Workshop Manager (Forklifts / Material Handling)
Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire (Applications welcome from Northampton, Bedford, Luton, Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable, Aylesbury, Towcester and surrounding areas)
Salary: £43,000 - £50,000 per annum
Benefits: Bonus Scheme | Company Vehicle | Pension | Career Progression
Hours: Monday-Friday, Days
Contract: Permanent
Interaction Technical is working with a leading materials handling business to recruit an experienced Workshop Manager for their Milton Keynes depot.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on and commercially aware manager to take full responsibility for a busy engineering workshop, leading a team of skilled forklift engineers while driving productivity, quality standards, and operational performance.
Whether you're an established Workshop Manager or an experienced Engineering Supervisor ready to step up, this role offers genuine career development within a successful and growing business.
What's in it for You?
- £43,000 - £50,000 basic salary
- Performance-related bonus scheme
- Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
- Monday-Friday days role
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Ongoing management and leadership training
- Long-term progression opportunities
- Secure position with a growing organisation
- Supportive and experienced management team
The Role
As Workshop Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the workshop operation, ensuring all maintenance, repair and refurbishment work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage, motivate and develop a team of Workshop Engineers
- Coordinate workshop schedules and allocate workloads effectively
- Ensure all repairs, servicing and inspections are completed to agreed standards
- Monitor workshop productivity, performance and KPIs
- Support engineers with technical guidance and escalation issues
- Drive efficiency improvements and best working practices
- Maintain excellent health and safety standards throughout the workshop
- Work closely with the parts department to maximise workshop uptime
- Manage customer expectations and provide technical updates when required
- Conduct performance reviews, training and development plans
About You
We're looking for a strong people manager with a technical engineering background and experience leading teams within a workshop or service environment.
Suitable Backgrounds
- Workshop Manager
- Engineering Supervisor
- Workshop Supervisor
- Service Supervisor
- Forklift Workshop Manager
- Plant Workshop Manager
- HGV Workshop Manager
- Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
- Engineering Team Leader
- Depot Manager
- Operations Supervisor
- Commercial Vehicle Workshop Manager
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience managing engineers within a workshop environment
- Strong leadership and organisational skills
- Experience within forklifts, plant, material handling, agricultural machinery, commercial vehicles or similar industries
- Knowledge of workshop planning and performance management
- Excellent communication and problem‑solving abilities
- Commercial awareness and KPI management experience
- Full UK Driving Licence
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a market‑leading materials handling business that genuinely invests in its people. You'll have the autonomy to run a successful workshop, develop your team, and play a key role in the continued growth of the operation.
Keywords: Workshop Manager, Forklift Workshop Manager, Engineering Supervisor, Workshop Supervisor, Depot Manager, Plant Workshop Manager, Materials Handling, HGV Workshop Manager, Fleet Maintenance Manager, Engineering Team Leader, Service Supervisor, Operations Manager, Commercial Vehicle Workshop Manager, Maintenance Manager.
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Workshop Manager (Forklifts / Material Handling) in Milton Keynes employer: Interaction Recruitment
Interaction Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and employee well-being. With competitive pay and flexible shifts, this role in Gateshead provides opportunities for personal growth and skill development, making it an ideal choice for those seeking meaningful employment in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshop Manager (Forklifts / Material Handling) in Milton Keynes
✨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 Interaction Recruitment, 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!
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 Interaction Recruitment 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 Interaction Recruitment
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Interaction Recruitment, 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 Interaction Recruitment 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.
