At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple workshops, manage a team, and oversee project delivery.
- Company: Join Southern Water, transforming the UK's water industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse environment with a commitment to innovation and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure and drive sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in workshop management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Workshop Manager to lead multiple workshop locations across Kent, managing a team of technicians and overseeing the delivery of a growing projects programme. You’ll be responsible for day-to-day workshop operations, team leadership, and project delivery, ensuring all maintenance and engineering activities are safe, compliant, and completed to a high standard.
Key responsibilities
- Manage and develop a team of technicians within a key Kent workshop
- Oversee maintenance, repair, and refurbishment of mechanical assets
- Lead workshop operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety
- Manage and coordinate a project team delivering upgrades and improvements
- Ensure compliance with health & safety and regulatory standards
- Drive continuous improvement and asset reliability
- Work closely with operational teams and stakeholders across sites
About you
- Proven experience in maintenance or workshop management
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams and/or multiple locations
- Experience delivering maintenance or engineering projects
- Good understanding of health & safety and compliance
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
Qualifications
- Mechanical or electrical experience is desired
- Full UK driving licence
This is a great opportunity to lead both workshop operations and project delivery, playing a key role in maintaining and improving critical infrastructure across Kent. Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.
At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself.
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information:
In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
Workshop Manager in Canterbury employer: SouthernWaterServices
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Kent where you can lead and develop a talented team of technicians while overseeing impactful projects that enhance critical infrastructure. With a strong commitment to diversity and continuous improvement, employees benefit from significant investment in their professional growth and the opportunity to influence major strategic decisions within a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to sustainability and service excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshop Manager in Canterbury
✨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 SouthernWaterServices, 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 Workshop Manager in Canterbury
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 SouthernWaterServices 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 SouthernWaterServices
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with SouthernWaterServices, 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 SouthernWaterServices 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.
