Service Manager - Workshops

Southwark Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Greater London is seeking a Service Manager – Workshops to oversee engineering services. This role entails managing a multidisciplinary team focused on delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in engineering projects within the public sector and be skilled in budget management and stakeholder engagement. Salary range is £45,852 – £53,319. Flexible working across sites is required.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering engineering projects in the public sector.
• Proven ability to lead a multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding of contract management and health & safety.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery and maintenance of engineering services.
• Manage staff performance and training.
• Ensure compliance and safety in workshop operations.
• Develop budgets and monitor expenditure.
• Drive continuous improvement in services.

Skills

Leadership

Operational oversight

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Problem-solving

Communication

Job description

Southwark offers the scale, ambition and diversity that make public‑sector engineering genuinely rewarding. The borough is investing heavily in modern, sustainable infrastructure, and our teams are trusted to deliver innovative solutions that have a direct impact on residents, businesses and visitors.

Working here means being part of a collaborative, supportive environment where professional growth, creativity and technical excellence are encouraged. Staff are given the autonomy to shape services, improve local assets and contribute to projects that genuinely make a difference across the borough.

What You'll Be Doing

As the Service Manager – Workshops, you will oversee the delivery, maintenance and development of engineering and workshop‑based services within the Asset Management Services Business Unit. You will lead a multifunctional team responsible for fabricating, repairing and installing infrastructure across the borough, while ensuring compliance, safety and excellent customer service.

You will:

• Lead, manage and allocate operational resources to ensure efficient day‑to‑day delivery across workshop and engineering functions.
• Manage staff performance, training, development, attendance and conduct, ensuring the team has the skills and support needed to excel.
• Oversee health & safety compliance, develop safe working practices, and embed a strong safety culture across workshop operations.
• Monitor service quality and performance, ensuring work is planned, scheduled and delivered to specification.
• Provide technical leadership and drive continuous improvement within the team.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal departments, external contractors and stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, including monitoring expenditure, forecasting, income generation and ensuring value for money on all workstreams.
• Support the delivery of contract and project‑based work, contributing to asset inventory management, condition assessments and investment planning.
• Produce reports, performance data and analysis to support operational decision‑making and service enhancements.
• Contribute to income generation targets of up to £1.5m, ensuring commercial opportunities are maximised.

This is a hands‑on management role that combines leadership, operational oversight, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.

What We're Looking For

You will bring a strong technical background, experience in engineering‑related services and the ability to lead a multi‑skilled workforce. We are looking for someone who can balance operational oversight with strategic thinking, and who thrives in a fast‑paced environment.

You will have:

• Experience delivering engineering, repair, maintenance or investment projects in the public sector or similar environment.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage a multidisciplinary operational team.
• Strong understanding of contract management, compliance, CDM, project management and health & safety.
• Experience managing budgets, monitoring costs and identifying opportunities for income generation.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions within tight timeframes.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience in service planning, continuous improvement and performance management.

You will also be committed to Southwark's values and equalities principles, and willing to work flexibly across multiple sites and attend training and meetings as required.

Additional Information

Interview dates: 29/01/26

Please reach out if you would like to discuss the role prior to application

*Please note, we reserve the right to close applications prior to the closing date indicated above – please apply as soon as possible – we look forward to receiving your application.

Please note: If you have applied for this role within the last three months, your previous application would have already been considered as part of our recruitment process. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept repeat applications during this period, and any new application submitted within this timeframe will not be progressed.

Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £45,852 – £53,319