Service Manager

Perfect Placement UK Ltd; Leighton Buzzard; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Autonomy to run dept

Stable business

Diverse workload

Training & development

Long-term progression

Supportive ownership

Job summary

Perfect Placement UK Ltd in Leighton Buzzard is seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead a busy workshop and MOT centre. This senior role offers autonomy to shape processes, motivate technicians, and deliver high standards of service.

You will oversee daily operations, bookings, and customer interactions, with a focus on efficiency and profitability while supporting staff development and a long-term plan within a reputable independent service centre.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Service Manager or Senior role in a busy workshop.
• Strong leadership to develop technicians and front-of-house staff.
• Proven ability to drive productivity and quality standards.
• Confident in managing bookings, workflow, and customer communications.
• Commercially aware with focus on profitability and service levels.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day management of workshop operations and workflow.
• Lead, develop and motivate technicians and front-of-house staff.
• Drive productivity, efficiency, and quality standards.
• Manage job allocation, bookings and throughput in the workshop.
• Ensure high customer satisfaction and retention.
• Maintain effective communication between workshop and reception.
• Identify areas for process improvements to optimise performance.

Skills

Leadership & team development

Workshop management

Customer service excellence

Operational efficiency

Decision making under pressure

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Service Manager to join a reputable independent service centre in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. This is a key leadership role within a well-regarded business that combines vehicle sales with a fully equipped service and MOT centre. Our client offers a dynamic environment with a varied workload, supporting retail customer work, internal preparations, and all-makes servicing. The Service Manager will have the autonomy to optimise workshop operational processes, lead and develop the team, and enhance overall efficiency.

• Full autonomy to run and develop the service department
• Stable, established business with a loyal customer base
• Diverse workload including retail servicing, internal prep, and MOT work
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Supportive ownership with long-term progression potential
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm, with 1 in 2 Saturdays

Duties of a Service Manager:

• Full day-to-day management of workshop operations and workflow
• Leading, developing, and motivating technicians and front-of-house staff
• Driving productivity, efficiency, and quality standards within the workshop
• Managing job allocation, bookings, and workshop throughput
• Ensuring high customer satisfaction and retention
• Maintaining effective communication between the workshop and service reception
• Identifying areas for process improvements to optimise team performance

Requirements of a Service Manager:

• Proven experience as a Service Manager, Workshop Controller, or in a senior equivalent role
• Strong background in a busy workshop environment (independent or franchise)
• Confident in managing technicians, customers, and high workloads
• Commercially aware with a focus on efficiency, profitability, and customer service
• Hands‑on leadership style with the ability to lead by example
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and make effective decisions in a fast‑paced setting

This Service Manager role offers a genuine opportunity to lead within a supportive environment, shape department processes, and build a motivated team. Our client is seeking a proactive professional who enjoys autonomy and taking ownership of their department.