HGV/Commercial Vehicle Mechanic in Crewkerne

We are looking for an experienced HGV / Commercial Vehicle Mechanic to join our workshop team. This is a hands-on role suited to a skilled mechanic who is confident working independently and has extensive experience maintaining, repairing and rebuilding heavy commercial vehicles.

The successful candidate will have strong mechanical knowledge and practical experience, including engine and gearbox rebuilds, running gear refurbishment, axle replacement, welding and fabrication. The majority of the HGV fleet consists of Scania and Mercedes trucks, articulated & rigid, tankers and fridge trailers. An HGV driving licence is not essential for this position but training is available.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out routine servicing and preventative maintenance on HGVs.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical faults efficiently and accurately.
• Carry out complete engine strip-downs, rebuilds and repairs.
• Carry out gearbox strip-downs, rebuilds, repairs and replacement.
• Refurbish and repair running gear, including suspension, steering and associated components.
• Remove, replace and repair axles and axle components.
• Carry out brake system inspection, maintenance and repairs.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical and drivetrain faults.
• Carry out clutch replacement and associated drivetrain repairs.
• Replace and repair suspension components, including springs, bushes, dampers and related components.

Welding & Fabrication

• Carry out MIG/TIG and general welding and fabrication work as required.
• Fabricate and repair brackets, mounts, supports, guards and other vehicle components.
• Carry out repairs to vehicle chassis, bodywork and structural components where appropriate and within the individual's competency.
• Measure, cut, drill, form and assemble steel and other suitable materials.
• Carry out welding repairs to trailers, bodies, frames and associated equipment.
• Inspect completed welds and fabricated components to ensure they are suitable and fit for purpose.
• Use welding equipment, cutting equipment, grinders and other fabrication tools safely.
• Maintain welding and fabrication equipment in good working condition.

General Workshop Duties

• Carry out repairs to a high standard, ensuring vehicles are safe and fit for service.
• Maintain accurate records of servicing, repairs and parts used.
• Carry out pre-inspection and preparation work where required.
• Work on Scania and Mercedes HGVs, as well as other commercial vehicles.
• Identify additional defects or maintenance requirements and report them appropriately.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised workshop and working area.
• Follow all company Health & Safety procedures and safe working practices.
• Use workshop equipment, tools, lifting equipment and diagnostic equipment safely and correctly.
• Support other members of the workshop team when required.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Significant experience as an HGV / Commercial Vehicle Mechanic.
• Experience of engine rebuilding.
• Experience of gearbox rebuilding and repair.
• Experience refurbishing and repairing running gear.
• Experience removing and replacing axles.
• Strong mechanical fault-finding and diagnostic skills.
• Good understanding of HGV mechanical systems, drivetrains, braking and suspension systems.
• Practical welding and fabrication experience.
• Ability to fabricate and repair brackets, supports, frames and other components.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Ability to work to a high standard with attention to detail.
• Good understanding of workshop Health & Safety requirements.
• A professional and reliable approach to work.

Qualifications

• Recognised HGV / Commercial Vehicle Maintenance qualification is desirable.
• Relevant City & Guilds, NVQ, IMI or equivalent qualification is desirable.
• Welding/fabrication qualifications are desirable but proven practical experience will also be accepted.
• HGV driving licence is not required.

Working Hours

The standard working hours are Monday to Friday: 7:00am – 5:00pm. The role also involves working every 4th weekend. Following a weekend worked, the intention is to provide time off during the following week, with the exact arrangement being negotiable. There is also the possibility of moving to a 4-on / 4-off shift pattern, subject to discussion and agreement. The working pattern can therefore be discussed with the successful candidate to find an arrangement that works for both the individual and the business.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a time-served, experienced mechanic who enjoys practical mechanical work and takes pride in doing a job properly. This is not simply a servicing role. The position requires someone who is comfortable undertaking major mechanical repairs and component rebuilds, including engines, gearboxes, axles and running gear, as well as carrying out welding and fabrication work. The ideal candidate will be able to diagnose problems, determine the correct repair, carry out the mechanical, welding or fabrication work safely and efficiently, and return vehicles to a high standard of mechanical condition.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and punctual.
• Practical and mechanically minded.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Honest and trustworthy.
• Able to work independently.
• A good team player.
• Willing to take responsibility for the quality of their work.
• Calm and methodical when diagnosing faults.
• Flexible and willing to work across HGVs, trailers, fridge trailers.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of safety and workmanship.
• Takes pride in producing a high-quality mechanical and fabrication finish.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced commercial vehicle mechanic looking for a varied, hands-on workshop role where their mechanical, diagnostic, welding and fabrication skills will be valued. The role offers flexibility around working patterns, with the potential to agree either the current Monday–Friday / 4th weekend arrangement or a 4-on / 4-off pattern, depending on the needs of the business and the successful candidate.

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and technical ability.
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Crewkerne
Reporting to: Workshop Manager
Pay: £18.00-£22.00 per hour
Benefits: Company pension, Cycle to work scheme, On-site parking, Referral programme
Work Location: In person