About the job
Role:
As a Vehicle Yard Assistant, you'll be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of our vehicle yard and showrooorganisedring all vehicles are clean, presentable, correctly positioned, and ready for customers and online listings.
You'll assist with vehicle washing and preparation, take clear and professional photographs of vehicles, move and organise vehicles within the yard, and help maintain accurate stock information. You'll also work closely with the sales and operations teams to ensure vehicles are prepared efficiently and presented to a high standard.
Responsibilities:
* Wash and clean vehicles to ensure they are presented to a high standard
* Prepare vehicles for customer viewings, photography, and handover
* Take clear and professional photographs of vehicles for online listings and internal records
* Ensure vehicle photographs accurately represent the condition and features of each vehicle
* Move and organise vehicles safely within the showroom and yard
* Maintain an organised and professional vehicle display area
* Check vehicles for visible damage, missing items, or presentation issues and report them to the relevant team
* Assist with receiving new vehicle stock and positioning vehicles in the correct areas
* Support the sales team in preparing vehicles for customer appointments and test drives
* Ensure vehicle keys and relevant stock information are handled and organised correctly
* Assist with basic vehicle checks where required, including fuel levels, tyre condition, warning lights, and general appearance
* Keep the yard and vehicle preparation areas clean, organised, and safe
* Support vehicle handovers and other showroom operations when required
* Work closely with the sales, logistics, and operations teams to ensure vehicles are ready on time
* Follow company procedures and health and safety requirements at all times
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
* Be over 21 and have held a full Driver's Licence for a minimum of two years (for insurance purposes)
* Previous experience in vehicle preparation, automotive work, valeting, yard operations, or a similar practical role is preferred
* Comfortable driving and moving a variety of vehicles safely
* Good attention to detail and ability to identify vehicle presentation issues
* Ability to take clear and professional vehicle photographs using a smartphone or camera
* Physically comfortable working outdoors and carrying out vehicle cleaning and preparation duties
* Reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team
* Good communication and organisational skills
* Basic IT and smartphone skills
* Ability to work in a fast-paced automotive environment
Desirable Qualifications:
* Previous experience working in an automotive dealership, vehicle yard, showroom, or car preparation centre
* Experience in vehicle valeting or detailing
* Experience photographing vehicles for automotive listings
* Knowledge of Japanese and imported vehicles
* Basic understanding of vehicle condition checks and automotive terminology
Benefits
SAT JAPAN is committed to promoting a professional and inclusive working environment where employees are encouraged to develop their skills, contribute new ideas and grow alongside the business.
We believe strong teamwork, attention to detail and a passion for the automotive industry are essential to delivering a high-quality experience for our customers and supporting the continued growth of SAT JAPAN in the United Kingdom.
In return, we offer:
* OTE of £30,960 per year, with a basic salary of £21,600 per year
* Performance-based earning opportunities linked to individual and operational performance
* 6-day working week
* Working hours of 9:00am to 6:00pm
* One rotational day off per week
* Ongoing training and development
* Opportunities for professional development and career progression
* Opportunity to work with a wide range of Japanese and international vehicles
* Professional automotive showroom and yard working environment
* Exposure to both the UK and international automotive markets
* Opportunity to develop extensive knowledge of Japanese vehicles, vehicle preparation, and automotive operations
* Support from an established international automotive business
Showroom:
SAT JAPAN's UK Showroom is located in Purfleet-on-Thames, Grays RM20 3NL. The location provides convenient access to London, Essex and surrounding areas, as well as major transport and logistics routes.
Our UK Showroom and vehicle yard are an important part of SAT JAPAN's continued expansion in the United Kingdom. The Vehicle Yard Assistant will play an important role in ensuring our vehicle stock is professionally prepared, organised, photographed, and ready for customers and online presentation.
Company
SAT JAPAN is an international automotive company specializing in exporting vehicles from Japan to customers across global markets. We give customers access to a wide range of Japanese vehicles, supported by our international sales, logistics, and vehicle sourcing operations.
Our journey is built around a passion for automobiles, customer service and continuous growth. As we continue expanding our presence in the United Kingdom, our goal is to provide customers with a professional, reliable vehicle-buying experience while establishing SAT JAPAN as a strong automotive brand in the UK market.
Our showroom team plays a key role in this growth by delivering a high standard of customer service, building long-term relationships, and ensuring every customer receives professional support throughout their vehicle-buying journey.
