Workshop Manager

Workshop Manager - Plymouth City Council
37 hours per week
26‑week temporary assignment (January – July 2026)
£19.32 per hour
Monday–Friday (occasional Saturdays) Shift pattern between 6am–5pm
Full UK Driving Licence Required

Pertemps are recruiting on behalf of Plymouth City Council for an experienced Workshop Manager to oversee the day‑to‑day running of their busy fleet maintenance workshop. This role plays a key part in ensuring the safe, compliant and efficient delivery of maintenance, inspections and repairs across the Council’s vehicle fleet, in line with VOSA regulations and the Council’s Operating Licence.

Key Responsibilities
Operational & Compliance Management

• Oversee the day‑to‑day running of the workshop, ensuring timely delivery of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, inspections and MOTs.
• Ensure all work complies with legislation, VOSA requirements and the Council’s Operating Licence.
• Maintain full Health & Safety compliance, including risk assessments, condition checks and safe working practices.
• Implement and maintain workshop policies, procedures and processes to support safe and efficient operations.
• Ensure all documentation, records and inspection reports are completed accurately and to a high standard.

Team Leadership

• Manage a team of around 14 operational staff, ensuring effective resource allocation and high performance.
• Lead on staff development, training, performance management and change management.
• Maintain productivity levels in line with commercial garage standards.

Financial & Service Delivery

• Manage a service budget of approximately £750k, ensuring delivery within budget and achievement of income and efficiency targets.
• Support income generation through commercial MOTs, servicing and repair work.
• Ensure a customer‑focused service, delivering work within agreed timescales and to required standards.
• Liaise with internal and external clients regarding scheduling, repairs, inspections and service delivery.

MOT & Commercial Services

• Manage the Council’s MOT station, ensuring full compliance with VOSA protocols and safe operating procedures.
• Oversee warranty repairs, accident damage repairs and ensure prompt turnaround of vehicles and plant.
• Develop and deliver business plans to support commercial growth, including marketing and communication activity.

Performance & Reporting

• Monitor productivity, performance and monthly charging using IT systems.
• Ensure effective stock control and management of workshop resources.
• Support improvements in reporting issues affecting Plymouth’s streets, contributing to reduced complaints and enhanced service reputation.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• GCSEs (A*–C / 9–4) in Maths and English or equivalent.
• Vehicle Technician qualification or extensive experience managing a vehicle workshop.
• IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Strong understanding of Road Transport Law.
• Significant experience managing MOT testing and VOSA‑regulated inspections.
• Proven experience managing commercial workshop services.
• Demonstrable experience in:
  • Customer service excellence
  • Leading and managing teams
  • Budget management and income generation
  • Performance management
  • Change management
  • Staff training and development
  • Planning operational delivery under financial pressures
  • Using ICT systems (including Word and Excel)

Desirable Experience

• Experience using Tranman or similar fleet/workshop management systems.
• Knowledge of compliance, vehicle maintenance legislation and fleet operations.
• Suitable for candidates with a transport management or professional driving background with relevant skills.

Essential Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret information and solve both technical and people‑related problems.
• High attention to detail and a strong demand for accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The successful candidate must

• Adhere to Council policies on data protection, confidentiality and information governance.
• Work in accordance with legislation, codes of practice and the Council’s constitution.
• Follow all Health & Safety policies, safe systems of work and performance standards.
• Uphold the Council’s equalities policy and relevant legislation at all times.

Call Emily on 01752 601116 for more information or click 'Apply Now' to submit your application today!

Please note: Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you haven't heard from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion-but do keep an eye out for future roles with Pertemps!