Job Description

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Workshop Manager to oversee daily operations within our workshop environment. The successful candidate will support the VMU manager and other Company managers within the Senior Management Team in meeting their legal obligations with regard to Fleet Standards.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication and customer service skills; towards colleagues and customers, prioritisation and organisational skills and must be fluent in English due to the nature of the role; being in constant communication with Planning teams, Operations teams, and customers both in person and on the phone.

Shift Pattern

This is a Monday-Friday position.

Flexibility to suit the needs of the business is essential.

Responsibilities and Objectives

Lead, manage and support Technicians, Coordinators, and Fabricators within the VMU Network. Ensure fleet records are compliant with DVSA guidelines and that the Fleet System (Blue Crystal) is kept up to date. Prepare and issue daily work plans, technician schedules, and job allocations to maximise efficiency. Conduct and document quality checks, inspections, and pre-purchase evaluations to ensure vehicle standards are maintained. Oversee MOT preparation, servicing, inspections, and repairs ensuring work is completed on time, in full, and to DVSA standards. Supervise the administration of operational and workshop compliance including defect reporting, job card completion, and sign-offs. Track supplier performance, report SLA failures, and ensure outsourced repairs meet standards. Manage and review statutory inspections, MOTs, and defect repairs ensuring records are maintained correctly. Maintain and report VMU KPIs, supporting the VMU Manager in achieving performance targets. Ensure OCRS scores are obtained and verified monthly, investigating unknown or unrecorded entries. Report and log all MOT failures and prepare detailed failure reports with root cause analysis. Enforce Health & Safety standards (SSOW, PPE, COSHH, Risk Assessments) and promote a safe, clean workshop environment. Manage workshop access, ensuring the clean-as-you-go policy and safe MHE operation are followed. Address food safety requirements within fridge trailers and ensure use of approved substances only. Liaise with internal departments (Drivers, Planning, Operations, Transport, Training, Fleet Admin) and external partners (DVSA, MOT Centres, Suppliers). Raise purchase orders, ensure vehicles are taxed, and administer accident and incident reporting in compliance with company procedure. Support the VMU Manager and senior management in meeting all legal and company obligations regarding fleet and workshop standards. Manage holiday requests, sickness, and absences ensuring shift coverage and workload balance. Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, staff reviews, and support training and development plans. Promote a positive, high-performing culture across the workshop team. Carry out other relevant management duties as required by the VMU Manager. Provide excellent customer service with a proactive attitude. Operate relevant MHE (if applicable / permitted & authorised) safely and in accordance with the correct procedures. Report any accidents as soon as possible and in compliance with Buffaload Logistics' accident reporting procedure. Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including the Uniform Guidelines and Health and Safety Policy Carry out other relevant reasonable management requests as required by your Line Manager

Qualifications

Mechanical qualifications (e.g. IRTEC, City & Guilds, BTEC) essential. Strong knowledge of motor technology and workshop operations is essential.

Experience

Experience of working in an administrative environment essential Experience working with software and databases essential. Working in commercial fleet environment and previous experience working within a similar role, business and / or industry, desirable.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking
Application question(s):

Have you any convictions (other than spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974)?
YES / NO - If yes, please provide details...

Experience:

supervisory/ management: 1 year (preferred) Administrative: 1 year (required)
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

IRTEC, City & Guilds or BTEC qualification? (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: WS_CD