At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering operations and drive performance across multiple workshops.
- Company: Dynamic fleet business with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, 28 days holiday, and career progression.
- Other info: Monday to Friday hours with potential for Saturday work.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering in a senior leadership role with real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing HGV workshops and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced Group Workshop Manager to take ownership of engineering operations across a growing fleet business. This is a senior leadership position where you'll drive workshop performance, engineering standards, compliance, and long-term operational strategy across multiple sites. If you thrive on building high-performing teams, improving processes, and creating scalable workshop operations, this could be the ideal next step in your career.
This isn't a hands-on Workshop Manager role. Instead, you'll provide strategic leadership, technical oversight, and direction to ensure every workshop operates safely, efficiently, and consistently.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Directors, you'll be responsible for leading the workshop function across the group, ensuring maintenance standards, compliance, and engineering excellence remain at the highest level. Working alongside Garage Managers and Compliance teams, you'll remove operational bottlenecks, improve fleet availability, and build a workshop structure capable of supporting continued business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Engineering Leadership
- Set and maintain engineering and maintenance standards across multiple workshops
- Provide senior technical guidance and decision-making support
- Act as the final escalation point for complex technical issues
- Workshop Performance
- Oversee workshop planning, scheduling and resource allocation
- Improve workshop efficiency and reduce vehicle downtime
- Monitor performance across multiple depots and implement continuous improvements
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with DVSA regulations and Operator Licence requirements
- Maintain robust maintenance systems and inspection programmes
- Ensure workshops remain audit-ready with accurate and compliant records
- Work closely with compliance teams to uphold industry standards
- Team Leadership
- Lead and develop Garage Managers and senior engineers
- Create clear accountability and consistent working standards
- Support apprentice development and engineering succession planning
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement
- Commercial & Supplier Management
- Oversee workshop budgets and cost control
- Manage supplier performance and procurement standards
- Support long-term fleet and workshop investment planning
- Systems & Process Improvement
- Drive consistent use of workshop management systems
- Develop scalable processes across the engineering function
- Eliminate inefficient working practices and improve operational structure
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who can combine strong technical knowledge with proven leadership experience. You'll ideally have:
- Significant experience managing HGV or commercial vehicle workshop operations
- Strong knowledge of DVSA regulations and Operator Licence compliance
- Experience leading multiple workshops or large engineering teams
- Excellent leadership and people management skills
- Commercial awareness with a focus on cost control
- A process-driven approach with strong organisational skills
- The ability to influence change and drive continuous improvement
What's in it for You?
- Competitive salary of £60,000 - £70,000 depending on experience
- Company pension scheme
- 28 days holiday including Bank Holidays
- A genuine opportunity to shape and develop the engineering function of a growing business
- Senior leadership role with autonomy and influence
- Long-term career progression within an expanding organisation
Working Hours
Monday to Friday: 6:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am - 12:00pm (subject to business requirements)
Apply Today
If you're an experienced Workshop Manager, Fleet Engineering Manager, Regional Workshop Manager or Head of Engineering looking for a role where you can make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV to find out more.
Group Workshop Manager in Kirkby employer: Holt Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading engineering business in Leeds as a Field Service Engineer, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values independence and technical problem-solving. With competitive salaries, ongoing training, and a focus on employee growth, this role offers the chance to develop your skills while providing exceptional service to customers. Benefit from a comprehensive package including a company vehicle, medical plans, and long-term career development opportunities in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Workshop Manager in Kirkby
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Holt Recruitment Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Workshop Manager in Kirkby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Holt Recruitment Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Holt Recruitment Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Holt Recruitment Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
