Workshop Controller

PETIT FORESTIER UK; West of England; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Petit Forestier UK seeks a proactive Fleet Maintenance Planner to coordinate and schedule maintenance, inspections and repairs for our fleet and refrigeration assets. You will allocate work to technicians, monitor workload and maximise productivity while ensuring compliance with DVSA regulations and company policies.

The role requires strong planning, communication and problem-solving abilities, with a Full UK Driving Licence and experience in fleet maintenance.

Qualifications

• Essential experience in 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.

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 to maximise efficiency and productivity.
• Prioritise maintenance activities in line with operational requirements.
• Ensure all work is completed within agreed timescales.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance programmes for fleet vehicles and refrigeration assets.
• Assist in reducing vehicle downtime and improving fleet availability.
• Monitor defects and ensure timely rectification.
• Ensure PMIs, MOT preparations and statutory inspections are completed on time.
• Maintain accurate fleet records within workshop management systems.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assist in controlling workshop maintenance expenditure.
• Monitor repair costs against approved budgets.
• Support warranty recovery processes where applicable.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
• 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.

Skills

Fleet maintenance experience

Planning & scheduling

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Commercial vehicle maintenance

MS Office

Fleet compliance

Full UK Driving Licence

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Key Responsibilities

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

• Manage customer defect reports, breakdowns and repair requests.
• Coordinate roadside assistance and recovery providers where required.
• Ensure incident management systems are updated accurately and promptly.
• Communicate repair progress and expected completion times to relevant stakeholders.

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.

Skills, Knowledge & 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

• 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.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised and methodical.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Professional and approachable.
• Reliable and dependable.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Customer-focused.
• Strong team player.
• Able to work effectively under pressure.
• Committed to compliance, accuracy and continuous improvement.

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.