Workshop Manager

Workshop Manager

Pay: £40,000.00–£45,000.00 per year

Job Description:

IMPORTANT: This is a management role, not a primarily hands-on technician position. While a strong technical background is essential to earn the respect of the team and make sound decisions, this role is focused on running the workshop, not spending the bulk of your day on the tools.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are a busy independent automotive repair centre in Chard, and we are looking for an experienced, organised manager to lead our workshop operations. This is a full-time management position overseeing a team of 6 mechanics, 1 MOT tester, and 1 apprentice.

You will be responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the workshop — job allocation, workflow, quality control, compliance, and team leadership — ensuring the business operates efficiently and to a high standard. You'll work closely with our admin team, who handle the majority of direct customer communication, though you'll provide technical oversight and sign-off where needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Workshop Operations & Leadership

• Oversee daily job allocation, scheduling, and workflow across the workshop
• Identify bottlenecks, adjust priorities, and keep WIP moving efficiently
• Run morning start-up checks and end-of-day pack-down procedures
• Maintain workshop organisation, bay cleanliness, and equipment readiness
• Lead, support, and motivate the technician team with fairness and clarity
• Coach and develop the apprentice with structured, practical progression
• Promote a positive, accountable workshop culture

Technical Oversight

• Provide technical guidance and second opinions to the team as needed
• Conduct quality checks on completed work and manage any comebacks professionally
• Ensure all repairs follow OEM procedures and safety standards
• Review and technically approve estimates prepared by the admin team
• Oversee diagnostic reports, job cards, and technical documentation for accuracy

Compliance & Safety

• Enforce safe working practices and appropriate PPE use at all times
• Ensure environmental compliance: waste oil, batteries, tyres, and refrigerant
• Maintain workshop safety checks and equipment standards

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Minimum 15 years' experience in the automotive trade. Extensive ‘on the tools’ experience with proven experience in a supervisory or management capacity
• Strong technical background — multi-brand diagnostic knowledge essential
• Level 3 qualified technician (or equivalent demonstrated experience)
• Previous experience managing or supervising a workshop team
• Confident making decisions on complex jobs, staffing, and workflow
• Highly organised, calm under pressure, and a natural leader
• MOT tester qualification desirable but not essential

We are looking for someone who can step back from the tools to run the workshop as a whole — balancing people management, workflow, and quality control — while still commanding technical respect from the team.

WHAT WE OFFER

• £40,000–£45,000 per year, dependent on experience
• Monday–Friday only (8:30AM–5:00PM) — no weekends, no on-call
• A genuine leadership role with real influence over how the workshop runs
• Supportive admin team handling day-to-day customer communication
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Bonus scheme
• On-site parking
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

HOW TO APPLY

If you're an experienced automotive professional ready to take the next step into a full-time management role, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter — telling us about your management experience and how you approach running a workshop team — to:

[email protected]

Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount

Work Location: In person