Service Manager

Perfect Placement; Leighton Buzzard; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Autonomy

Stable business

Diverse workload

Training and development

Career progression

Sat. shift occasionally

Job summary

Perfect Placement is seeking an experienced Service Manager for our client, a reputable independent service centre in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. This role offers autonomy to optimise workshop operations, lead the team, and drive efficiency across retail servicing, internal prep, and MOT work.

You will oversee day-to-day workshop management, develop technicians and front-of-house staff, and strive for high customer satisfaction in a busy, varied environment that combines vehicle sales with

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Service Manager or senior role in a workshop.
• Experience in a busy workshop environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Workshop management

Team development

Customer service

Communication

Decision making

Organisational skills

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.

Benefits

• 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