Workshop Manager

Programmed; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Company mobile phone

Laptop

Relocation assistance

Relocation assistance available if/as

Job summary

Programmed are seeking an experienced Workshop Manager to lead the Cairns workshop in Queensland. You will oversee day-to-day operations, mentor a team of four technicians, and collaborate with an administration resource to drive performance.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will focus on people, customers, workflow and safety, stepping onto the tools when required to support complex diagnostics.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in Auto Electrical or Transport Refrigeration.
• Experience leading, supervising or mentoring technicians.
• Strong diagnostic and technical problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing workshop workflow and competing priorities.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Good organisational and administration skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and take ownership.
• Current Australian driver's licence.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality.
• Desirable: experience across Auto Electrical and Transport Refrigeration.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Cairns workshop.
• Plan, schedule and allocate jobs across the workshop team.
• Monitor workflow, productivity, job progress and turnaround times.
• Lead, mentor and develop technicians and apprentices.
• Provide technical support and assist with complex diagnostics when required.
• Manage customer relationships and provide updates on job progress.
• Coordinate parts procurement and supplier relationships.
• Manage purchase orders and workshop resources.
• Monitor workshop efficiency, performance and profitability.
• Maintain high standards of safety, quality and customer service.
• Identify opportunities to improve workshop processes and performance.

Skills

Trade qualification in Auto Electrical

Leadership experience

Diagnostic skills

Workflow management

Customer service

Organisational skills

Driver's license

Safety compliance

Job description

Programmed are currently seeking an experienced Workshop Manager to join a well-established Australian business in Cairns, QLD.

With over 40 years of industry experience, our client specialises in transport refrigeration, automotive air-conditioning, auto electrical and trailer solutions, servicing customers across North Queensland.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong professional who enjoys leading people and wants to take ownership of a workshop operation.

Relocation assistance is available for the successful candidate.

About the Opportunity

Programmed are currently seeking an experienced Workshop Manager to join a well-established Australian business in Cairns, QLD.

With over 40 years of industry experience, our client specialises in transport refrigeration, automotive air-conditioning, auto electrical and trailer solutions, servicing customers across North Queensland.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong professional who enjoys leading people and wants to take ownership of a workshop operation.

Relocation assistance is available for the successful candidate.

About the Role

Reporting to the Operations Manager based in Brisbane, you'll be responsible for the day-to‑day management of the Cairns workshop, leading a team of 4 technicians, supported by an administration resource.

This is primarily a leadership and management position, with your focus on people, customers, workflow and workshop performance. Your technical experience will be important, with the expectation that you'll provide guidance and step onto the tools when required.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Manage the day-to‑day operation of the Cairns workshop.

• Plan, schedule and allocate jobs across the workshop team.

• Monitor workflow, productivity, job progress and turnaround times.

• Lead, mentor and develop technicians and apprentices.

• Provide technical support and assist with complex diagnostics when required.

• Manage customer relationships and provide updates on job progress.

• Coordinate parts procurement and supplier relationships.

• Manage purchase orders and workshop resources.

• Monitor workshop efficiency, performance and profitability.

• Maintain high standards of safety, quality and customer service.

• Identify opportunities to improve workshop processes and performance.

About You

We're interested in speaking with experienced professionals from a range of backgrounds, including: Workshop Managers, Service Managers, Workshop Supervisors, Leading Hands, Senior Auto Electricians, Senior Transport Refrigeration Technicians

You'll ideally have a strong technical background in either Auto Electrical or Transport Refrigeration. Experience across both areas would be highly regarded.

You'll also have the confidence to lead a technical team, manage competing priorities, communicate effectively with customers and take ownership of the workshop's day-to‑day performance.

What We're Looking For

• Relevant trade qualification in Auto Electrical, Transport Refrigeration or a related discipline.

• Previous experience leading, supervising or mentoring technicians.

• Strong diagnostic and technical problem-solving skills.

• Experience managing workshop workflow and competing priorities.

• Strong communication and customer service skills.

• Good organisational and administration skills.

• Ability to work autonomously and take ownership.

• Current Australian driver's licence.

• Strong commitment to safety and quality.

Desirable:

• Previous Workshop Manager or Service Manager experience.

• Experience across both Auto Electrical and Transport Refrigeration.

• Automotive air-conditioning or HVAC experience.

• Transport refrigeration experience.

• Experience managing apprentices and developing junior technicians.

• Workshop scheduling or job management system experience.

• Understanding of workshop productivity and profitability.

What You'll Get

• Permanent full-time position

• $130,000 – $140,000 + Super

• Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

• Company vehicle

• Company mobile phone

• Laptop

• Relocation assistance available if needed

• Genuine ownership of the Cairns workshop

• Support from an experienced Operations Manager

• Long-term career development opportunities

• Opportunity to lead and develop a skilled technical team

• Lifestyle benefits of living and working in Cairns and Far North Queensland