Service Manager

Service Manager

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Service department, ensuring top-notch customer service and efficient repairs.
  • Company: Join Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd, a leader in agricultural and horticultural machinery.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company vehicle, 32 days holiday, and various perks.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, drive customer satisfaction, and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in management and knowledge of machinery is preferred; strong communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Immediate start available; full-time role with potential for extra hours during peak times.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Job Description

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 employer: Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd

Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Marlesford Branch in Suffolk, where you can thrive as a Service Manager. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and generous benefits including a company vehicle and profit-related bonuses, we foster a culture of teamwork and excellence. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values high customer service standards and supports your professional growth in the machinery manufacturing industry.
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

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific agricultural and horticultural machinery that Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd deals with. Understanding the products and services they offer will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your previous management experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully led teams in busy environments. Be ready to discuss how you motivated staff and improved customer service in past roles.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your communication skills, especially in handling customer relations. Think of scenarios where you effectively managed customer expectations or resolved conflicts, as these will be key in demonstrating your fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your approach to profit and loss management. Being able to articulate your understanding of financial metrics and how they relate to departmental success will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager

Strong knowledge of agricultural and horticultural equipment
Previous management or supervisory experience
Ability to direct, mentor, and oversee technicians
Familiarity with profit and loss management
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Organisational skills and ability to multitask
Confidence in handling staff-related matters
Proactive and methodical problem-solving approach
Ability to manage customer expectations
Discretion in handling confidential matters
Self-motivated and able to work independently
Good general health and fitness for a customer-facing role

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in service management, particularly in agricultural or horticultural machinery. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed teams or improved customer service.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for customer service and your ability to motivate a team. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed staff and improved departmental efficiency in the past.

Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to profit/loss management, communication, and problem-solving. Use bullet points to make these stand out and ensure they align with the job description provided by Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a managerial role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd

✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge

Make sure to highlight your understanding of agricultural and horticultural machinery during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific equipment and repairs, as this will demonstrate your expertise and suitability for the Service Manager role.

✨Emphasise Leadership Experience

Since previous management experience is desirable, share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring technicians and how you motivate staff to achieve high levels of performance.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to provide examples of how you've handled customer relations, especially during busy periods. Show that you can communicate clearly and diplomatically with both customers and team members.

✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios

Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving in a service environment. Think of specific challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, particularly in relation to managing customer expectations and departmental efficiency.

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