Workshop Shift Manager

Civic Recruitment Limited; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a proactive Workshop Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of the council's workshop in Plymouth. You will oversee maintenance, inspections and MOT testing, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and service standards.

The role manages a team of around 14 staff, controls a £750k service budget, and works to improve efficiency, safety and customer service while maintaining accurate records and adherence to health and safety.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English (Grade 9–4 / A*–C)
• IOSH qualification (or equivalent Health & Safety certification)
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Strong understanding of Road Transport Law and VOSA requirements
• Proven experience managing workshop/garage operations or transport services
• Significant experience delivering MOT testing, inspections and compliance under an Operator Licence
• Experience managing commercial services, budgets and income generation
• Demonstrable experience of team leadership, performance management and staff development
• Experience of planning operations within resource and financial constraints
• Strong knowledge of Health & Safety and compliance requirements
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Problem-solving ability across operational and technical areas
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results

Responsibilities

• Manage daily workshop operations, delivering planned and reactive maintenance, inspections and MOT testing to required standards and timescales
• Ensure full compliance with VOSA regulations, Road Transport Law and the Council’s Operator Licence requirements
• Lead, manage and develop a team of approximately 14 staff, including performance management, resource allocation and training
• Oversee all Health & Safety activities, including risk assessments, safe systems of work and workplace compliance
• Manage and control a service budget (circa £750k), ensuring services are delivered efficiently and within financial targets
• Implement and maintain effective policies, procedures and operational processes to support safe and efficient service delivery
• Ensure high standards of customer service, resolving complaints and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage the Council’s MOT station, ensuring adherence to regulatory and operational requirements
• Develop and deliver commercial services, including generating income through external work and promoting workshop services
• Monitor performance, productivity and service delivery using relevant systems, ensuring continuous improvement
• Ensure accurate record keeping, documentation, stock control and warranty processes are maintained to a high standard
• Stay up to date with relevant legislation, best practice and industry developments

Skills

Workshop management

Leadership

Budgeting

Health & Safety

MOT testing

Regulatory compliance

Team development

Vehicle maintenance

Job description

Plymouth, United Kingdom | Posted on 02/06/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector‑specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre‑screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well‑positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the workshop, ensuring the effective, efficient and compliant delivery of maintenance, repair, inspection and MOT services for the Council’s fleet and external customers, in line with legislative requirements and operating licence obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily workshop operations, delivering planned and reactive maintenance, inspections and MOT testing to required standards and timescales.


• Ensure full compliance with VOSA regulations, Road Transport Law and the Council’s Operator Licence requirements.


• Lead, manage and develop a team of approximately 14 staff, including performance management, resource allocation and training.


• Oversee all Health & Safety activities, including risk assessments, safe systems of work and workplace compliance.


• Manage and control a service budget (circa £750k), ensuring services are delivered efficiently and within financial targets.


• Implement and maintain effective policies, procedures and operational processes to support safe and efficient service delivery.


• Ensure high standards of customer service, resolving complaints and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.


• Manage the Council’s MOT station, ensuring adherence to regulatory and operational requirements.


• Develop and deliver commercial services, including generating income through external work and promoting workshop services.


• Monitor performance, productivity and service delivery using relevant systems, ensuring continuous improvement.


• Ensure accurate record keeping, documentation, stock control and warranty processes are maintained to a high standard.


• Stay up to date with relevant legislation, best practice and industry developments.

Requirements

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English (Grade 9–4 / A*–C)


• IOSH qualification (or equivalent Health & Safety certification)


• Full UK Driving Licence


• Strong understanding of Road Transport Law and VOSA requirements


• Proven experience managing workshop/garage operations or transport services


• Significant experience delivering MOT testing, inspections and compliance under an Operator Licence


• Experience managing commercial services, budgets and income generation


• Demonstrable experience of team leadership, performance management and staff development


• Experience of planning operations within resource and financial constraints


• Strong knowledge of Health & Safety and compliance requirements


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills


• Problem‑solving ability across operational and technical areas


• High attention to detail and accuracy


• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results