Workshop Controller

Arnold Clark Group; Preston; On-site; GBP 35,000 - GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company is seeking a Workshop Controller for its Preston branch. The successful candidate will oversee a team of technicians, ensuring productivity and quality in repairs. Ideal for someone with automotive experience and strong organizational skills, this role presents opportunities for career growth into management. You will be responsible for managing service operations, scheduling work efficiently, and maintaining compliance with safety standards. Competitive salary and benefits including performance bonuses are offered.

Benefits

£35,000 – £45,000 salary DOE

Performance-based bonuses up to £9,000

Overtime paid at time and a half

33 days annual leave

Training to become an EV-accredited Technician

Employee discounts

Private healthcare

Qualifications

• Experience in workshop control or technician roles is essential.
• Must possess high organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong IT skills are necessary for the role.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coach a team of vehicle technicians and apprentices.
• Ensure all servicing work is executed correctly and on time.
• Maintain compliance with company and safety policies.
• Schedule work to meet customer needs.
• Provide accurate estimates for servicing and repairs.

Skills

Relevant experience in the automotive industry

High levels of organisation and accuracy

Strong IT skills

Fantastic interpersonal skills

Ability to lead and motivate a team

Creating sales opportunities

Job description

We’re recruiting for a Workshop Controller to join our team at our Renault/Dacia branch in Preston.

We offer

• £35,000 – £45,000 DOE plus benefits
• Additional opportunity to earn up to £9,000 every three years in performance-based bonuses– terms and conditions apply
• All overtime paid at time and a half
• 33 days’ annual leave
• Training provided to become an EV‑accredited Technician
• Generous employee discounts
• Private healthcare and sick pay cover
• Maternity and paternity packages

Hours

Monday – Thursday 8am – 5.30pm, Friday 8am – 4.30pm and alternate Saturdays 8am – 12pm

About the role

As a Workshop Controller for Arnold Clark, you’ll work with the Service Manager to deliver a high level of productivity and an excellent standard of first‑time repairs, while making sure you always maintain a clean, safe and professional workshop.

This role would be ideal for an organised, quick‑thinking person with previous motor industry experience, looking to develop their career and move into a management role. The ability to keep to deadlines and react quickly to technical challenges is important, and you should enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment.

Day‑to‑day duties

• Managing and coaching a team of vehicle technicians and apprentices, making sure targets and business objectives are met
• Making sure all servicing work is carried out correctly, competently and on time, with customer satisfaction in mind
• Ensuring that all your working practices comply with company, DVSA, health and safety and manufacturer policies
• Working with colleagues and other departments to ensure a seamless service for customers
• Scheduling work to meet customer needs, taking into account workshop targets, the complexity of each job and the availability of parts
• Providing estimates for servicing and repairs and setting timescales
• Accurately recording technician time and writing technical reports and recommendations

Essential skills

• Relevant experience in the automotive industry, including previous workshop control or technician roles
• High levels of organisation and accuracy
• Strong IT skills
• Fantastic interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well with customers and colleagues across other departments, both face‑to‑face and via email
• The ability to lead by example and motivate your team to achieve their targets and deliver a high standard of work
• Ability to create more work opportunities and sales in an honest and compliant manner

Our Culture

Arnold Clark is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strive to create an environment where collaboration, unique perspectives and multiple approaches are celebrated. We care about our employees and our communities, we nurture talent and encourage ambition, and we are passionate about people who take pride in their work. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do – diverse in our make‑up, united in our goals.

To find out more about Life at Arnold Clark, visit our website.

Employment within the Arnold Clark Group is offered subject to satisfactory reference and disclosure check.