Workshop Controller

Location: Rainham, Essex

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 DOE

Bonus: Monthly performance bonus averaging £300 per month

Hours: Monday to Saturday (with one weekday off)

Our client is a well-established and highly respected independent automotive business looking to recruit an experienced Workshop Controller to join their leadership team. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified technician who is ready to take the next step in their career or an experienced Workshop Controller looking for a fresh challenge. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day running of the workshop, ensuring work is planned efficiently, technicians remain productive, and customers receive an exceptional level of service. This is a hands-on role, so alongside leading the workshop, you'll also be expected to carry out vehicle repairs and diagnostics when required.

The Role

• Working closely with the Service Advisors and management team, you'll act as the link between the front-of-house operation and the workshop, ensuring work is allocated efficiently, productivity is maximised and repair quality remains consistently high.
• You'll be responsible for organising the daily workflow, supporting and motivating the technician team, monitoring workshop performance and ensuring all jobs are completed safely, efficiently and to the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Organise and prioritise the daily workshop schedule.
• Allocate jobs effectively to maximise workshop efficiency and productivity.
• Support and manage a team of technicians, providing guidance and technical assistance where required.
• Monitor job progress and ensure work is completed within agreed timescales.
• Carry out diagnostics, servicing and vehicle repairs when required.
• Ensure all repairs are completed to manufacturer and company standards.
• Liaise closely with the front-of-house team regarding job progress and customer updates.
• Maintain high standards of workshop housekeeping and health & safety.
• Drive workshop efficiency, productivity and first-time fix rates.
• Support training and development of technicians within the workshop.

About You

We're looking for a natural leader who enjoys developing people and leading by example. You'll ideally have:

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.
• Previous experience as a Workshop Controller, Senior Technician or Master Technician.
• Strong diagnostic and technical ability.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Experience managing workflow within a busy automotive workshop.
• The ability to motivate and support a team of technicians.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A proactive, positive and customer-focused approach.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

What's on Offer?

• £40,000 - £50,000 basic salary depending on experience.
• Monthly bonus averaging £300 per month.
• One weekday off every week.
• Stable, full-time permanent position.
• Opportunity to join a successful, growing business.
• Supportive management team.
• Modern, well-equipped workshop.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Lunch provided for the team during the working week.
• Breakfast provided every Saturday for the whole team.

Why Join?

This is a business that genuinely values its people. You'll be joining a close-knit team where everyone pulls together, hard work is recognised and rewarded, and management actively invests in creating a positive working environment. If you're a qualified technician with strong leadership skills and you're ready to take ownership of a busy workshop while remaining hands-on with the tools, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today for a confidential conversation with Swipe Right Recruitment.