviewers.
