Workshop Manager

Gap Personnel Limited; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

On-site parking

PPE provided

Training & development

Job summary

Gap Personnel Limited is seeking an experienced Workshop Manager in Cardiff to lead the maintenance function for a large fleet of heavy plant and equipment. This hands-on leadership role focuses on maintenance planning, safety, and cost control across multiple sites.

You will manage technicians, drive reliability, oversee PM schedules, coordinate repairs, and work with suppliers and contractors to ensure equipment availability and operational performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience managing a busy workshop or maintenance operation.
• Strong knowledge of heavy plant and industrial equipment maintenance.
• Advanced fault‑finding and diagnostic skills across mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and engine management systems.
• Experience using diagnostic software and electronic troubleshooting equipment.
• Strong background in maintenance planning, fleet management, and budget control.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of workshop technicians, fostering a safe and productive environment.
• Manage planned preventive maintenance schedules to maximise reliability and lifespan.
• Coordinate and prioritise breakdown repairs to minimise downtime.
• Allocate workloads and monitor workshop performance and efficiency.
• Maintain service records, inspection programmes, and maintenance schedules.
• Source parts and services, negotiate with suppliers, and manage purchasing.
• Control stock levels and workshop inventory.
• Monitor maintenance costs and identify opportunities for improvements and savings.
• Investigate equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Work with operational teams to ensure plant availability.
• Manage external contractors and specialist service providers.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Provide mentoring, training, and technical support to maintenance personnel.

Education

NVQ Level 3 (Plant Maintenance/Heavy Vehicle Maintenance/Engineering)

Tools

CMMS

Diagnostic software

MS Office

Job description

Workshop Manager

Location: Cardiff
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum + Benefits

About the Role

An established industrial services business is seeking an experienced Workshop Manager to lead its maintenance function and oversee the upkeep, reliability, and performance of a large fleet of heavy plant and equipment.

This is a hands‑on leadership position, managing a team of skilled technicians while driving high standards in maintenance planning, workshop productivity, health & safety, and cost control. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring equipment availability and supporting operational performance across multiple sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of workshop technicians, fostering a safe and productive working environment.
• Manage planned preventative maintenance schedules to maximise equipment reliability and lifespan.
• Coordinate and prioritise breakdown repairs to minimise operational downtime.
• Allocate workloads and monitor workshop performance and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate service records, inspection programmes, and maintenance schedules.
• Source parts and services, negotiate with suppliers, and manage purchasing activities.
• Control stock levels and workshop inventory.
• Monitor maintenance costs and identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost savings.
• Investigate equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Work closely with operational teams to ensure plant availability meets business demands.
• Manage external contractors and specialist service providers.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the maintenance function.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Provide mentoring, training, and technical support to maintenance personnel.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' experience managing a busy workshop or maintenance operation.
• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Plant Maintenance, Heavy Vehicle Maintenance, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of heavy plant and industrial equipment maintenance.
• Advanced fault‑finding and diagnostic skills across:
• Mechanical systems
• Hydraulic systems
• Electrical systems
• Engine management systems
• Experience using diagnostic software and electronic troubleshooting equipment.
• Strong background in maintenance planning, fleet management, and budget control.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable

• Experience with material handling equipment, loading shovels, excavators, telehandlers, articulated trailers, or similar heavy plant.
• Knowledge of condition monitoring programmes and oil analysis.
• Welding and fabrication experience.
• Experience using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent health and safety qualification.

What's on Offer?

• £45,000 - £50,000 salary depending on experience
• Company pension scheme
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Free on-site parking
• PPE provided
• Stable, long‑term opportunity within a growing business
• Supportive and professional working environment

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday
• Day shift hours
• Overtime opportunities available
• Occasional weekend work as required