Job Description

General Manager / Shop Foreman (UK)

Location:

On-site (UK -- Halesowen)

Reports to:

Owner / Managing Director

Direct reports:

Detailers, PPF installers, Prep/Valet, Apprentice(s)

Employment type:

Full-time, permanent (45 hrs/week. Monday - friday)

Compensation:

35,000 + performance bonus (KPI-linked), pension (auto-enrolment), 28 days holiday incl. bank holidays, uniform/PPE, training budget

Role Summary

You'll run day-to-day studio operations for a high-end detailing business, combining hands-on shop-floor leadership with light P&L responsibility. You will plan workload, maintain standards, coach the team, liaise with clients, safeguard H&S compliance, and deliver vehicles

on time, on spec, first time

across premium services (decontamination & safe wash, multi-stage paint correction, ceramic coatings, PPF, wrapping, interior restoration, wheel & glass protection).

Outcomes & KPIs

You are successful when the studio delivers consistent quality, strong utilisation, and delighted clients.

On-Time, In-Full (OTIF):

? 95% of jobs to promise date & scope

Rework/Defect Rate:

? 2% of completed jobs

Labour Utilisation:

80-88% productive hours per technician

Gross Margin per Job:

within target by package (owner to define)

Average Repair/RO Value (ARV):

growth vs. baseline through add-ons/upsells

Lead Time:

maintain booking lead time within agreed window (e.g., 1-3 weeks)

CSAT/NPS:

? 4.8/5 post-handover satisfaction (or NPS ? 75)

H&S Compliance:

100% up-to-date COSHH, RAMS, tool checks, and training logs

Inventory Variance:

? 3% monthly on high-cost films, coatings, and abrasives
ResponsibilitiesOperations & Scheduling

Own the schedule: allocate bays/technicians, balance PPF vs. correction/coatings, manage bottlenecks. Run daily stand-ups, set targets per vehicle, track WIP boards and ETA accuracy. Coordinate courtesy cars, collection/delivery, and secure vehicle storage.
Quality Control & Technical Leadership

Set and enforce SOPs for wash, decon, paint measurement, test spots, correction, refinement, panel wipe, coating/film installation, cure windows, and QC sign-off. Perform complex/critical stages yourself when required (test sections, edges, soft/finicky paints, stealth films). Conduct stage-gate QC: pre-handover light checks, sun gun/hybrid lighting, film edge inspection, dust control, trim/adhesive residue checks.
Team Management & Development

Lead, coach, and mentor technicians; run skills matrices and individual development plans. Recruit, onboard, and performance-manage (weekly 1:1s, monthly reviews). Arrange vendor/brand training and certifications; maintain training records.
Client Experience & Sales Support

Conduct pre-inspection with paint depth readings and risk notes; set expectations and options. Provide progress updates, mid-job approvals for variations, and premium handover experience. Support quoting/upsells (PPF coverage, wheel-off packages, interior protection, glass, maintenance plans).
Health, Safety & Compliance (UK)

Maintain

COSHH

inventory and Safety Data Sheets; ensure correct storage, labelling, and PPE. Produce and update

RAMS

; brief the team and record toolbox talks. Ensure equipment compliance checks under

PUWER

and maintain logs (polishers, heat guns, compressors, lifting/axle stands). Keep incident/near-miss records and reporting in line with

HSE

guidance (incl. RIDDOR where applicable). Enforce PPE, ventilation, temperature/humidity control for coatings/films, and safe manual handling.
Inventory, Tools & Facilities

Control stock of films (by roll/part), coatings, pads, abrasives, chemicals; implement Kanban mins/maxes. Manage tool calibration/maintenance and facility cleanliness (dust mitigation, lighting, climate). Vendor management: negotiate pricing, lead times, and RMA with suppliers.
Financials & Admin

Track labour hours vs. estimate, materials usage, and job profitability. Approve timesheets, rota, and overtime within budget. Keep accurate job files: inspection sheets, PDIs, photos, QC checklists, and client sign-offs.
Continuous Improvement

Analyse defects/rework to update SOPs and training. Implement visual management (boards, checklists) and standard work for repeatability. Pilot new products/techniques and document results before rollout.
Candidate ProfileMust-Have

3+ years leading a detailing, bodyshop, coachbuilding, or PPF team (foreman, lead tech, or supervisor). Advanced skills in multi-stage machine polishing, paint correction/refinement, ceramic coating application, and PPF installation workflow. Strong planning/organisational skills; calm under pressure with luxury/lifestyle clients. Working knowledge of UK H&S in workshops (COSHH, RAMS; familiar with PUWER obligations). Full UK driving licence; confident with high-value vehicles. Right to work in the UK; excellent written & verbal communication. Comfortable with basic digital tools (calendar, cloud docs, photo documentation, job boards/CRMs).
Nice-to-Have

Brand accreditations (coatings and/or PPF) and experience with plotters/templating software. IMI or equivalent vocational qualification; First Aid at Work certificate. Experience presenting to clients, filming quick social updates, or liaising with partner dealerships.
Tools & Systems We Use

Job board/CRM (e.g., booking & pipeline tracking), digital checklists/QC, photo/video documentation. Plotter/PPF templating software, paint depth gauges, lighting/sun guns, torque & trim tools. Inventory tracking for films/chemicals; cloud storage for job packs and SOPs.
Working Pattern & Benefits

Core hours (example): Mon-Fri 08:00-17:30, Sat rota as needed for handovers. Overtime by prior approval; time-off in lieu for weekend events/shows where applicable. Training & certification budget; supplier brand days. Staff rates on services/products after probation.
30/60/90 Day Plan

First 30 Days

Learn SOPs, product stack, and standards; audit current WIP and inventory. Map schedule rhythm, team skills matrix, and immediate bottlenecks. Establish daily stand-ups, QC stage gates, and H&S housekeeping.

Days 31-60

Stabilise schedule; reduce rework to ? 3%; implement Kanban mins/maxes. Launch photo-led job pack process and consistent client updates. Close H&S gaps (COSHH, RAMS refresh, equipment logs).

Days 61-90

Hit OTIF ? 95%, rework ? 2%, utilisation ? 80%. Present margin report by package and action plan to improve ARV/upsell capture. Propose quarterly training roadmap and SOP revisions.
Application

Please include a CV, brief cover note on relevant projects (with photos if available), and two references. Successful candidates may complete a practical assessment (test spot, film install section, and QC process demonstration).

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Work Location: In person