Workshop Operations
Oversee all workshop maintenance activities. Ensure efficient planning and utilisation of labour, facilities and equipment. Monitor workshop productivity and efficiency. Drive improvements in fleet availability and maintenance performance. Ensure workshop standards are maintained at all times.
Vehicle & Asset Maintenance
Ensure the effective maintenance of all vehicles and refrigeration assets. Monitor vehicle reliability and identify recurring defects. Implement preventative maintenance strategies to reduce downtime. Review asset performance and support lifecycle planning.
Compliance & Governance
Ensure compliance with: Operator Licence requirements DVSA regulations Road Transport legislation Health & Safety legislation Company maintenance standards. Lead maintenance audits and compliance reviews. Ensure all maintenance documentation and records are complete and accurate. Manage corrective actions arising from audits and inspections.
Financial Management
Manage workshop operating budgets. Monitor maintenance costs and expenditure. Approve repair work and major expenditure within authority limits. Manage supplier performance and contract compliance. Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or compliance.
Performance Management
Monitor and report on:
- Fleet availability
- VOR performance
- Workshop productivity
- Labour utilisation
- Maintenance costs
- Compliance performance
Establish and track departmental KPIs. Develop action plans to improve performance.
Customer Service & Stakeholder Management
Ensure excellent levels of customer service are delivered. Build strong relationships with operational teams, customers and suppliers. Act as the primary escalation point for significant maintenance issues. Support depot operational objectives through effective fleet management.
Continuous Improvement
Drive process improvements within workshop operations. Implement best practice maintenance standards. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, compliance and customer service. Support digitalisation and utilisation of workshop management systems.
Health, Safety & Environment
Champion a positive safety culture across the workshop. Ensure risk assessments and safe systems of work are implemented. Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses. Ensure environmental and waste management procedures are followed.
Essential
Proven experience managing a commercial vehicle workshop or fleet maintenance operation. Strong leadership and people management skills. Thorough understanding of Operator Licence and compliance requirements. Experience managing maintenance budgets and costs. Strong knowledge of commercial vehicle maintenance practices. Excellent organisational and communication skills. Ability to analyse data and drive performance improvements. Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable
IRTEC qualification. Transport Manager CPC. IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent. Experience within refrigerated vehicle operations. Experience using fleet and workshop management systems.
The Petit Forestier Group
A family-run business for nearly 120 years, brings together 5,900 talented employees across more than 22 countries, united by a shared mission: ‘Improving life through cold chain expertise’. By preserving food, medical products and other sensitive goods that are essential to our lives, we offer everyone a meaningful career.
Workshop Manager employer: Petit Forestier UK
At Petit Forestier Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our employees' growth and well-being. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and teamwork, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you have ample opportunities to advance your career in the dynamic field of contract hire and fleet management. Located in a vibrant region, we offer a meaningful career where you can make a real impact by contributing to our mission of improving life through cold chain expertise.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshop Manager
✨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 Petit Forestier UK, 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 Petit Forestier UK 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 Petit Forestier UK
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Petit Forestier UK, 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 Petit Forestier UK 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.
