Assistant Manager

Halfords; Preston; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5.6 weeks’ annual leave

Up to 50% off garage bills in Autocent

25% off most Halfords products

Share save scheme

Health Cash Plan and Pension

Job summary

Halfords is looking for an Assistant Manager in Preston to work with the Centre Manager, guiding workshop activities, driving sales, and delivering excellent customer service. You will split time between the workshop and front-end responsibilities to ensure a smooth customer journey and profitable operations.

The role requires hands-on workshop knowledge, leadership experience, and a passion for training and developing team members.

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 with workshop operations and vehicle maintenance processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the workshop alongside technicians and support the Centre Manager with daily sales and customer service.
• Drive profitability with a focus on the customer journey and experience.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety standards and maintain high service levels.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Coaching

Workshop operations

Vehicle maintenance knowledge

Driving licence

IT in-house systems

Education

Level 2/3 Light Vehicle Maintenance

Tools

In-house systems

Job description

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.

On-target earnings

• On-target earnings up to £42,200
• Comprising a base salary of £32,000 - £34,000
• An uncapped monthly bonus scheme with average additional earnings of £8,200 per year.
• 5 days a week (this centre is closed on Sunday's)
• 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

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.

We’re an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.