At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communication and stock management for our garage network.
- Company: Join Halfords, the UK's leading retailer in motoring and cycling products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, hybrid working, and 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on wellbeing and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of motoring.
- Qualifications: Experience in communication strategies and stock management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About us
Halfords is on a journey - building the future of motoring and cycling and looking for people who want to help shape what comes next. We’re a place for co‑creators: people who want to make a real impact, take ownership and be part of something that’s still evolving. As the UK’s leading retailer of motoring and cycling products, we’re supported by one of the country’s largest independent vehicle servicing, maintenance and repair networks through Halfords Autocentres. This breadth gives us a strong, stable foundation - and the freedom to keep innovating and growing. That means real variety for our colleagues, along with the opportunity to learn, stretch and develop as the business moves forward. Whatever your role, you’ll be part of a team focused on delivering exceptional service - using your expertise to solve problems, guide customers and help keep the nation moving with confidence.
About the role
This role sets the strategic direction for garage communications, stock management and operational support across our garage network. You’ll lead the development and delivery of clear, engaging communication strategies across multiple channels, ensuring consistency, alignment and effective support for our field teams. Working closely with Internal & Retail Communications and fellow Heads of Function, you’ll shape the strategic approach to garage support while ensuring strong operational execution. With a sharp focus on stock accuracy and MMS reduction, you’ll regularly review priorities to balance business needs with the best possible support for our garages, driving continuous improvement across the network. This role is primarily field-based and includes regular travel to our Support Centre in Redditch, in line with business requirements.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and own a comprehensive communication strategy for garages, incorporating strategic business communications, engagement activities, and effective digital and physical communication channels.
- Lead the strategic approach to garage stock management, ensuring availability, accuracy, operational efficiency, and alignment with wider commercial and operational objectives.
- Ensure all garages receive support in line with agreed service-level standards, driving a high‑quality, timely, and consistent support experience across all operational support functions.
- Drive the reduction of MMS levels in line with agreed performance targets by implementing robust controls, clear processes, and consistent engagement with centres.
- Regularly review and set the tactical priorities and direction of stock support teams to ensure evolving business needs are met while maintaining optimal support for garages.
- Analyse support contact data on a regular basis to identify trends, inform proactive communications, and highlight opportunities for process simplification and continuous improvement.
About you
You have experience developing and delivering effective communication strategies for operational teams, including strategic business communications, engagement activity, and a mix of digital and physical channels. You bring strong experience in leading stock management strategies, with a focus on availability, accuracy, operational efficiency, and alignment to wider commercial and operational goals. You have a proven track record of ensuring service-level standards are met, delivering a high‑quality and timely support experience across multiple operational support functions. You are confident driving performance improvement, including reducing MMS levels through robust controls, clear processes, and consistent engagement with centres. You are comfortable setting and reviewing tactical priorities for stock and support teams, balancing changing business needs with optimal support for garages. You are analytical and insight‑driven, with experience reviewing support contact data to identify trends, enable proactive communication, and highlight opportunities for process simplification and continuous improvement.
Reward & benefits
A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, company car or car allowance, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave. Commitment and dedication to your ongoing personal and professional development. We help you to own and grow your potential so you can be at your best in your current role and to support your future career aspirations.
We offer hybrid working in our Support Centre, you will be based at our Support Centre 3 days a week with an optional 2 days working from home. You will have access to a wealth of employee discounts across the Halfords suite of products and services. Wellbeing and inclusion are at the heart of our colleague experience. We offer resources and ongoing support to enhance your wellbeing at work and active Colleague Networks supporting inclusion initiatives across Halfords.
Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.
Head of Garage Support employer: Halfords Careers
Contact Detail:
Halfords Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Garage Support
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Halfords' values, mission, and recent projects. This way, when you chat with them, you can show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to communication strategies and stock management. Use the STAR method to structure your answers, showcasing your experience and how it aligns with what Halfords is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Garage Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about shaping the future of motoring and cycling with us.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in communication strategies and stock management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate how you've driven performance improvements in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Halfords Careers
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Halfords' mission and values. Understand their journey in motoring and cycling, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the Head of Garage Support, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've developed and delivered successful communication strategies in the past. Be ready to discuss how you can engage teams across various channels, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
✨Be Data-Driven
Halfords values analytical skills, so come prepared with insights from your previous roles. Discuss how you've used data to identify trends and improve processes. This will show that you can drive performance improvements and make informed decisions.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Talk about your experience in stock management and how you've implemented controls and processes to enhance operational efficiency. Highlight specific instances where you've reduced MMS levels or improved service delivery, showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement.