Job Description

Workshop Controller / Manager

Location:

Dungannon

Job Type:

Full-Time

Department:

Service

Reporting to:

Aftersales Manager


With the development of our state-of-the-art facilities in Dungannon underway, and the arrival of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Skoda, and CUPRA due this autumn, there has never been a more exciting time to join Donnelly Group and advance your career, we can offer excellent facilities, industry leading pay and manufacture training.


You will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the workshop, ensuring maximum efficiency, productivity, and quality of work while maintaining Volkswagen Group standards. The Workshop Controller plays a key role in managing technicians, allocating work, monitoring progress, and ensuring that customer vehicles are serviced and repaired on time and to the highest quality.

About the role

------------------

Key Responsibilities:

Workshop Management:

Distribute and allocate jobs to technicians in line with skillset, availability, and efficiency targets. Monitor progress of jobs throughout the day, ensuring timely completion and effective workflow. Drive high levels of workshop efficiency, productivity, and utilization. Ensure all work is completed to Volkswagen Group quality standards and first-time fix targets.

Team Leadership:

Supervise, support, and develop the workshop team. Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting assistance when required. Conduct performance reviews and support technician development and training. Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Customer Focus:

Liaise with service advisors and the service reception team to ensure accurate job updates and ETAs for customers. Assist in the resolution of technical or workshop-related customer issues. Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with manufacturer warranty procedures and standards.

Compliance & Processes:

Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations and company policies. Oversee the proper use of tools, diagnostic equipment, and manufacturer systems. Maintain accurate documentation and workshop records. Ensure all recalls, service campaigns, and software updates are completed promptly and correctly.

Performance Monitoring:

Monitor and report on workshop KPIs such as efficiency, productivity, WIP (work in progress), and carried forward jobs. Identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to optimize performance. Collaborate with the Aftersales and Parts teams to reduce lead times and improve customer satisfaction.

Key Skills & Experience Required:

Experience as a Workshop Controller, Senior Technician, or similar role within a franchised dealership--Volkswagen Group experience strongly preferred. Strong technical background with a deep understanding of diagnostic processes, repair standards, and manufacturer guidelines. Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills. Ability to motivate and lead a team in a fast-paced environment. Strong customer service mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Familiarity with VWG systems an advantage.

Qualifications:

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. Volkswagen Group Technical Accreditation (desirable but not essential). Full UK driving licence.

Benefits:

Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses. Ongoing manufacturer training and technical development. Contributory Pension Life assurance scheme Company Health & Wellbeing package which includes membership of Kingsbridge Hospital Diamond Club 30 days annual leave Cycle to work scheme
This is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the line manager.

The company reserves the right to expand the short-listing criteria to facilitate the short-listing process.

Donnelly Group is an equal opportunities employer.



What you will need


Required criteria


NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Full valid driving licence Experience as a Workshop Controller, Senior Technician, or similar role within a franchised dealership--Volkswagen Group experience strongly preferred Strong technical background with a deep understanding of diagnostic processes, repair standards, and manufacturer guidelines Excellent organisational, leadership and communication skills Ability to motivate and lead a team in a fast-paced environment Strong customer service mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving

Desired criteria


Volkswagen Group Technical Accreditation * Familiarity with VWG systems