At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy Service Department, overseeing machinery repairs and servicing.
- Company: Join a dynamic agricultural company in Colchester with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 32 days leave, and a company vehicle.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading a team and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in management and knowledge of agricultural machinery preferred.
- Other info: Immediate start available with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Agricultural Service Manager to lead our busy Service Department at our Colchester Branch in Essex. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing agricultural machinery repairs alongside professional and domestic horticultural equipment servicing. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy leading teams, and are commercially aware, this could be the ideal next step in your career.
As Agricultural Service Manager, you will take full responsibility for the efficient day-to-day running of the Service Department, ensuring high-quality workmanship, excellent customer service, and strong financial performance. You will act as the key link between senior management, customers, and technicians—ensuring communication is clear, accurate, and timely at all times.
Key Responsibilities- Oversee daily workshop operations to ensure efficient workflow and service delivery
- Lead, organise, mentor, and supervise service technicians
- Plan and allocate workloads to maximise productivity and efficiency
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships, handling enquiries and complaints professionally
- Manage departmental performance, including profit and loss reporting
- Ensure all work meets company procedures and manufacturer standards
- Confidently manage staff matters in line with company policies
- Maintain accurate service records, reports, and administrative processes
- Strong knowledge of agricultural and/or horticultural machinery (advantageous)
- Previous management or supervisory experience, ideally within a busy service environment
- Commercially aware, with an understanding of P&L management
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Calm, diplomatic, and solutions-focused under pressure
- Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and multitask effectively
- Confident managing people and handling confidential matters
- Able to balance customer expectations without overcommitting
- Proactive, structured, and capable of working on your own initiative
- Professional in appearance with a good level of general fitness
- Location: Colchester, Essex CO2 8HT
- Start Date: Immediate, but subject to candidate notice period
- 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
- Benefits: 32 days annual leave including bank holidays, Company Sick Pay Scheme, Workplace Pension, Employee Referral Bonus Scheme, Winter Flu Jab, Wellbeing Focus Group, Staff Discount in Country Stores and Life Assurance Cover (2 x salary)
Service Manager in Chelmsford employer: Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the agricultural sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Service Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their service department's operations and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved service delivery in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate that you're the right fit for leading their busy Service Department.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Agricultural Service Manager role. Highlight your management experience and any relevant knowledge of agricultural or horticultural machinery to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team in Colchester. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved service delivery in previous roles.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since communication is key in this role, make sure your application showcases your verbal and written skills. Keep your language clear and professional, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
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 and horticultural machinery. Being able to discuss specific equipment and repairs will show that you're not just a manager, but someone who understands the technical side of the job.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you mentored technicians or improved workflow. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate a team effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves being the key link between management, customers, and technicians, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to role-play common scenarios, like handling customer complaints or discussing P&L reports.
✨Be Ready for Pressure
This position requires a calm and solutions-focused approach under pressure. Prepare to discuss how you've managed stressful situations in the past, especially in a busy service environment. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks.