Overview
We are a small, fast-paced bus operator seeking a proactive and highly organised Workshop Chargehand to oversee the day-to-day maintenance planning and workshop activity for our fleet. This role is central to ensuring that all vehicles are safe, compliant, and ready to depart the depot on time each morning. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical knowledge with excellent people management skills, ensuring maintenance tasks and staff shifts are planned effectively to meet operational requirements. A strong commitment to Health & Safety is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Fleet Maintenance & Compliance
· Plan, schedule, and oversee all preventative and corrective maintenance for the fleet.
· Ensure all vehicles meet DVSA, manufacturer, and internal safety standards.
· Monitor inspection intervals, MOT dates, defect reports, and ensure timely rectification.
· Plan weekly serving of fleet and customer vehicles
· Maintain accurate maintenance records and ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
· Conduct or support early-morning vehicle readiness checks to ensure safe and punctual departures.
· Order parts from suppliers for vehicles and maintain stock system.
Workshop Leadership
· Lead and support workshop staff, ensuring tasks are allocated efficiently and completed to a high standard.
· Plan staff shifts and workloads to meet operational and engineering needs.
· Provide hands-on technical support where required, particularly during peak periods or urgent repairs.
· Foster a positive, safe, and productive working environment.
Operational Support
· Liaise closely with Operations to ensure engineering activity supports service delivery.
· Respond promptly to breakdowns or urgent defects, coordinating resources effectively.
· Support the Engineering Manager with reporting, stock control, and supplier coordination.
Health & Safety
· Promote and uphold a strong safety culture across the workshop and depot.
· Ensure all staff follow safe working practices, PPE requirements, and risk assessments.
· Identify hazards, report incidents, and contribute to continuous improvement in safety standards.
· Ensure the workshop environment is clean, organised, and compliant with legislation.
Skills & Experience
· Proven experience in a vehicle maintenance environment (bus/PCV experience preferred).
· Hold NVQ Level 3 in an engineering function
· At least 3 years' experience in a commercial workshop environment
· Strong understanding of vehicle safety, compliance, and maintenance planning.
· Ability to lead, motivate, and organise a small team.
· Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
· High attention to detail and a proactive approach to planning and prioritisation.
· Strong commitment to Health & Safety.
· PCV licence desirable but not essential.
Personal Attributes
· Reliable, punctual, and comfortable with early starts.
· Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions quickly.
· Hands-on, practical, and willing to support the team where needed.
· Professional, safety-focused, and committed to high standards.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 45 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Swanley BR8 8BY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
* Do you hold a NVQ Level 3 in an engineering function
Experience:
* commercial workshop environment: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
* PCV licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person