VMU Manager / HGV Workshop Manager

ISQ Recruitment; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Birthday day off

Overtime opportunities

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Manufacturer training & career dev

Enhanced maternity & paternity pay

Employee wellbeing & 24h GP access

Uniform, boot allowance & toolbox ins.

Employee recognition & long-service

Job summary

ISQ Recruitment LTD is seeking an experienced VMU Manager for a Didcot-based role, taking ownership of workshop performance and fleet maintenance operations.

The successful candidate will lead a team, balance workshop efficiency with cost control, and develop staff in a busy commercial vehicle setting.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead a VMU/HGV workshop
• Strong people management with practical fleet maintenance delivery
• Understanding of workshop costs, productivity and WIP management

Responsibilities

• Plan staffing, workloads and capacity to meet fleet maintenance demands
• Manage labour costs and external contractors
• Monitor workshop performance across retail, warranty and internal contract work
• Control WIP, cash processes and service pricing with senior management
• Maintain safe working practices and oversee contractor compliance
• Ensure workshop bays, equipment and facilities are used effectively
• Support recruitment, induction and performance reviews
• Identify improvements for staffing and equipment investments

Skills

Motivating a team

Clear expectations

Communication skills

Organisation

Prioritisation

Cost and WIP awareness

Education

Level 3 Vehicle Repair & Maintenance

Job description

VMU Manager / HGV Workshop Manager

Location

Didcot, Oxfordshire

Salary

£45,000 basic per annum, plus overtime opportunities

Hours

Monday to Friday, 07:00-16:30, 45 hours per week. Flexibility required.

Job Type

Full-time, permanent

Right to Work

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Job Summary

Lead the team, take ownership of workshop performance and help keep commercial vehicle fleets on the road. ISQ Recruitment is recruiting an experienced VMU Manager for a well-established commercial vehicle business in Didcot.

This opportunity would suit a confident workshop leader who combines technical knowledge with strong people management and a practical approach to delivering reliable fleet maintenance.

What's on Offer

• 23 days' annual leave, plus a day off for your birthday.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Pension scheme and life assurance.
• Manufacturer training and career development opportunities.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Employee assistance and wellbeing support, including access to a 24-hour online GP.
• Uniform, boot allowance and toolbox insurance.
• Employee recognition and long-service rewards.

The Role

You will oversee the day-to-day running of the Vehicle Maintenance Unit, ensuring the team, facilities and resources are organised to meet customer fleet requirements. Leading from the front, you will balance workshop efficiency, cost control and service quality while supporting your team's development.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan staffing levels, workloads and workshop capacity to meet fleet maintenance demands.
• Manage labour costs and the use of external contractors.
• Monitor workshop performance across retail, warranty and internal contract work.
• Control work in progress, cash processes and workshop service pricing in conjunction with senior management.
• Maintain safe working practices, support audits and oversee contractor compliance.
• Ensure workshop bays, equipment, tools and facilities are used effectively.
• Support recruitment and induction, coach employees and review individual performance against agreed targets.
• Identify improvements and contribute to planning for staffing, equipment and facility investment.

What We're Looking For

• A Level 3 qualification in Vehicle Repair and Maintenance, such as NVQ, City & Guilds or IMI.
• Previous experience in VMU management, HGV workshop management or a similar commercial vehicle leadership role.
• The ability to motivate a team, set clear expectations and maintain high standards.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of workshop costs, productivity and work in progress.
• Strong communication, organisation and prioritisation skills.
• A calm, practical approach to changing workloads and customer requirements.