Assistant Manager

Halfords; Bedford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive service provider in the UK is seeking an Assistant Manager to join their Fusion centre in Bedford. You will manage workshop operations alongside the Centre Manager, focusing on customer satisfaction and driving profitability. Ideal candidates have prior management experience and mechanical knowledge. Offers excellent benefits including discounts and a long-term career pathway.

Benefits

5.6 weeks’ annual leave

Up to 50% off garage bills

Discounts on various products

Financial planning support

Health Cash Plan

Pension Scheme & Life Assurance

Opportunity for career progression

Qualifications

• Proven ability to deliver high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Experience in coaching, training, and developing colleagues.
• Strong technical/mechanical knowledge supported by relevant qualification.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Full, valid driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Centre Manager for management and leadership.
• Drive profitability and customer journey.
• Divide time between workshop and assisting Centre Manager.

Skills

Customer satisfaction

Coaching and training

Technical/mechanical knowledge

Workshop operations

Health & Safety compliance

Communication skills

IT proficiency

Organizational skills

Time management

Driving licence

Education

Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Light Vehicle Maintenance

Tools

Own set of tools

Job description

This is a really exciting time to join our Halfords Garage Services team. You will be working at one of our new Fusion centres; it will be upgraded with the latest facilities to lead the way in providing a first-class customer experience and a great working environment, where you’ll play a pivotal role in driving the centres success.

Ready for the next step in management with the UK’s largest Automotive service, maintenance and repair business and we offer great career opportunities, benefits, and an uncapped bonus scheme!

As an Assistant Manager, you’ll work alongside the Centre Manager to provide productive management and leadership, driving profitability, with firm focus on the customers journey. You will have had previous hands‑on experience as a mechanic or management experience in a similar environment as you will be dividing your time between the workshop, working alongside the technicians, and assisting the Centre Manager with daily sales and customer service.

If you have the desire to help drive business performance, passionate about customer experience, and are looking for a long‑term career with excellent progression and training schemes, this really could be the perfect opportunity for you, don’t delay apply today!

• Maximum amount £36,000per annum
• Average uncapped bonus of £7,100 per year (with potential to earn more)
• 5 days a week
• Earn extra with our refer a friend scheme – T&C’s Apply.

Benefits Include:

• 5.6 weeks’ annual leave
• Up to 50% off garage bills in our Autocentres and 25% off most our Halfords products in our retail stores
• Discounts on everything from groceries, shopping, insurance, days out, restaurants and more
• Family & Friends Discount Events
• Opportunity to buy a Trade Price Bike & enrol in the Cycle to Work Scheme
• Financial planning support via Wagestream - access up to 30% of your salary in advance
• GP Access, 364 days a year, 24 hours a day
• Join the Share save scheme with a 20% discount on shares
• Health Cash Plan – to access wellbeing services and claim back healthcare costs
• Pension Scheme & Life Assurance
• You will be given every opportunity to progress your career at Halfords. This includes access to hybrid training plus the ATA & MOT Tester Qualifications too.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven ability to deliver high levels of customer satisfaction through effective management and leadership
• Experience in coaching, training, and developing colleagues in the moment
• Strong technical/mechanical knowledge, ideally supported by a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Light Vehicle Maintenance (or equivalent experience)
• Solid understanding of workshop operations, diagnostics, and vehicle maintenance processes
• Bring your own set of tools and put them to great use in a busy, well‑equipped workshop
• Experience of maintaining compliance with Health & Safety standards
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• IT proficient, with the ability and willingness to learn in-house systems
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Full, valid driving licence

We’re in an exciting chapter – rapidly growing our business with a focus on motoring services and electric mobility. We’re the UK’s leading retailer of motoring and cycling products and services, and the UK’s largest vehicle service, maintenance and repair business. Join us and be part of our success story in getting the nation safely back on the move.

Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.