Vehicle Recovery Unit Commercial Support Officer

West Midlands Police; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

West Midlands Police's Vehicle Recovery Unit (VRU) manages the processes when a vehicle is impounded or seized, handling inquiries from the public, police officers and other stakeholders. The role involves managing Vehicle Recovery Operators, vehicle disposals, releases, and invoicing, with a focus on accurate data and timely financial processing.

Based in Birmingham, the role requires effective communication, coordination with suppliers, and commitment to service quality as part of a wider

Responsibilities

• To work as part of a performance orientated team committed to achieving the best outcomes for the business and customer.
• To act as a point of customer contact for all vehicle recovery related enquiries. Responding to requests for information via email / telephone / letter from internal and external customers, stakeholders and other agencies
• To undertake daily data entry ensuring that relevant systems hold an accurate record of decisions, actions and vehicle movements. To liaise with suppliers (VROs, Locksmiths, Auction houses) to obtain and share information and progress investigations.
• To review and process financial submissions to ensure the timely payment/ recuperation of fees and charges
• To engage with suppliers and colleagues from other departments to enhance service provision and address emerging issues or risks or service improvements.

Job description

Job Description

The Vehicle Recovery Unit (VRU) manages the processes once a vehicle has been impounded or seized by West Midlands Police

Job Description

The Vehicle Recovery Unit (VRU) manages the processes once a vehicle has been impounded or seized by West Midlands Police

It handles queries from members of the public, police officers, forensics and other internal stakeholders

It is responsible for the management of the Vehicle Recovery Operators who physically pick up seized vehicles from the roadside as well as interacting with them on a day-to-day basis regarding vehicle disposals, vehicle releases, and other general queries

VRU manages the disposal process for vehicles – be it by auction or de-pollution, as well as handling invoicing and other financial aspects

About The Role

The role exists to undertake enquiries and administrative activity that facilitate the legal and operational processes surrounding vehicles seized, recovered and impounded by the Police.

Key Responsibilities

• To work as part of a performance orientated team committed to achieving the best outcomes for the business and customer.
• To act as a point of customer contact for all vehicle recovery related enquiries. Responding to requests for information via email / telephone / letter from internal and external customers, stakeholders and other agencies
• To undertake daily data entry ensuring that relevant systems hold an accurate record of decisions, actions and vehicle movements. To liaise with suppliers (VROs, Locksmiths, Auction houses) to obtain and share information and progress investigations.
• To review and process financial submissions to ensure the timely payment/ recuperation of fees and charges
• To engage with suppliers and colleagues from other departments to enhance service provision and address emerging issues or risks or service improvements.
  
  

Full Role Details

Click here to view the full details of the role, including the Essential Criteria, Desirable Criteria and any educational requirements for the role.

Salary and Shifts

Salary: £28,914 - £32,613

Shift patterns include shift allowance: Monday – Friday 0800-1600

Selection Process

Online Application and Sift - You will complete an online application form, which will be reviewed against the skills, experience and behaviours required for the role.

Closing Date : 04/10/2026

Interview Candidates who successfully pass the application stage will be invited to attend an interview. This will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Proposed dates 3 rd November 2026, 5 th November 2026, 9 th November 2026, 12 th November 2026

Pre-Employment Checks

Preferred Required

If you are selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to successfully complete relevant pre-employment checks before receiving a formal offer. For internal candidates, some checks may not be required.Checks may include:

• Vetting Checks - You must successfully complete the required level of Recruitment/Management vetting Level 2 Full and Counter Terrorism / Security clearance before starting the role. This may include providing information relating to your background and financial history as part of the vetting process. Click here for more information.
• Medical Checks - Appointment to this role is subject to successfully completing medical checks. This may include a drugs test and, where required, a fitness assessment.
• Reference Checks - You will need to provide details covering at least five years of employment, education or other relevant activity history.
  
  

We are committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process and reasonable adjustments are available for those who need them.

About Us

West Midlands Police is the second-largest police force in England, serving more than 2.9 million people across Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall. Every day, our people work together to keep our communities safe, protect vulnerable people, prevent crime and bring offenders to justice.

We answer more than 2,000 emergency calls every day and provide policing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting victims, investigating crime or working behind the scenes, every role plays a vital part in delivering an outstanding service to the public.

We're proud of the progress we've made in reducing crime, improving emergency response times and increasing arrest rates. These achievements are only possible because of the dedication, professionalism and expertise of our officers, staff and volunteers. As we continue to transform the way we police, we're looking for talented people who are committed to making a real difference.

Why Join West Midlands Police?

A career with West Midlands Police is about more than a job, it's an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people. Whatever your role, you'll contribute to keeping our communities safe while developing your own skills and career.

When You Join Us, You'll Benefit From

• Meaningful work that makes a difference every day.
• A diverse range of career opportunities across policing and professional support services.
• High-quality training, development and opportunities to progress.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve their potential.
• Competitive pay, generous annual leave, excellent pension arrangements and a wide range of employee benefits.
• The opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a common purpose.
  
  

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce helps us better understand and serve the communities we protect. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the highest level of the Government's Disability Confident scheme, we are committed to removing barriers to employment and supporting disabled applicants and employees throughout their careers. Through our Disability Confident Interview Scheme, applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for a role will normally be offered an interview, subject to the scheme's terms and any recruitment constraints.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision is to maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness, respect and inclusion, enabling us to deliver the best possible service to our communities.

Professional Standards

Working in policing is a position of trust. Our officers and staff are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate vetting and are expected to uphold the ethical standards and responsibilities that come with serving the public.

Recruitment and the Use of AI

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools to support activities such as proofreading and improving the presentation of written applications. This is acceptable, provided the content you submit accurately reflects your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Applications must be your own work. Any evidence of plagiarism, false or misleading information, or the inappropriate use of AI during assessments or selection activities where it is not permitted may result in your application being rejected.

Benefits

We know that supporting our people is essential to delivering the best service to our communities. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of employee benefits, wellbeing support and development opportunities to help you thrive throughout your career.

Visit our Benefits page to find out more about the rewards and support available when you join West Midlands Police.