Workshop Controller

Octane Recruitment Limited; Holmewood; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Life assurance

30 days' holiday

Employee discounts

Wellbeing support

Digital GP access

Flu vaccinations

Wellness app

Recognition schemes

Job summary

Octane Recruitment Limited is seeking a Workshop Controller to oversee the panel shop in a high-volume accident repair centre. You will manage workflow, support a team of skilled technicians, and ensure efficient repairs of over 200 vehicles per month.

This hands-on role requires strong leadership skills and a solid background as a Panel Beater. The successful candidate will maintain quality and safety standards while thriving in a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years' experience in workshop control or similar roles.
• Strong background as a Panel Beater.
• Ability to manage people and workflow effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily workflow across the panel shop.
• Coordinate and support a team of seven technicians.
• Maintain quality, fit, finish, and manufacturer standards.

Skills

Panel Beater experience

Workshop management

Team leadership

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Safety compliance

Job description

Workshop Controller

A key role within a high‑volume accident repair centre, overseeing the panel shop and working alongside another Workshop Controller. This position is central to keeping a busy workshop running smoothly, maintaining quality, and supporting a team of skilled technicians.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00-16:30, Friday 08:00-15:30

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 DOE

Benefits: Pension scheme, life assurance, 30 days' holiday including bank holidays (rising with service), employee discounts on vehicles/aftersales, wellbeing support, digital GP access, flu vaccinations, wellness app, and recognition schemes.

Workshop Controller - About the Role

As the Workshop Controller for the panel shop, you'll manage workflow, support seven technicians, and ensure repairs move efficiently through the workshop. The site repairs over 200 vehicles per month, so the pace is fast and consistency is essential. This role suits someone energetic, hands‑on, and confident working closely with panel beaters and technicians.

You'll work directly with the management team and the existing Workshop Controller, with strong support around you. It's not a desk‑based job - you'll be active on the workshop floor, keeping jobs moving, solving problems, and maintaining standards.

Workshop Controller - Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily workflow across the panel shop
• Coordinate and support a team of seven technicians
• Keep repair progress on track and maintain turnaround targets
• Maintain quality, fit, finish, and manufacturer standards
• Identify additional repair work and liaise with management/VDA teams
• Ensure correct processes for ADAS, diagnostics, and modern repair methods
• Uphold safety, compliance, and workshop organisation
• Work collaboratively with the wider workshop control team

Workshop Controller - Required Experience

This is a specialist hire and requires the right blend of technical background and leadership ability.

• Strong background as a Panel Beater
• Around 1-2 years' experience in workshop control, senior panel roles, or similar
• Confident managing people, workflow, and repair standards
• Able to communicate effectively with technicians and keep the workshop organised
• Energetic, proactive, and comfortable in a demanding, high‑volume environmentOnly candidates with genuine panel shop experience and proven Workshop Controller capability will be considered.

Consultant:Kalum Green - Octane Recruitment

Job Reference:KGOJ

Octane reference:31651