Workshop Controller in Gateshead

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Workshop Controller to join the UK’s leading Accident and Collision Repair specialist in our increasingly busy site in Newcastle. This isn’t just a Workshop Controller role - it’s a step up. You’ll also take on Assistant Manager responsibilities, playing a key part in leading the team and driving performance at FMGRS Newcastle.

Our Bodyshop is fast paced and exciting with lots of opportunity to make an incredible difference and apply your expertise and skill. In the job of Workshop Controller you will be undertaking the following duties:

• Organise the Bodyshop by controlling the status of each job, conducting daily progress meetings with Bodyshop team members and reporting unexpected delays to the General Manager.
• Make sure all the Bodyshop tools and equipment are in good working order, control waste materials and utilities whilst having overall responsibility for the security of the building and the equipment.
• Ensure all job cards are completed correctly and be ultimately responsible for shop floor procedures.
• To liaise with all Bodyshop Technicians and the Manager in respect of any quality issues.

In the job of Assistant Manager you will be undertaking the following duties:

• Support the day-to-day running of the workshop alongside the Manager.
• Lead and motivate the team to achieve productivity and quality targets.
• Assist with performance management, coaching, and development of staff.
• Ensure all repairs meet manufacturer and company standards.
• Oversee workflow, job allocation, and turnaround times to minimise downtime.
• Manage customer expectations and handle escalations professionally.
• Support KPI tracking, reporting, and driving site performance.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety and company policies.
• Step in to manage the site in the Manager’s absence.
• Work closely with estimators, technicians, and admin teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Monitor costs, parts usage, and overall efficiency within the workshop.
• Drive a culture of high standards, accountability, and teamwork.

Another very important aspect of the job is teamwork as you will be working with other colleagues in the Bodyshop as well as across other functional areas. There is a family feel and buzz where everyone helps each other to achieve the goals of the site and to ensure our customers are consistently delighted with the service we provide.

Key to your success is your ability to produce work that complies with the highest technical and quality standards and, above all, helps us deliver on our service commitment to customers.

About you: Ideally you are qualified to NVQ level 3/City & Guilds or ATA qualified with a solid Bodyshop background – as a Bodyshop Controller, Workshop Manager or Quality Controller within a Car Dealership, Body Repairer or Crash Repair Centre. You come from a fast‑paced background – you know how to work in a standard job time structure with a focus on producing compliant, high‑quality work. You can do more than one thing at once – you can be sure you will never be looking for something to do, so being able to prioritise and plan your work is key. You will have a full UK/EU Driving Licence.

You get involved in every part of our business – you take pride being part of the FMG Repair Services team and are keen to help colleagues with a hands‑on, can‑do approach to getting things done. You take pride in providing a great customer experience each day – you understand what is important to your customers and suppliers.

Why choose FMG RS? Of course, we offer a fantastic basic salary, but there’s much more to being a Workshop Controller and Assistant Manager at FMGRS than just that. Some of our most popular benefits include:

• Fantastic monthly bonus schemes.
• 23 days annual leave, plus an extra day off to celebrate your birthday.
• Free life assurance (x2 your basic salary).
• Exclusive colleague‑only vehicle‑leasing schemes.
• Pension & save‑as‑you‑earn share scheme.
• A Benefits App giving a huge range of retailer discounts and cashback deals.
• Well‑being services (incl. 24/7 GP service, mental health support and physiotherapy + Health Cash Plan, Dental Plan & Travel Insurance).
• Stream App for all our colleagues - a Financial Wellbeing app that gives you more control over your pay.

You’re rewarded for your part in our success - lots of customers means lots of work to share, which in turn means lots of opportunity to boost your earnings through our fantastic bonus schemes. We invest in you - We believe everyone should have the opportunity to better themselves and look to progress, not just within FMG RS but the wider ZIGUP business too. We’re growing - it’s an exciting time for the industry and we’re committed to being at cutting edge, investing in everything from our EV capabilities, our workshops to our Training Centres.

Join the FMG RS family with the best people in the industry within our Group. We really believe that no one else can do what we do as well as us. We’re also part of something bigger – ZIGUP, a leading provider of integrated mobility solutions, supporting customers across the UK, Ireland, and Spain. We are proud to have been awarded a King's Award for Enterprise in 2025, recognised for our commitment to promoting opportunity and supporting social mobility. Unlock your potential in an industry‑leading business, surrounded by inspiring individuals and leaders, fuelled by the opportunity to thrive in your career. We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, identities, and abilities. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, just let us know. We’re here to support you.

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