Garage/Depot Manager - HGV/Specialist Haulage
Location: Redditch, Warwickshire
Salary: Upto £60,000 plus benefits
Our client are seeking an experienced Garage/Depot Manager to oversee the servicing, maintenance, repair, and compliance of our HGV, specialised heavy-haulage trailers, material handling equipment, light commercial vehicles and ancillary equipment 'the fleet'. The successful candidate will oversee the management of the garages and workshops at our Studley base, leading a team of garage managers, skilled technicians, mechanics and fitters in the day-to-day operations to ensure all vehicles are serviced and maintained to meet DVSA and company standards.
Duties:
* Oversee and coordinate all garage/workshop operations (Heavy, General and Plant), ensuring efficient scheduling of servicing, planned maintenance, statutory inspections, and repairs for the company fleet.
* Supervise and support garage managers and workshop staff, including technicians, mechanics, fitters and apprentices.
* Ensure all vehicles comply with current UK road transport legislation, including DVSA standards, Operator Licence conditions, and Health & Safety requirements.
* Manage a planned preventative maintenance and routine servicing programme and defect resolution system for all assets operated within the fleet.
* Maintain accurate service, inspection, and repair records in line with VOSA and Company Maintenance Systems.
* Liaise with the Transport and Operations teams to maximise fleet availability and minimise vehicle downtime.
* Manage stock control of parts, lubricants, and consumables; negotiate with suppliers for best value and oversee the procurement process.
* Schedule and oversee MOT preparation, tachograph calibrations, and vehicle inspections (PMI).
* Ensure workshop equipment and tools are properly serviced, maintained and calibrated, complying at all times with PUWER and LOLER regulations.
* Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance workshop efficiency and performance.
* Monitor and report on maintenance costs, budgets, and performance KPIs.
* Conduct staff training and development to ensure competence and compliance.
Skills Required:
* Proven experience managing an HGV or commercial vehicle workshop, ideally within the heavy haulage or specialist transport sector.
* Strong technical knowledge of HGVs, specialised trailers, and hydraulic equipment.
* Excellent understanding of DVSA regulations, Operator Licence compliance, and maintenance planning.
* Experience of managing and operating a planned preventative maintenance system for a HGV fleet garage/workshop environment.
* Hands-on mechanical experience (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance preferred).
* Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
* Full UK Driving Licence (HGV Class 1 - desirable).
* IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent Health & Safety qualification - desirable.