Automotive Workshop Manager

ASI Recruitment Ltd; Ewhurst; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ownership of workshop

Varied role: technical, operational &人

Job summary

Independent Specialist Garage is seeking an experienced Automotive Workshop Manager near Cranleigh, Surrey. You will own the day‑to‑day workshop operations, motivate the team and drive efficiency, quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

You will oversee workloads, performance, safety and profitability, working closely with the Service Advisor, Parts Manager and General Manager. A hands‑on, to‑the‑point leader who can improve processes will thrive in this role.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a workshop or service department at a busy automotive operation.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills with a proven track record in improving productivity.
• Good understanding of profitability, costs and workshop processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily workshop operations ensuring efficient, safe and quality workmanship.
• Lead, motivate and develop the workshop team to meet targets.
• Monitor technician productivity, performance and workloads.
• Coordinate with service advisors, parts manager and GM on priorities and issues.
• Control workshop health, safety and equipment requirements and keep the area clean.

Skills

Workshop management

Team leadership

Customer service

Operational planning

Health & safety

Job description

Your workshop. Your team. Your impact.

Automotive Workshop Manager

Location: Near Cranleigh, Surrey

Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15am-5:15pm

Company: Independent Specialist Garage

We are recruiting on behalf of an established independent specialist garage near Cranleigh for an experienced and motivated Workshop Manager.

This is a hands‑on management role for someone who understands workshop operations, technician productivity, customer service and profitability. You will take ownership of the day‑to‑day workshop, leading the team, managing workloads and ensuring high standards of workmanship and customer satisfaction.

The Role

You will be responsible for the efficient and profitable running of the workshop, working closely with the Service Advisor, Parts Manager and General Manager.

• Managing and organising the daily workshop workload, scheduling and loading.
• Leading, motivating and developing the workshop team.
• Monitoring technician productivity, efficiency and performance.
• Ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to the required standard.
• Managing workshop health, safety, cleanliness and equipment requirements.
• Supporting the Service Advisor with technical queries, customer complaints and opportunities to upsell additional work.
• Ensuring VHCs are completed accurately and developing the use of VHC videos.
• Overseeing PDI and preparation work on sales vehicles, ensuring it is completed efficiently and cost‑effectively.
• Conducting regular staff reviews, one‑to‑ones and workshop meetings.
• Identifying training and development requirements.
• Monitoring workshop profitability and producing monthly performance reports.
• Reviewing retail profit, technician efficiency, internal preparation costs and upsell performance.
• Working with the General Manager to improve workshop efficiency and profitability.
• Ensuring accurate technician time recording and workshop data.
• Supporting the Service Advisor and Parts Manager with holiday cover when required.

The Person

You will ideally have previous experience as a Workshop Manager, Workshop Controller, Senior Technician or similar, together with strong technical knowledge and a good understanding of workshop performance.

We are looking for someone who is:

• An experienced automotive professional with strong technical knowledge.
• Confident managing and motivating a team.
• Commercially aware with an understanding of workshop profitability.
• Organised and able to manage competing priorities.
• Customer‑focused with excellent communication skills.
• Proactive and keen to improve processes and performance.
• Committed to high standards of workmanship, safety and service.

What We Offer

• Salary up to £50,000, depending on experience.
• Monday to Friday, 8:15am-5:15pm.
• The opportunity to take genuine ownership of an established specialist workshop.
• A varied role covering technical, operational, commercial and people management.
• The opportunity to develop the team and make a real impact within an independent business.