Chief Mechanic

Smedley Group; Bicester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading motorsport company based in Bicester is seeking a Chief Mechanic to manage day-to-day workshop operations and ensure the highest standards in kart maintenance. The ideal candidate will lead a team, oversee repairs, and work under the pressures of motorsport. Candidates should have a strong mechanical background, experience in motorsport, and a genuine passion for racing. This role offers opportunities for innovation and growth within an ambitious team.

Qualifications

• Proven motorsport experience, ideally at high levels like Formula 4.
• Ability to work under pressure to deliver high quality results.
• Comfortable with the demands of motorsport culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of mechanics.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of electric karts.
• Organise the workshop for efficient workflows.

Skills

Strong mechanical and diagnostic skills

Leadership experience

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to manage budgets

Passion for motorsport

Education

BTEC National Diploma in Motorsport

NVQ Level 3 in Vehicle Maintenance

A-Level standard or equivalent

Job description

At FAT Karting League, our mission is to make motorsport truly accessible — achieving mass participation by radically lowering the barriers to entry. We’re building the future of racing, and we need exceptional mechanics to help us get there. We are now looking for a Chief Mechanic to take charge of day-to-day workshop operations, managing workflows and ensuring all karts are prepared and maintained to the highest professional standard. At events, you’ll lead the team of mechanics, coordinate turnaround periods, and ensure excellent reliability, parity, and presentation across the fleet.

This is a role for someone who takes pride in precision, thrives under pressure, and brings a genuine passion for motorsport and technical excellence. You’ll be central to ensuring that every kart we run reflects the quality and ambition of our mission to change motorsport.

Based at our Oxfordshire facility, with some weekend travel to UK kart circuits, you’ll play a vital role in preparing, maintaining, and running our fleet of high-performance electric race karts. From the race bays to the race paddock, you’ll ensure every kart delivers outstanding reliability, parity, and presentation — reflecting our commitment to innovation and excellence.

If you’re a skilled, motivated mechanic who thrives under pressure and takes pride in elite-level race vehicle preparation, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of mechanics.
• Oversee and perform build, maintenance, preparation, and repairs of electric karts.
• Organise the workshop to ensure efficient workflows, safety, and high presentation standards.
• Plan and deliver factory turnaround schedules between events.
• Manage technical operations during race weekends.
• Monitor and report fleet performance against KPIs for reliability, parity, and presentation.
• Manage workshop and fleet budgets, drive cost efficiencies, and maintain stock control.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement in workshop and event delivery.
• Work with global operations team and play a key role in disseminating best practice across all hubs.

Essential Skills and Experience Required

• Proven motorsport experience — ideally at the highest level of karting, Formula 4 or above, or within GT/Sportscar categories.
• Strong mechanical and diagnostic skills, with the ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure to deliver high quality and meticulous results.
• Demonstrable leadership experience, with a proven ability to manage people and workflows effectively.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to quality workmanship. Obsession with detail and presentation is a must.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills across both technical and operational teams.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and deliver cost savings.
• Comfortable with the demands of motorsport culture, including long hours, weekend work, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Genuine passion for motorsport and belief in our mission of changing the motorsport industry.

Desirable

• Previous experience as Chief Mechanic or Chief Truckie within a professional motorsport environment.
• Experience working with electric or hybrid vehicles.

Education & Qualifications

Educated to at least A-Level standard or equivalent — this may include:

• BTEC National Diploma / Extended Diploma in Motorsport, Engineering, or related disciplines
• NVQ Level 3 in Vehicle Maintenance & Repair or Motorsport Engineering
• Advanced Apprenticeship in a relevant technical or mechanical field
• Equivalent international qualifications

Further technical or motorsport-specific training and certifications are advantageous.

Why Join Us

You’ll be part of a tight-knit, ambitious team at the forefront of electric motorsport — shaping how the next generation experiences racing. Expect a hands‑on, fast‑paced environment where your expertise and initiative have a direct impact, both in the workshop and at the track.

As we grow, so will your opportunities: to innovate, take on new challenges, and help deliver world‑class racing experiences.

Smedley Group is committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion, belief, sex or sexual orientation. We strive to be a team that supports diversity in the workplace and promotes an inclusive culture in which all team members are respected, empowered and valued.