Transport Workshop Manager

Smiths is seeking an experienced and driven Transport Workshop Manager to lead our in-house HGV maintenance operation based in Gloucester.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for the safe, compliant, efficient and cost-effective management of a diverse fleet of approximately 150 commercial vehicles and 50 trailers , supporting a range of waste management, recycling and transport operations across the business.

Reporting to the Logistics Director and forming part of the Logistics Senior Management Team, you will lead a skilled workshop operation, drive fleet reliability, champion compliance and develop a high-performing team focused on safety, quality and continuous improvement.

About the Role

You will have overall responsibility for the operation of our HGV workshop facilities, including management of:

• A fleet of approximately 150 commercial vehicles and 50 trailers
• Workshop operations and maintenance activities
• A team of supervisors, technicians, apprentices and workshop administration staff
• A satellite workshop operation in Cardiff
• External maintenance providers, parts suppliers and manufacturer service partners
• Fleet compliance, maintenance planning and MOT preparation
• Breakdown management and vehicle off-road (VOR) performance
• Workshop budgets, supplier relationships and operational efficiency

Working closely with the wider Logistics team, you will also contribute to fleet specification, vehicle purchasing decisions and long-term fleet replacement planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the safe and compliant maintenance of the Smiths HGV fleet
• Ensure all servicing, inspections and maintenance activities are completed to the highest standards
• Drive workshop productivity, efficiency and vehicle availability
• Manage fleet compliance in line with Operator Licence requirements
• Oversee MOT preparation and improve first-time pass rates
• Develop a preventative maintenance culture that improves reliability and reduces downtime
• Lead and develop workshop supervisors, technicians and apprentices
• Monitor workshop performance through KPIs, reporting and data analysis
• Manage breakdown response and minimise operational disruption
• Oversee parts management, supplier performance and maintenance expenditure
• Promote a strong health and safety culture throughout the workshop operation

About You

We are looking for a proven fleet engineering professional with strong technical expertise and experience managing large-scale HGV workshop operations.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience managing a busy HGV workshop operation, either in-house or through third-party facilities
• Strong technical knowledge of commercial vehicle maintenance, including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Experience managing mixed HGV fleets
• Experience of MOT preparation and fleet compliance requirements
• A City & Guilds, NVQ or equivalent qualification in Fleet Engineering or Heavy Vehicle Maintenance
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent health and safety training
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent planning, organisational and problem-solving abilities
• Commercial awareness and experience managing operational performance
• Good IT skills and experience using workshop management systems
• The ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, suppliers and external partners

Benefits

• Permanent contract
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Support of an experienced team
• Earn Additional Annual Leave with Length of Service
• Free on-site Parking
• Corporate gym membership discount
• Annual Salary Review
• Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)
• PPE provided
• Progression opportunities
• 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support

What We're Looking For

You'll be a practical and resilient leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering high standards. You will be passionate about continuous improvement, committed to developing people and focused on creating a workshop operation that is safe, efficient and future-ready.

If you're looking for the opportunity to lead a significant fleet maintenance operation and play a key role in the ongoing success of a growing business, we'd love to hear from you.