Workshop Controller

Drive Motor Retail Limited; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent automotive dealer group in Ipswich is seeking a Workshop Controller to lead the workshop operations. This role involves managing a skilled technician team, ensuring high standards of quality and safety in service delivery. The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in a workshop leadership role and possess excellent communication and organisational skills. Competitive salary and numerous employee benefits are offered, fostering a supportive working environment.

Benefits

24 days annual leave increasing with service

Staff perks and discounts

Health and wellbeing support

Employee rewards portal

Referral bonus scheme

Professional development opportunities

Supportive management and modern workshop

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of full UK driving licence.
• Hands-on leadership experience in a workshop.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the workshop.
• Plan and allocate work to technicians.
• Conduct quality checks and uphold health and safety standards.
• Monitor workshop KPIs including efficiency and productivity.

Skills

Previous experience as a Workshop Controller

Excellent understanding of vehicle maintenance

Strong organisational skills

Team management skills

Effective communication skills

Job description

About Us

Drive Motor Retail is one of the UK’s largest and most successful automotive dealer groups, representing some of the most recognisable brands in the industry. We pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding customer experience and investing in the development of our people. As a Workshop Controller, you’ll play a key leadership role within our Aftersales team, ensuring efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction across all workshop operations.

Location: 2 Augusta Close, The Havens Ransomes Europark, Ipswich IP3 9SS

Job Opportunity: Workshop Controller

Salary: Basic Salary: £35,000 + Bonus Opportunities (OTE up to £45,000)

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday 8.00am – 5.30pm - 1 Hour Lunch - No weekends.

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 24 days increasing to 27 with service, plus bank holidays
• Staff Perks & Discounts: On services, repairs, parts, and vehicles for you and your family
• Health & Wellbeing Support: Medicare cash plan with same-day online GP access and support for dental/optical needs
• Employee Rewards Portal: Exclusive access to hundreds of retailer discounts
• Referral Bonus Scheme: Recommend a new team member and receive a generous reward
• Professional Development: Access to training and manufacturer-accredited programmes
• Supportive Management: and a well-equipped, modern workshop environment

About the Role – Workshop Controller

As Workshop Controller, you will oversee the daily operations of the workshop, managing a team of skilled technicians and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. You’ll liaise closely with the service and parts departments, coordinating job flow and prioritising workloads to meet customer deadlines and maximise productivity.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring technical knowledge, people management skills, and a commitment to delivering a class-leading service experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and allocate work to technicians based on job requirements and technician skillsets
• Monitor job progress and support the team in resolving technical queries
• Ensure all work is completed on time and in line with manufacturer and dealership standards
• Conduct quality checks and uphold health and safety procedures across the workshop
• Work collaboratively with the Service Advisors and Parts Department to maintain clear communication
• Support with diagnosis and provide technical guidance when required
• Monitor workshop KPIs including efficiency, productivity, and first-time fix rate
• Coach and develop technicians to improve performance and support progression
• Ensure accurate documentation and adherence to warranty and compliance processes

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as a Workshop Controller, Senior Technician, or in a similar workshop leadership role
• Excellent understanding of vehicle maintenance and diagnostic procedures
• Strong organisational and team management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communicator who can build positive relationships across departments
• Full UK driving licence – held for a minimum of 2 years

Inclusion & Equality

Drive Motor Retail is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and are proud to foster an inclusive, supportive, and respectful workplace for everyone.