Technical Senior Manager

Automobile Association; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive service provider in Basingstoke seeks a Technical Senior Manager to set the technical direction for Road Operations. This role involves leading a technical team, overseeing initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, and engaging with suppliers to drive improvements. Successful candidates will have deep technical knowledge in automotive engineering, particularly in EV and connected vehicles, along with proven leadership skills and a strategic mindset. Comprehensive benefits package offered, including annual leave and pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Worksave pension scheme with employer contribution

Free AA breakdown membership

Discounts on AA products

Employee discount scheme

Company funded life assurance

Learning and development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme and remote GP service

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and confidence to influence and empower teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Resilient and proactive approach with integrity under pressure.
• Deep technical knowledge in automotive, mechanical, or electrical engineering, including EV and connected vehicle expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the technical team for transformation.
• Oversee end-to-end technical initiatives for delivery.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Set technical strategy and multi-year roadmaps.
• Horizon-scan emerging technologies and shaping investment plans.
• Define repair capability and technical standards.
• Drive improvements and cost efficiencies with suppliers.
• Act as operational SME for EV technologies.

Skills

Strategic mindset

Analytical and problem‑solving ability

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Excellent communication

Negotiation skills

Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Technical knowledge in automotive engineering

Experience in multi‑site technical functions

Tools

Core software tools

Job description

Job Title: Technical Senior Manager
Location: Basingstoke – Hybrid – Three Days in Office
Employment Type: Permanent
Hours: Monday-Friday

AA Summary

Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again!

As one of the UK's most trusted brands, we provide a wide range of services to millions of customers. From comprehensive Home and Motor Insurance to personalised Financial Services like Loans and Savings, and outstanding B2B, Consumer, Business Services, Driver Training, Car Care, and Service Maintenance and Repair, we've got you covered. Our mission is to keep Britain moving, and we're looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. Ready to join us?

This is the job

As Technical Senior Manager, you’ll set the technical direction for Road Operations, shaping the tools, diagnostic platforms, data, and engineering capability that keep our patrols at the top of their game. You’ll lead the way on emerging technologies such as EVs, connected vehicles and ADAS, ensuring the AA stays ahead of industry change and continues to deliver exceptional roadside repair performance for our customers.

Working closely with leaders across Road and the COO team, you’ll drive innovation, champion smarter investment decisions, and raise technical standards across the operation. You’ll also act as our senior technical voice with manufacturers, suppliers, and partners, making sure new solutions land quickly, effectively, and with measurable impact.

What will I be doing?

• Leading and developing the technical team to deliver transformation and future readiness.
• Overseeing end‑to‑end technical initiatives, from defining requirements to ensuring successful delivery and business impact.
• Fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and forward thinking across the technical function.
• Setting the technical strategy and multi‑year roadmap covering tooling, equipment, diagnostics, and data platforms.
• Horizon‑scanning emerging technologies (EV, telematics, battery tech, ADAS, legislation) and shaping evidence‑based investment plans.
• Defining repair capability and technical standards across vehicle segments, ensuring measurable improvements in repair performance.
• Leading technical requirements for tooling and equipment, from specification and deployment to lifecycle and end‑of‑life management.
• Working with suppliers to drive improvements, cost efficiencies, and performance through benchmarking and commercial insight.
• Owning relationships with diagnostic partners to maximise system coverage, updates, analytics, and long‑term capability.
• Monitoring market trends in EVs and connected vehicles, embedding insights into training, equipment strategy, and operational procedures.
• Acting as the operational SME for EV and connected vehicle technologies, ensuring safe systems of work and compliance.

What do I need?

• Strategic mindset with strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• Proven leadership and the confidence to influence, motivate, and empower teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build effective relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all organisational levels.
• Confidence to challenge constructively and drive positive, evidence‑based outcomes.
• Resilient, adaptable, and proactive approach, with integrity under pressure.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate and balance competing priorities.
• Solid proficiency in core software tools, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Deep technical knowledge in automotive, mechanical, or electrical engineering, including EV and connected vehicle expertise.
• Proven experience leading multi‑site technical functions with measurable improvements in repair performance and efficiency.

Additional information

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
• Company funded life assurance
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family

Plus, so much more!

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.
As part of the onboarding process, we complete several pre-employment checks including work reference, credit and criminal record checks.

We may close the vacancy sooner than the advertised date if we get a high volume of applications, please apply now if you are interested.