Workshop Controller

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

Job summary

A leading automotive service provider in Preston seeks a Workshop Controller to manage a team of technicians and ensure high-quality repairs. The ideal candidate will have automotive industry experience and strong organizational skills. Responsibilities include coaching the team, maintaining service quality, and scheduling jobs effectively. Competitive salary of £35,000 – £45,000 plus performance bonuses offered, alongside comprehensive benefits including training and healthcare.

Benefits

Performance-based bonuses up to £9,000

Generous employee discounts

Private healthcare and sick pay cover

33 days' annual leave

Qualifications

• Previous workshop control or technician roles required.
• Experience in managing a team of vehicle technicians.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Managing and coaching a team of vehicle technicians and apprentices.
• Ensuring customer satisfaction by carrying out servicing work correctly and on time.
• Scheduling work to meet customer needs and workshop targets.
• Providing estimates for servicing and repairs, accurately recording technician time.

Skills

Relevant experience in the automotive industry

High levels of organisation and accuracy

Strong IT skills

Fantastic interpersonal skills

Ability to lead by example

Job description

We’re recruiting for a Workshop Controller to join our team at our Motorstore 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 – Friday 8am – 5.30pm 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.

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