At a Glance
- Tasks: Perform vehicle servicing, maintenance, and repairs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Established independent garage with a 75-year legacy in Haywards Heath.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime pay, 28 days holiday, and free parking.
- Other info: Join a family-like team with diverse work on various vehicle makes.
- Why this job: Enjoy a zero weekend schedule and a relaxed pace without corporate pressure.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent experience in vehicle maintenance required.
The predicted salary is between 33070 - 40418 £ per year.
Salary: £45,000 strong, negotiable basic salary + enhanced overtime paid at Time and a Half (1.5x)
Location: Haywards Heath (Central location with free on-site staff parking)
Hours: Monday – Friday only (Structured daily breaks: 30-min lunch + two 15-min breaks). Zero Weekends!
About Us
We are a highly respected independent garage in central Haywards Heath that has been a trusted local fixture for over 75 years. We perfectly balance traditional mechanical craftsmanship with modern automotive technology, completely rejecting the frantic, high-stress environment of corporate dealerships and high-volume fast-fit centres. We actively prioritize your well-being, offering a structured, sensible pace of work with a down-to-earth team that genuinely values your technical integrity.
Why Join?
- £45,000 Base Salary: Secure, highly competitive basic pay tailored to your skills.
- 1.5x Overtime Pay: Boost your earnings with optional overtime paid at Time and a Half.
- Zero Weekends: Strictly Monday to Friday schedule with weekends completely off.
- Rested Pace: Structured daily breaks (30-min lunch + two 15-min breaks) with no unrealistic flat-rate targets.
- Bosch Training: 100% employer-funded access to official Bosch diagnostic and technical courses.
- Great Benefits: 28 days holiday (plus performance rewards), company pension, and free parking.
Why This Position Is Different
- Pace Over Pressure: Say goodbye to relentless corporate pressures, unrealistic flat-rate timing targets, and being treated like a number. We value precision, safety, and fixed-right-first-time repairs over rushing jobs.
- A "Forever" Career: We boast exceptional staff retention because we treat our team like family in a clean, organized, RMI-approved workspace.
- Diverse & Multi-Brand Work: Escape single-brand monotony. Work on an engaging mix of different makes and models, carrying out everything from routine maintenance to intermediate mechanical overhauls.
What You'll Be Doing
- Carrying out routine vehicle servicing, comprehensive maintenance, and multi-point safety inspections to high standards.
- Handling core mechanical repairs, including brakes, steering, suspension components, and timing belt changes.
- Utilizing modern workshop diagnostic equipment to perform routine vehicle health checks and minor electrical fault-finding.
- Collaborating clearly with the front-of-house service team to explain required repairs and safety recommendations.
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and professional workshop environment.
Requirements
- NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 / City & Guilds qualification in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (or equivalent portfolio of hands-on experience).
- Proven track record as a Vehicle Technician, Service Mechanic, or Car Mechanic inside a professional garage setting.
- Reliable, honest approach with high standards of workmanship.
- Must hold a full UK driving licence.
- An active DVSA MOT license is a bonus, but not essential.
Commutable Locations
Centrally located in Haywards Heath with an easy, traffic-free daily commute from across Mid-Sussex:
- Lindfield: 5 mins
- Cuckfield: 8 mins
- Burgess Hill: 10 mins
- Hassocks: 15 mins
- Crawley: 20 mins
- East Grinstead & Brighton: 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 total 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 Service Technician / Car Mechanic – 75-Year Established Independent in Haywards Heath 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 Service Technician / Car Mechanic – 75-Year Established Independent in Haywards Heath
✨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 Service Technician / Car Mechanic – 75-Year Established Independent in Haywards Heath
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.
