Service Manager

Wessex Garages Ltd; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive retail company in Gloucester is seeking a Service Manager to lead the Aftersales Department. You will be responsible for team development, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. Ideal candidates have prior experience in a similar role within the automotive sector and strong leadership abilities. A full, clean UK driving licence is essential. This role offers competitive pay with bonuses and excellent employee benefits.

Benefits

22 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Discounted car purchase programme

Health benefits including eye tests

Wellbeing support services

Event perks at Bristol Bears Rugby

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Service Manager or senior aftersales role within the automotive industry.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop a team.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop a team of Service Advisors, Technicians, and support staff.
• Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the service operation.
• Deliver a first-class customer experience.

Skills

Leadership skills

Customer service

Problem-solving

Commercial awareness

IT proficiency

Education

Full, clean UK driving licence

Job description

Service Manager Reference Number - 0123445567567

Location Gloucester

Salary Competitive Plus Bonus

At Wessex Garages, we’ve been putting customers first and delivering excellence in automotive retail for over 35 years. With dealerships across South Wales and the South West of England, we proudly represent leading manufacturers including Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, GWM and Mitsubishi. For these brands we supply new and used cars and vans, deliver after sales support and champion the Motability Scheme.

We’re proud to offer our customers and colleagues an experience built on Knowledge, Value, Transparency, and Trust — values that are at the heart of everything we do.

Reference: VAN0459

About the Role

Are you experienced in automotive aftersales with a passion for delivering exceptional customer service? Wessex Garages Gloucester is looking for a forward-thinking Service Manager to help shape the future of our Aftersales Department and drive operational excellence.

As Service Manager, you will play a key role in the success of our Gloucester dealership. Reporting to the General Manager, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the Service Department, ensuring the delivery of outstanding customer experiences and efficient workshop operations.

Your focus will be on leading a high-performing team, maintaining compliance with regulatory and brand standards, and continuously identifying ways to improve productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction. We’re seeking a proactive and driven person who brings both technical know-how and strong leadership ability. You’ll be a natural problem-solver, capable of balancing day-to-day operations with long-term planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop a team of Service Advisors, Technicians, and support staff to meet and exceed performance targets.
• Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the service operation, ensuring all scheduled servicing and repairs are completed accurately and on time.
• Deliver a first-class customer experience, handling any issues or concerns with professionalism and urgency.
• Maintain compliance with all manufacturer, DVSA, health & safety, and internal company policies and procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate departmental KPIs and financial performance, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with other departments to support overall dealership success and customer retention.
• Proven experience in a Service Manager or senior aftersales role within the automotive industry.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop a team.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, with a genuine focus on the customer journey.
• Sound commercial awareness and understanding of departmental KPIs and budget management.
• High level of attention to detail, organisation, and the ability to prioritise under pressure.
• Proficiency in IT systems and a strong grasp of modern workshop processes.
• A full, clean UK driving licence held for at least 12 months.

Why Join Wessex Garages?

We’re committed to supporting our people with a range of benefits designed to promote wellbeing, reward loyalty, and enhance your overall experience at work:

• Holiday Allowance – Enjoy 22 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with extra days added the longer you stay with us.
• Pension Scheme – We contribute to your future with company-backed pension support.
• Exclusive Employee Schemes – Take advantage of our discounted car purchase programme and Cycle to Work scheme after completing your probation.
• Wellbeing Support – Through our partnership with Menable, a specialist service for the automotive sector, you’ll have free access to confidential coaching, wellbeing check ins, and referral support where needed.
• Health Benefits – We provide complimentary eye tests and flu vaccination vouchers to help you stay healthy year-round.
• Event Perks – As proud sponsors of Bristol Bears Rugby, we offer a limited number of free tickets to each game for our team members.

Please note:

• Driving licence checks will be carried out during the recruitment process.
• We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, and this will be verified as part of the recruitment process.

To see all our latest vacancies, please visit www.wessexgarages.com/recruitment

Reg Office: Pennywell Road, Bristol, Avon, BS5 0TT

Reg. Company Number: 2639755

VAT Reg. No. 567778570

Wessex Garages Holdings Limited is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary. Wessex Garages Holdings Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for consumer credit activity and our registration number is 535085. Permitted activities include acting as a credit broker not a lender. We can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers. We do not charge a fee for our Consumer Credit services. We do not act as a financial adviser, or fiduciary. We act in our own interest, whichever lender we introduce you to, we will typically receive commission from them based on either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow. Any and all commission amounts will be fully disclosed to you as part of your sales journey. You will be required to give your fully informed consent to our receipt of this commission. By doing this, you acknowledge that you understand our role as a credit broker, and that we will receive a financial incentive if you take out a loan from a lender that we introduce you to. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18s or over, Guarantees may be required.

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