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Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15am–5:15pm

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Workshop Manager to join our independent specialist garage based near Cranleigh.

This is a hands‑on management role for someone who understands workshop operations, technician productivity, customer service and the commercial side of running a successful workshop. You will take responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of the workshop, ensuring technicians are productive and efficient, work is completed to the correct standard and customers receive an excellent level of service.

You will also play an important role in developing the team, improving workshop processes and maximising workshop profitability.

The Role

As Workshop Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the workshop operates efficiently and profitably while maintaining high standards of workmanship, safety and customer satisfaction.

You will manage and support the workshop team, organise workloads, monitor technician efficiency and productivity, deal with technical customer queries and work closely with the Service Advisor, Parts Manager and General Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Workshop Management

• Manage the day‑to‑day operation of the workshop and workshop team.
• Organise technician workloads, scheduling and workshop loading.
• Ensure technicians work productively and efficiently.
• Monitor and improve technician productivity and efficiency.
• Ensure all work is completed to the required technical and quality standards.
• Maintain excellent workshop health, safety and housekeeping standards.
• Ensure appropriate equipment and tooling is available and arrange purchasing where required.
• Set a positive example in terms of work ethic, professionalism and workshop safety.
• Identify opportunities to improve workshop efficiency and profitability.

Customer Service & Technical Support

• Work closely with the Service Advisor and technicians to ensure customers receive a high standard of service.
• Speak directly with customers where technical knowledge or advice is required.
• Support the Service Advisor with technical information and appropriate opportunities to upsell additional work.
• Help manage and resolve customer complaints.
• Ensure Vehicle Health Checks (VHCs) are completed accurately, with detailed information and supporting photographs.
• Develop the use of VHC videos to improve customer communication and support additional work opportunities.

Vehicle Preparation

• Ensure sales vehicles receive their PDI promptly following arrival.
• Ensure preparation work is completed efficiently and cost‑effectively.
• Liaise with the relevant team members regarding sold vehicles, required work and collection dates.
• Monitor internal preparation costs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.

Team Management

• Lead, motivate and support the workshop team.
• Conduct regular one‑to‑ones and staff reviews with technicians and relevant workshop personnel.
• Address performance or conduct issues promptly and constructively.
• Recognise and reward positive performance.
• Identify training requirements and organise appropriate training.
• Hold regular workshop meetings and provide updates to the team.
• Maintain good communication between the workshop, service, parts and management teams.

Commercial & Performance Management

• Maximise workshop profitability and efficiency.
• Monitor technician productivity and efficiency.
• Produce monthly reports covering:

• Internal preparation costs.
• Upsell work versus booked‑in work.

• Ensure accurate capture of technician time and other workshop data.
• Check Service Advisor commission calculations monthly and provide the report to management for sign‑off.
• Work with the General Manager to review workshop performance, profitability and efficiency.

Administration & Cover

• Maintain an effective and realistic workshop diary and loading plan, taking staff holidays into account.
• Ensure workshop administration and data capture are accurate and up to date.
• Provide cover for the Service Advisor during holidays, alongside the Parts Manager.
• Provide cover for the Parts Manager when required.
• Maintain a clean and organised desk and administrative area, including an end‑of‑day clean desk policy.

The Person

We are looking for someone who has genuine experience within an automotive workshop environment and is ready to take ownership of its performance.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Workshop Manager, Workshop Controller, Senior Technician or similar.
• Strong technical knowledge of vehicle maintenance and repair.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate technicians.
• A good understanding of workshop productivity, efficiency and profitability.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• The confidence to deal with customers and technical queries.
• A commercial mindset with an understanding of upselling and maximising workshop opportunities.
• A proactive approach to identifying and implementing improvements.
• High standards of workmanship, safety and customer service.
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a busy workshop.

What We Offer

• Salary up to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Monday to Friday working hours: 8:15am–5:15pm.
• The opportunity to take genuine ownership of an established specialist workshop.
• A varied management role combining technical, operational, commercial and customer‑facing responsibilities.
• The opportunity to develop the workshop team and improve processes within an independent business.
• A professional working environment where good performance and initiative are recognised.

If you are an experienced automotive professional who enjoys leading a team, improving workshop performance and maintaining high standards, we would be interested in hearing from you.