Assistant Manager

Halfords; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive service provider in Dunstable is looking for an Assistant Manager to help drive profitability and enhance customer experience. You will work closely with the Centre Manager and technicians, requiring strong leadership and technical skills. The ideal candidate should have experience in management or as a mechanic, with qualifications in vehicle maintenance. The company offers a competitive salary, bonus potential, and several employee benefits, including discounts and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

5.6 weeks' annual leave

Up to 50% off garage bills

Discounts on groceries and shopping

Cycle to Work scheme

Financial planning support

24/7 GP Access

Health Cash Plan

Pension Scheme & Life Assurance

Opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Proven ability to deliver high levels of customer satisfaction through effective management.
• Experience in coaching, training, and developing colleagues.
• Strong technical/mechanical knowledge, ideally with Level 2 or 3 qualification.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Centre Manager to provide productive management.
• Assist with daily sales and customer service.
• Divide time between the workshop and management tasks.

Skills

Customer satisfaction management

Coaching and training

Technical/mechanical knowledge

Workshop operations understanding

Health & Safety compliance

Communication skills

IT proficiency

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Valid driving licence

Education

Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Light Vehicle Maintenance

Tools

Own set of tools

Job description

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.

National Tyres and Autocare is part of the Halfords family. 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 Automotive service, maintenance and repair business. Join us and be part of our success story in getting the nation safely back on the move.

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!

Requirements & Skills

• 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

Compensation

• £27,936 – £33,100 per 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

• 5.6 weeks' annual leave
• Up to 50% off garage bills in our Autocentres and 25% off most 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.