At a Glance
- Tasks: Mentor trainees and manage bike servicing in a vibrant community bike shop.
- Company: Join Westminster Wheels, a community-focused bike shop with a passion for cycling.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for personal development and a supportive team.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to promoting cycling and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the cycling community while developing your skills and leading others.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Certificate in Cycle Maintenance and experience in a bike workshop required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Westminster Wheels Shop Manager
Responsible for: Mentoring trainees, supervision in the absence of WW managers
Location: Westminster Wheels and remote delivery sites
Job Background
Westminster Wheels is a community bike shop operated by Groundwork London with partnership support from Westminster City Council and Cycle Confident. Its aims are to:
- Offer excellent service to central London’s cycling community – growing our sales income & diversifying our services, to create a sustainable business.
- Encourage more Westminster residents to choose cycling - providing quality refurbished bikes at low cost and donating free bikes to those on low incomes.
- Nurture new talent for London’s cycle retail sector.
This post will focus on supporting WW’s Project Manager to achieve these aims.
Key Responsibilities & Tasks
- Bike Servicing, refurbishment and WW operations
- To support WW senior staff to select bikes for refurbishment and maximise the use of refurbished parts.
- To check and repair received bikes for resale and donation, ensuring they fully meet WW’s safety requirements.
- To diagnose, repair and quality check bike maintenance requests to the quality standards and deadlines set by your line manager.
- Make day‑to‑day practical decisions on how refurbish and repair bicycles, support customers and share shop cleaning duties.
- To ensure all works and repairs are fully documented, in line with WW’s procedures.
- To fully participate in the clean, safe and efficient running of the workshop and retail shop.
- To liaise with customers, ensuring WW fully understands their requirements and they fully understand our offer.
- During servicing, ensure customers are kept fully aware of the works WW are proposing, their cost and timescale.
- On collection, ensure customers fully understand the works that have been undertaken, and any further considerations.
- To take payments and ensure all transactions are correctly recorded.
- To ensure stock control systems are followed and participate in regular stocktaking.
- To take responsibility for fulfilling fleet management contracts.
- To deliver off site bike repair services, including: Dr Bike services and planned and reactive fleet maintenance services.
- To manage on‑line sales and assist in loading up items and maintaining our on‑line product presence.
- On request, to open and close the store, ensuring security alarm and all doors secured.
- Help clean the workshop, showroom, toilets, and kitchen as part of the cleaning rota.
Trainee Support
- Assist Programme Manager with trainee capacity planning, advising employment teams of known and upcoming vacancies.
- Assist liaison between employment team and GT Supervisors on booking work trials.
- Where required, assist employment team with completion of new starter forms, risk assessment forms, contract signing and inductions.
- Authorise and process weekly paper GT timesheets.
- Liaising with Groundwork Finance team to support with resolving GT operative pay queries.
- Maintain log of trainee end dates to support decision making on contract renewals.
- Liaise Groundwork HR and finance teams regarding agreed contract renewals.
Team and Client Liaison
- To be a positive role model to trainees, including: in regard to time keeping, behaviour and performance levels within the workshop.
- To support WW Managers by providing technical support and advice to mechanics when required in a positive and nurturing way.
- In support of WW Managers, to address / report behavioural and performance issues within the team.
- In support of WW managers, ensure all Health and Safety legislation is complied with and report any failings to shop or project manager.
- To supervise trainees participating in off‑site activities.
Other Responsibilities
- Undertake any other related responsibilities commensurate with the evolving objectives of the post and the evolution of the Trust, as may reasonably be requested by the Manager.
- Work with due regard for Groundwork’s core values and objectives.
- Ensure the effective implementation of and adherence to, the Trust’s Diversity, Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety policies and procedures.
- All staff, the Board and volunteers will actively support in their daily operations and duties Groundwork London’s Environmental Management System.
Personal and Professional Development
- Participate in the Groundwork London Performance Management and Appraisal process, and agree short, medium and long term goals with line manager, and direct line staff.
- Identify learning and development needs with line manager and evaluate T&D to demonstrate needs have been met.
- Share best practice and achievements, and actively seek opportunities to present outcomes and case studies.
- Contribute to the learning of others across the organisation by sharing knowledge and skills both informally and formally by participating in the Trust’s training and development programme.
Person Specification – Senior Mechanic, Westminster Wheels
Note to Applicant: When completing your application form, you should demonstrate/evidence of your experience, knowledge, skills & education in your application based on these criteria for the post.
- To hold Level 2 Certificate in Cycle Maintenance and have 12+ month experience in a commercial bike workshop. (Essential)
- Avid interest in cycles and cycling. (Essential)
- To be able to diagnose, repair and undertake final checks on a wide range of servicing requests. (Essential)
- Practical experience in bicycle related discipline, amateur or professional. (Essential)
- Effective communication. Must be friendly, polite, approachable and helpful to line manager & colleagues. (Essential)
- To be able to supervise and motivate trainees/volunteers. (Essential)
- Clear written communication skills in order to complete work records with accuracy to meet compliance standards. (Essential)
- Supported by supervisor demonstrate clear and practical thinking to positively deal with problems occurring during the working day. (Essential)
- Be a supportive and effective team player. (Essential)
- Adaptable and able to deal with changing priorities, willing to take on new work. (Desirable)
- Committed to personal development - a self-starter, resilient, enthusiastic attitude. (Desirable)
- Ability to use machinery, tools and equipment within the trusts Health and Safety guidelines and procedures. (Essential)
- Achieve excellence in customer service while engaging the public in the bike shop. At all times convey a professional image, maintaining a suitable appearance and manner. (Essential)
- Work is manual and requires dexterity of movement i.e. to repair and service bikes. Manual handling and on the job training will be provided. (Essential)
- An understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity and inclusion and how it applies in the workplace. (Essential)
- Corporate work wear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times. (Essential)
- Competency in working with a wide range of bike tools & equipment, in a safe manner. (Essential)
Appointment to this role is subject to a basic DBS through the Disclosure and Barring service.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Senior Mechanic employer: Westminster Wheels
Westminster Wheels is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, where you can make a meaningful impact on the cycling community in central London. With opportunities for personal and professional development, including mentoring trainees and engaging in hands-on bike servicing, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to a sustainable business model. The collaborative environment, combined with the chance to work closely with local councils and community initiatives, makes this role not just a job, but a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanic
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Westminster Wheels. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills as a Senior Mechanic can help them achieve their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how you can showcase your experience in bike servicing and mentoring trainees, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for cycling! During the interview, share your love for bikes and any personal projects you've worked on. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanic
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience and skills in bike maintenance and repair. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your Level 2 Certificate in Cycle Maintenance and any hands-on experience you've got!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure you demonstrate your ability to document work accurately and effectively.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the specific responsibilities and values of Westminster Wheels. Show us how you can contribute to our mission of supporting the cycling community and nurturing new talent!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster Wheels
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your bike maintenance knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with diagnosing and repairing various bike issues, as well as any specific techniques you've mastered. This will show that you're not just a mechanic, but a passionate one!
✨Show Your People Skills
Since you'll be mentoring trainees and liaising with customers, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully interacted with customers or helped train someone. A friendly and approachable attitude goes a long way!
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect some hands-on questions or scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a specific repair or customer situation. Prepare by thinking through common bike issues and how you would resolve them efficiently while keeping safety in mind.
✨Align with Their Values
Westminster Wheels is all about community and sustainability. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal beliefs align with theirs. Showing that you care about cycling and community service can set you apart from other candidates.
