At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage workshop operations, oversee vehicle servicing, and ensure excellent customer service.
- Company: Gravel Lane Automotives, a trusted automotive service centre in Essex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a reputable company focused on quality and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Lead a team, enhance customer experiences, and drive workshop success.
- Qualifications: Experience in automotive workshop management and strong customer service skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Role Overview
The Workshop Manager will be responsible for managing all aspects of workshop operations, from customer bookings and vehicle workflow management through to technician supervision, quality control, invoicing and compliance.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the workshop operates smoothly, jobs are completed efficiently, customers receive excellent service, and the business continues to grow.
This role requires a strong understanding of vehicle servicing and repairs, excellent organisational skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to lead and motivate a team.
- Workshop Operations & Management
- Oversee daily operation of MOT, servicing and repairs.
- Manage workshop workflow to ensure vehicles are booked in, progressed and completed efficiently.
- Allocate jobs to technicians based on workload and deadlines.
- Monitor productivity, labour efficiency and turnaround times.
- Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in line with manufacturer guidelines and industry best practices.
- Carry out final quality checks where required before vehicles are returned to customers.
- Identify opportunities to improve workshop processes and customer experience.
- Customer Service & Relationship Management
- Act as the main point of contact for customers throughout the repair and servicing process.
- Provide professional advice regarding vehicle maintenance, repairs and recommendations.
- Communicate clearly with customers regarding diagnosis, costs, progress updates and completion times.
- Handle customer queries, concerns and complaints professionally and promptly.
- Build strong relationships with repeat customers and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Ensure customers receive transparent explanations of work required and completed.
- Booking, Scheduling & Workflow Control
- Manage all workshop bookings, MOT appointments, servicing schedules and repair jobs.
- Plan daily and weekly workshop capacity.
- Prioritise urgent repairs while maintaining efficient workflow.
- Coordinate MOT slots, diagnostics, servicing and repair requirements.
- Ensure customers are kept informed of appointment changes or delays.
- Estimates, Invoicing & Commercial Management
- Prepare estimates and quotations for repairs and maintenance work.
- Gain customer authorisation before additional work is carried out.
- Manage job cards, invoices and payment processes.
- Ensure accurate recording of parts, labour and additional charges.
- Monitor workshop profitability and identify opportunities to improve revenue.
- Work with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and availability of parts.
- Monitor outstanding payments and support effective financial control.
- Health & Safety, Compliance & Standards
- Ensure the workshop operates safely and complies with all relevant health and safety regulations.
- Maintain a clean, organised and professional working environment.
- Maintain compliance with MOT standards and industry regulations.
- Ensure tools, equipment and machinery are maintained and fit for purpose.
- Stock, Equipment & Supplier Management
- Monitor workshop stock levels, consumables and commonly used parts.
- Order parts and manage relationships with suppliers.
- Ensure efficient use and maintenance of workshop equipment.
- Manage external suppliers, recovery companies and specialist repair partners when required.
Skills & Experience Required
- Previous experience managing an automotive workshop.
- Strong knowledge of vehicle servicing, repairs and diagnostics.
- Experience working with technicians and managing workshop workflow.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple jobs and priorities in a busy environment.
- Commercial understanding of workshop operations, labour sales and profitability.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Ability to use workshop management systems, booking software and invoicing systems.
- Previous experience within an MOT testing environment.
- MOT Tester qualification is preferred.
- Experience with diagnostic equipment and modern vehicle technologies.
Experience
Required
Languages
English – Advanced
Employment
Full-time
Schedule
Monday - Saturday, 8am-6pm
Salary
About Gravel Lane Automotives
Established MOT, vehicle servicing and repair centre based in Essex.
We pride ourselves on delivering reliable, honest and high-quality automotive services while providing an excellent customer experience.
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Workshop Manager in Chigwell employer: Gravel Lane Automotives
Gravel Lane Automotives is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Essex where you can thrive as a Workshop Manager. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we provide ongoing training opportunities and foster a collaborative culture that values teamwork and customer satisfaction. Join us to be part of a reputable automotive service centre that prioritises quality, safety, and a positive workplace atmosphere.
