Job Title: Workshop Manager
Location: Ridham Dock Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8SR (Ridham and Group Sites)
Salary: Competitive
Job Type: Permanent, Full time
Working Hours: Monday to Friday : 50 hours per week, flexibility required
About Us
Countrystyle is a member of the family:owned Heathcote Holdings Group of resource management companies and as a family run business our people and customers are at the heart of our growth and drive for passion for solution focused service.
About The Role
An experienced, hands:on Workshop Manager who takes personal ownership of the workshop as if it were their own, setting the standard, leading from the front, and ensuring every vehicle, plant item and piece of equipment is maintained to the highest levels of safety, compliance and operational readiness. The role combines direct mechanical, diagnostic and repair work with day:to:day oversight of all workshop operations at Ridham, driving a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and engineering excellence. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable under a vehicle as they are in a budget review or compliance audit.
Responsibilities
Hands:On Technical Work and Fault Diagnosis
- Carry out and oversee routine inspections, servicing, maintenance and repairs to fleet vehicles, plant, machinery and site equipment.
- Use diagnostic equipment and technical knowledge to identify faults across hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems.
- Carry out welding, fabrication, machining and general repair work as required to support workshop and operational needs.
- Complete initial assessments of vehicles, plant and equipment to identify root causes of faults and recommend cost:effective remedies.
Workshop Leadership And People Management
- Take full ownership of the workshop : run it as if it were your own, holding yourself and your team to the highest standards.
- Lead, supervise and allocate daily tasks to mechanics, fitters, apprentices and other workshop staff.
- Provide hands:on guidance, support and mentoring to all workshop personnel.
- Conduct performance reviews, one:to:ones and development planning for direct reports.
Fleet Compliance And Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure 100 Planned Event Maintenance (PEM) compliance across all vehicles and equipment types.
- Ensure full adherence to DVSA requirements, Operator Licence undertakings, manufacturer standards and company policy.
- Oversee MOT preparation and presentation, targeting consistently high first:time pass rates.
- Monitor and drive defect management processes, prioritising safety:critical defects and eliminating backlog growth.
- Conduct regular compliance audits; maintain audit:ready standards at all times and prepare the business for DVSA audits.
Planning, Scheduling And Operational Performance
- Plan and coordinate servicing schedules, inspections, breakdown repairs and urgent maintenance to minimise downtime.
- Monitor workshop productivity, throughput and vehicle availability KPIs.
- Escalate Vehicle Off Road (VOR) risks promptly and manage resolution.
- Monitor repeat defects and drive root cause analysis and corrective action.
Record Keeping And Documentation
- Maintain accurate, auditable records including inspection sheets, job cards, service records, defect reports and completed works.
- Ensure all documentation is kept up to date, signed off within required timescales and compliant with DVSA and company standards.
Financial And Commercial Management
- Own and manage the workshop budget : treat expenditure with the same care as your own money.
- Control labour costs, overtime, agency spend and external repair expenditure.
- Monitor parts usage, stock levels and procurement.
- Identify and deliver cost:saving opportunities without compromising compliance or quality.
Health, Safety And Environmental Compliance
- Ensure all workshop operations comply fully w
Workshop Manager in Sittingbourne employer: TipTopJob
As an Installation & Commissioning Engineer with us, you'll join a dynamic team in the vibrant London area, where flexibility in working hours allows for a balanced lifestyle. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, alongside competitive salaries and performance bonuses. Our commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that you will be part of exciting projects that make a real impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshop Manager in Sittingbourne
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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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!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like TipTopJob, 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!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to TipTopJob 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 TipTopJob
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with TipTopJob, 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 TipTopJob 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.
