Workshop Controller in West Thurrock

The Workshop Controller plays a key role in ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of the workshop by planning, coordinating and monitoring all maintenance, servicing and repair activities. Responsible for allocating work, managing priorities and overseeing progress, the role ensures vehicles are maintained safely, efficiently and to the highest standards of quality.
Acting as the central link between technicians, management and customers, the Workshop Controller helps maximise productivity, minimise vehicle downtime and ensure all work is completed in accordance with company procedures, health and safety requirements, and manufacturer standards. The role also supports technical problem-solving and ensures the effective use of workshop resources to deliver excellent service and operational performance.
ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES
Liaise with engineers and depot manager regarding work being carried out or scheduled work due to come to workshop.
Ensuring all working practices comply with DVSA, health and safety, and manufacturer policy.
Provide customers with updates and timelines when possible.
Report to operations manager.
Schedule engineers off site work for the week ensure rota makes sense.
Ensure the workshop always complies with health and safety regulations.
Ensuring the workshop is a safe place to work.
Allocating engineers work in the workshop.
Ensure work is quality controlled/checked before being given back to the customer.
Maintain accurate records ensuring defects have been completed along with correct paperwork.
Track repair progress, ensure engineers have completed write ups correctly and they make sense.
Ensure engineers are clocking in and out for the day when on site including contractors.
Keep track of work completed and on what vehicle noting any outstanding work to be completed.
Check fleet vehicles cleanliness and stock ensuring it complies with company policies.
Arrange recovery if required for buses.
Escalation of technical issues
Escalating customer queries as and when needed.
This list is not exhaustive, the role may require other reasonable duties from time to time in line with needs of the business.
ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDING REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Essential Requirements:
GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
Full UK Driving Licence.
Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Experience working within a vehicle maintenance, engineering, fleet or workshop environment.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple tasks effectively.
Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with technicians, managers and customers.
A proactive approach to problem-solving and maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
Desirable Requirements:
NVQ Level 3 in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or equivalent technical qualification
IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) qualification
Experience using workshop management and fleet maintenance systems.
Strong planning, organisation and workload scheduling skills.
Technical knowledge of vehicle maintenance and repair processes
Effective communication and customer service skills
Experience monitoring productivity, performance measures and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Understanding of health, safety and compliance requirements within a workshop environment.
DESIRABLE BEHAVIOURS
Ability to be flexible and adapt to customer and operational needs and changes.
Must have a confident & positive attitude to resolve customer issues.
Must have motivation and drive to ensure tasks are completed within the required timescales and to the expected standards.
Benefits Holiday - 192 hours plus