Assistant Bodyshop Manager/Workshop Controller New

BMW Group Retail; Guildford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading automotive group as an Assistant Bodyshop Manager in Guildford, overseeing a busy workshop and ensuring high-quality repairs. You'll support the Bodyshop Manager while managing team productivity and workflows. Ideal candidates have proven leadership and experience in premium automotive environments.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

Cycle2Work Programme

High Street Discount Vouchers

Long Service Awards

24 Days Annual Leave

Birthday Off

Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme

Health Cash Plan

Enhanced Parental Leave

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Workshop Controller or similar role.
• Strong technical knowledge of accident repair processes.
• Experience in premium automotive environment desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of a 12-technician workshop.
• Ensure repairs meet BMW approved standards.
• Conduct quality control checks on completed work.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational Skills

Communication

Technical Knowledge of Accident Repair

Calm Under Pressure

Education

ATA/VDA Certification

Tools

Audatex

Bodyshop Management Systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Vines of Guilford is looking for an Assistant Bodyshop Manager / Workshop Controller to join our BMW Approved Bodyshop team.

Your role

The primary focus of this role is acting as Workshop Controller of the Bodyshop – ensuring that repair work is allocated efficiently, progress is monitored closely, and that every job is completed to BMW’s world-class standards.

You will support the Bodyshop Manager in leading the team, managing workflows, and driving the workshop’s productivity, ensuring that targets are achieved without compromising repair quality or customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assume primary responsibility for the daily management of a 12-technician workshop, ensuring all work is efficiently planned, allocated, and progressed
• Support the Bodyshop Manager in overseeing all operations across Panel, Paint, MET, and SMART departments.
• Ensure repairs are completed to BMW’s approved standards and insurance requirements.
• Manage workloads to maximise workshop productivity and efficiency.
• Conduct thorough quality control checks on completed work.
• Assist with estimating processes using BMW-approved platforms, including Audatex.
• Provide leadership and support to the team, fostering a professional and productive working environment.
• Help manage parts procurement, stock control, and supplier relationships.

Salary:up to £38,000 pern annum with an OTE of up to £46,000 dependent on experience

Hours:45 hours per week Monday - Friday

Your profile

We are seeking a proactive, organised, and confident individual who thrives in a leadership position within a busy workshop environment.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Proven experience as a Workshop Controller or in a similar Bodyshop management role (essential)
• Strong technical knowledge of accident repair processes
• Experience in a BMW Approved Bodyshop or premium automotive environment (desirable)
• Proficiency with Audatex, Bodyshop management systems, and Microsoft Office
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills
• Calm under pressure with a positive, solution-focused approach
• Understanding of insurance procedures and customer care practices
• ATA/VDA certification is advantageous

Rewards

Join Vines Group and enjoy the opportunity to work with premium brands in a forward-thinking, people-first automotive business.

Alongside our core benefits — including a Pension Scheme, Life Assurance, Cycle2Work programme, High Street Discount Vouchers, and Long Service Awards — we also offer:

• 24 days of annual leave (excluding bank holidays), increasing to 29 days with length of service
• Your birthday off — an extra day to celebrate, on us
• Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme — flexibility to suit your lifestyle
• Tech & Travel Purchase Scheme — spread the cost of the latest technology or your next holiday with interest-free salary deductions
• Staff Vehicle Scheme — including cars, motorbikes, and EV charging options
• Health Cash Plan — support with everyday healthcare costs
• Enhanced Parental Leave — helping you through life’s key milestones
• Job Shadowing Programme — explore and gain experience across different roles within the business