Workshop Controller

PETIT FORESTIER UK; Bicester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Petit Forestier Group is seeking a dedicated professional to oversee workshop planning, scheduling, and maintenance across fleet and refrigeration assets. You will allocate work to technicians, monitor efficiency, and ensure timely completion of maintenance tasks.

The role requires strong planning, organisational skills, and experience in fleet maintenance. You will maintain records, support cost controls, and uphold safety and service standards across the operation.

Qualifications

• Experience in fleet maintenance or workshop environment is essential.
• Strong planning, scheduling and organisational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Knowledge of fleet compliance requirements and DVSA rules is desirable.
• Full UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and schedule all planned maintenance, inspections, servicing and repairs.
• Allocate work to Workshop Technicians and Mobile Technicians.
• Monitor workshop loading and labour utilisation for efficiency.
• Ensure work is completed within agreed timescales.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance for fleet vehicles and refrigeration assets.
• Maintain accurate fleet records in workshop systems.
• Produce and maintain workshop, VOR, fleet availability and maintenance progress reports.
• Assist with cost control and procurement of parts as needed.
• Deliver high standard of customer service and professional communication.

Skills

Planning & scheduling

Communication

Problem solving

MS Office

Driving licence

Fleet maintenance knowledge

Editorial: documentation

Education

Technical vehicle maintenance qualification

Tools

Workshop management systems

Job description

Workshop Planning & Scheduling

Coordinate and schedule all planned maintenance, inspections, servicing and repairs. Allocate work effectively to Workshop Technicians and Mobile Technicians. Monitor workshop loading and labour utilisation to maximise efficiency and productivity. Prioritise maintenance activities in line with operational requirements. Ensure all work is completed within agreed timescales.

Vehicle & Asset Maintenance

Coordinate preventative maintenance programmes for all fleet vehicles and refrigeration assets. Assist in reducing vehicle downtime and improving fleet availability. Monitor vehicle and refrigeration equipment defects and ensure timely rectification. Ensure all scheduled maintenance activities are completed in accordance with company standards and manufacturer recommendations.

Breakdown & Incident Management

Ensure all maintenance, servicing and inspection documentation is completed accurately and retained in accordance with company procedures. Support compliance with: DVSA regulations Operator Licence requirements Roadworthiness obligations Company maintenance policies Ensure PMIs, MOT preparations and statutory inspections are completed on time. Maintain accurate fleet records within workshop management systems.

Compliance & Documentation

Ensure all maintenance, servicing and inspection documentation is completed accurately and retained in accordance with company procedures. Support compliance with: DVSA regulations Operator Licence requirements Roadworthiness obligations Company maintenance policies Ensure PMIs, MOT preparations and statutory inspections are completed on time. Maintain accurate fleet records within workshop management systems.

Parts Procurement & Supplier Management

Source and procure parts in a timely and cost-effective manner. Liaise with approved suppliers to ensure availability of parts and services. Monitor parts expenditure and identify cost‑saving opportunities. Process purchase orders and maintain procurement records.

Reporting & Administration

Produce and maintain daily:

• Workshop reports
• VOR reports
• Fleet availability reports
• Maintenance progress reports

Escalate issues impacting operational performance. Maintain accurate records and management information.

Cost Control

Assist in controlling workshop maintenance expenditure. Monitor repair costs against approved budgets. Support warranty recovery processes where applicable. Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency.

Recharge & Invoicing Administration

Support the Depot Manager and Workshop Team in the day‑to‑day operation of the fleet. Assist with vehicle allocation and fleet availability planning. Provide administrative support during peak operational periods. Respond to customer and supplier enquiries relating to fleet maintenance and compliance. Always promote excellent customer service and professional communication.

Customer Service

Deliver a high standard of internal and external customer service. Ensure operational teams receive timely updates on vehicle status. Build effective working relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues.

Health, Safety & Environmental

Promote a positive health and safety culture. Ensure compliance with company health, safety and environmental procedures. Report accidents, incidents and near misses promptly.

Essential Experience

• Essential Experience within a fleet maintenance, workshop or transport environment.
• Strong planning, scheduling and organisational skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Good problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Understanding of commercial vehicle maintenance processes.
• Good computer literacy including Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of fleet compliance requirements.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable Experience

• Desirable Experience within the transport, logistics or rental industry.
• Experience using workshop or fleet management systems.
• Knowledge of refrigeration equipment maintenance.
• Understanding of Operator Licence regulations.
• Technical vehicle maintenance qualification.

The Petit Forestier Group, a family‑run business for nearly 120 years, brings together 5,900 talented employees across more than 22 countries, united by a shared mission: ‘Improving life through cold chain expertise’. By preserving food, medical products and other sensitive goods that are essential to our lives, we offer everyone a meaningful career.