Assistant Service Manager | 45K OTE

Hawk Hiring; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Company pension scheme

Ongoing manufacturer training and dev.

Career progression opportunities

Staff discounts

Job summary

Hawk Hiring is recruiting an Assistant Service Manager for a well-established automotive dealer in Haywards Heath. This is an exciting step up from Service Advisor or a current Assistant/Service Manager looking for a fresh challenge in a supportive environment.

The role combines leadership, workshop operations, and customer service excellence. You will supervise Suzuki and Ford service departments, mentor staff, manage workload and invoicing, and work with the Group Service Manager to meet KPIs.

Qualifications

• Experience in a franchised main dealer environment.
• Experience with Pinnacle DMS is a plus.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Strong leadership, computer literacy, and communication.
• Track record of driving results and high customer service in automotive setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across Suzuki and Ford Service Departments in a hands-on role.
• Lead, mentor, train, and support the workshop team and service staff to drive productivity and maintain high standards.
• Manage workshop loading, scheduling output, and create/invoice workshop job sheets.
• Deliver exceptional customer satisfaction, handle queries and resolve issues professionally.
• Drive revenue, control costs, minimise losses, and achieve all KPIs with the Group Service Manager.
• Oversee warranty procedures and ensure compliance with Manufacturer Dealer Standards.

Skills

Franchised dealer experience

Leadership

Communication skills

Driving licence (UK)

Tools

Pinnacle DMS

Job description

Assistant Service Manager

Are you an experienced Service Advisor looking for that next step up, or an existing Service Manager/Assistant Manager seeking a fresh challenge in a supportive environment? Due to an upcoming retirement, a rare opening has arisen to join our well-established, highly respected automotive dealership group in Haywards Heath as an Assistant Service Manager.

About Us

We are a premier, family-run automotive dealership group proudly serving Sussex since 1935. Operating busy franchised departments for key major brands like Suzuki and Ford, we pride ourselves on building long-lasting customer relationships and offering a modern, positive, and collaborative workshop environment. Unlike large, faceless corporate networks, we prioritize team support, staff development, and a true family feel, making this the perfect home to grow your career for the long term.

What is in it for you:

• Salary: £38,000 per annum + OTE up to £45,000
• Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 – 18:00 | Saturdays on a rota (1 in 4)
• Perks: Generous holiday allowance, company pension scheme, ongoing manufacturer training and development programmes, career progression opportunities, and staff discounts.

What you will be doing:

• Department Supervision: Overseeing day-to-day operations across our busy Suzuki and Ford Service Departments in a hands‑on role.
• Team Leadership & Development: Managing, mentoring, training, and supporting the workshop team and service staff to drive productivity and maintain high standards.
• Workshop & Operations Management: Controlling workshop loading, scheduling output, and creating/invoicing workshop job sheets.
• Customer Excellence: Delivering exceptional customer satisfaction, handling customer queries effectively, and resolving issues with professionalism.
• Financial & Aftersales Growth: Working closely with the Group Service Manager to drive revenue, control costs, minimize losses, and achieve all target KPIs.
• Compliance & Standards: Overseeing warranty procedures in a supervisory capacity, coordinating with specialist repairers and other internal departments, and maintaining full adherence to Manufacturer Dealer Standards.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Previous experience within a franchised main dealer environment (Service Advisor, Assistant Manager, or Service Manager level).
• Proficiency with automotive Dealer Management Systems (experience with Pinnacle DMS is a distinct advantage).
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Strong leadership qualities, computer literacy, and excellent communication skills.
• A proven track record of driving results and maintaining high customer service standards in an automotive setting.

Commutable Locations:

This role is based in Haywards Heath, making it an easy commute from Burgess Hill, Crawley, Horsham, Brighton, and surrounding Sussex areas.