Assistant Manager

Halfords; Northampton; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive retailer in the UK is seeking an Assistant Manager to drive profitability and provide leadership alongside the Centre Manager. This role involves balancing workshop duties with customer service and sales assistance. Ideal candidates will have management experience or hands-on mechanical expertise, with a strong focus on customer journey satisfaction. A valid driving licence and technical qualifications in Light Vehicle Maintenance are essential. Join us for a rewarding career opportunity with great benefits and progression possibilities.

Benefits

5.6 weeks' annual leave

Up to 50% off garage bills

Employee discount on products

Financial planning support

Health Cash Plan

Pension Scheme

Career advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience as a mechanic or management in a similar environment.
• Proven ability to deliver high customer satisfaction.
• Strong technical/mechanical knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Assist Centre Manager in daily sales and customer service.
• Work alongside technicians in the workshop.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety standards.

Skills

Customer satisfaction management

Coaching and training

Technical/mechanical knowledge

Workshop operations understanding

Organizational skills

Driving licence

Education

Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Light Vehicle Maintenance

Tools

Mechanic's 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.

Key Responsibilities & Qualifications

• 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

About the Role

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.

Compensation

• £33,482 per year (estimated)
• £36,000 per annum + bonus
• Average uncapped bonus of £7,100 per year (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 groceries, shopping, insurance, day‑outs, 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 – access wellbeing services and claim back healthcare costs
• Pension Scheme & Life Assurance
• You will be given every opportunity to progress your career at Halfords – access to hybrid training plus the ATA & MOT Tester qualifications too.