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.

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

Skills Needed

Continuous Improvement, Leading Teams, Managing Teams

About The Company

The Donnelly Group has been synonymous with the motor industry in Northern Ireland since 1947 when Peter Donnelly started a vehicle repair and taxi business in Caledon on the border of Co Tyrone and Armagh.


Since then the Donnelly Group has become the largest family-owned automotive company in Northern Ireland.


We offer competitive salaries, industry-leading work-life balance, generous holiday allowance, continuous training and development, wide-ranging benefits, and an opportunity to give volunteering time back to the communities within which we serve through the Donnelly Group Foundation.

Company Culture

Our teams across all our branches get involved with fundraising for our nominated charity partner, through football tournaments, Donnelly Group bake-off events, dragon boat racing, abseiling, cycling events as well as having a 'Foundation Day'; a paid day off, to get involved with community projects. We like to feel that we work hard and play hard.

Company Benefits

Vacation, Paid time off, Performance bonuses, Paid sick days, Retirement plan and/or pension, Office perks, Employee development programs, Employee discounts, Free parking, Cycle to work, Referral bonus, Competitive salary, Family and friends rates, Long service recognition, Employee Assistance Scheme, Perks Card, Wellbeing Scheme, Work With Charities, Social Opportunities, On the job learning, Progression opportunities, Access to Health & Wellbeing app, Long service awards, Service recognition increases to annual leave, Company employee App

Salary

Not disclosed