Workshop Controller

Northgate plc; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading vehicle rental specialist in Exeter seeks a qualified Workshop Controller to oversee workshop operations, ensuring customer vehicles are serviced efficiently and to the highest standards. The ideal candidate will possess technical expertise and excellent people skills, fostering a collaborative environment while maximizing profitability. This role offers significant personal growth opportunities within a reputable organization committed to diversity and employee well-being.

Benefits

Quarterly bonus scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Well-being services including mental health support

Exclusive vehicle-leasing schemes

Pension plan and share scheme

Access to retail discounts and cashback deals

Financial Wellbeing app for more pay control

Qualifications

• Solid workshop background, experienced in routine servicing and complex diagnostics.
• Common-sense business approach for maximizing efficiency.
• Ability to create a high-performing team through effective leadership.

Responsibilities

• Ensure workshop profitability and efficiency.
• Make decisions on recharge and warranty opportunities.
• Maintain quality and technical standards in workshop operations.

Skills

Technical knowledge and understanding

Customer service orientation

Leadership and team management

Problem-solving skills

Education

Qualified technician

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced & qualified Workshop Controller to join one of the UK's leading vehicle rental specialists in our largest site in Exeter. Your role, as Workshop Controller, is about supporting our customers to deliver on their business promises. Your aim is to ensure we get their vehicle back on the road safely and in quick time. With an ever‑changing workload, our modern workshop is equipped with the latest technology and manufacturer‑specific diagnostic tools – it is a bustling, exciting place to be. You have a central role to play in the smooth running of the workshop by maximising the profitability, productivity and efficiency of the workshop team. You are also the decision‑maker for the technicians on recharge and warranty opportunities. Key to your success is your ability to ensure the workshop produces work that complies with the highest technical and quality standards and, above all, helps us deliver on our service commitment to customers.

Key Responsibilities & Qualifications

• You are a qualified technician with a solid workshop background – your colleagues value your technical knowledge and understanding of jobs from routine servicing and maintenance to more complex diagnostics.
• You have a common‑sense business approach – you know what makes a great workshop and how to maximise efficiencies and opportunities to produce outstanding results.
• Above all, you are a people person – you care about those around you and understand that a one‑size‑fits‑all approach is not always the best way to create a high‑performing workshop team.
• You get involved in every part of our business – you take pride being part of the Northgate team and are keen to help colleagues with a hands‑on, can‑do approach to getting things done.
• You have a passion for customer service – you understand what is important to your customers and suppliers. If there is an issue, as Workshop Controller, you will know just how to solve it.

With over 60 branches nationwide, Northgate Vehicle Hire are the UK's go‑to provider of light commercial vehicle rental solutions, partnering with some of the country's most well‑known organisations. We have gained a reputation for being at the forefront of the LCV sector and for helping our customers when they need us most.

We're also part of something bigger – ZIGUP, a leading provider of integrated mobility solutions, supporting customers across the UK, Ireland, and Spain. We are proud to have been awarded a King's Award for Enterprise in 2025, recognised for our commitment to promoting opportunity and supporting social mobility. Unlock your potential in an industry‑leading business, surrounded by inspiring individuals and leaders, fuelled by the opportunity to thrive in your career. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, identities, and abilities. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, just let us know. We're here to support you. We are agile. We are experts. We are imaginative. We are reliable. Keep your career moving, smarter.

Benefits

Some of our most popular benefits include (but aren't limited to):

• A fantastic quarterly bonus scheme
• Start with 24 days, increasing to 26 days with service, plus the flexibility to buy or sell up to 5 extra days each year. Of course, you'll have public holidays too and an extra day off to celebrate your birthday!
• Well‑being services (incl. 24/7 GP service, mental health support and physiotherapy + Health Cash Plan, Dental Plan & Travel Insurance)
• Exclusive Colleague vehicle‑leasing schemes
• Pension & save‑as‑you‑earn share scheme
• Our Benefits App offering unlimited access to a huge range of retailer discounts and cashback deals (incl. Tesco, Asda, Currys, B&Q & Wickes to name just a few)
• Stream App for all our colleagues – a Financial Wellbeing app that gives you more control over your pay. Not only does it let you choose when to get paid it also lets you put money aside each month and in addition you can get discounts on your shopping, check what benefits you're eligible for and can even put you in touch with a financial coach!