At a Glance
- Tasks: Perform vehicle servicing, repairs, and diagnostics in a modern workshop.
- Company: Join a 5-star rated, family-run vehicle service specialist.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and no weekend work.
- Other info: Ongoing training and career progression in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Escape corporate pressure and focus on true craftsmanship with job security.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2/3 in Vehicle Maintenance and proven garage experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Salary: £35,000 – £45,000 basic salary (Tailored directly to experience)
Location: St Leonards-on-Sea / Hastings
Hours: Monday – Friday (08:00 – 17:00) | Strictly NO Weekends!
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
About Us
We are a highly respected, 5-star rated independent service, repair, diagnostic, and vehicle tuning specialist operating in St Leonards-on-Sea. Built on a rock-solid local reputation for honest advice, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service, we offer a clean, friendly, and fully equipped modern workshop. We completely reject corporate main-dealer target pressure, giving our technicians the exact time, specialist tools, and support needed to deliver right-first-time repairs across all vehicle makes and models.
Why Join?
- £35,000 – £45,000 Guaranteed Basic Salary
- 100% Weekend-Free (Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00)
- 28 Days Paid Holiday (20 Days + Bank Holidays)
- Onsite Parking
- Immaculate Workshop
- Company Pension
- Vehicle Remapping & ECU Tuning Specialist Equipment
- 5-Star Rated Workshop with a Strong Local Reputation
- Work with High-End Vehicles in a top-tier workshop
- Be Part of a Family-Run Business that genuinely cares about its staff
- Enjoy Job Security—many team members stay for years
- Ongoing Training & Career Progression Opportunities
Why This Position Is Different
- Escape the Corporate Grind: Step away from rigid main-dealer targets and flat-rate traps—focus on true mechanical craftsmanship and genuine customer satisfaction.
- Reclaim Your Weekends: Enjoy a predictable, clean Monday to Friday schedule (08:00 to 17:00) with every single weekend completely off.
- Broad Skill Expansion: Work on everything from daily commuters to performance vehicles requiring ECU remapping, advanced diagnostics, and major mechanical rebuilds.
- Well-Resourced Workspace: Command a dedicated, highly organized bay equipped with modern diagnostic suites, alignment systems, tuning kit, and specialist repair gear.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Carrying out routine servicing, multi-point health checks, and scheduled maintenance across multi-brand vehicles.
- Executing core mechanical repairs including brakes, suspension, clutches, exhausts, and cambelts/timing chains.
- Utilizing modern workshop diagnostic tools to isolate and repair electrical, electronic, and engine management faults.
- Supporting MOT prep and assisting with vehicle remapping and performance tuning services.
- Maintaining clean bay standards, accurate work documentation, and strict workshop health & safety protocols.
Requirements
- NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 / City & Guilds qualification in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (or time-served equivalent).
- Proven experience working inside an independent garage or fast-fit/dealership environment.
- Confident with routine diagnostics, core mechanical overhauls, and electrical troubleshooting.
- Must hold a full UK driving licence.
Commutable Locations
Centrally located in St Leonards-on-Sea with convenient road links across East Sussex:
- Hastings: 5–10 mins
- Bexhill-on-Sea: 10 mins
- Battle: 12 mins
- Rye: 20 mins
- Eastbourne: 25 mins
Please Note: Candidate Confidentiality is 100% Guaranteed. We know the local trade is a close-knit community and discretion is vital. Your enquiry will be handled with absolute privacy; we will never contact your current employer or mention your application to anyone without your explicit permission. Your current job is entirely safe with us.
Vehicle Technician / Car Mechanic 5-Star Rated Workshop in Hastings employer: Hawk Hiring
Join a passionate team at Europe's fastest-growing Porsche specialist in Brentwood, where your expertise as a Parts Advisor will be rewarded through profit sharing and a collaborative work culture. Enjoy a range of benefits including a competitive salary, employee discounts, and a health and wellbeing programme, all while working in an environment that values automotive enthusiasm and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vehicle Technician / Car Mechanic 5-Star Rated Workshop in Hastings
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Technician / Car Mechanic 5-Star Rated Workshop in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Hawk Hiring's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Hawk Hiring. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawk Hiring
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Hawk Hiring.