We are currently recruiting for a newly created position within our business and are seeking to appoint a Fleet & Engineering Manager to oversee the day‑to‑day running of our engineering function, supporting both our in‑house fleet and external third‑party vehicles. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, whilst working with the current department manager, you will lead the engineering function, providing both strategic and tactical management to ensure the department operates to the required quality, financial, contractual, and legal standards. This role forms part of the Senior Management Team. You will be responsible for maintaining the existing high standards of the engineering operation, while also supporting the future growth and performance of the function. This is a hands‑on, functional management role, requiring a visible presence in the workshop and a strong focus on people, performance, compliance, and cost control.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
* Oversee the daily operation of the workshop, planning and prioritising work to meet both operational and customer requirements
* Coordinate and manage scheduled servicing and maintenance, as well as unscheduled repairs as required
* Manage, lead, and motivate the engineering team, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard
* Act as a senior, hands‑on point of support for engineers and technicians
* Negotiate with external stakeholders to the engineering function, ensuring parts are supplied as required and maintain strong relationships with vehicle suppliers and other key providers.
* Ensure full compliance with DVSA, health & safety, environmental, and legal requirements
* Maintain accurate and auditable records for servicing, inspections, repairs, and compliance
* Take ownership of workshop budgets, including labour efficiency, parts spend, and overall cost control
* Monitor and improve productivity, turnaround times, and workshop performance
* Support and manage external customer relationships, ensuring work is delivered on time and professionally
* Attend management meetings as required, providing updates to the Directors and working collaboratively with the Senior Management Team
* Contribute to the commercial development of the engineering function, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, utilisation, and revenue
Essential Experience & Skills
* Proven experience in a workshop or engineering management role
* Strong hands‑on background in commercial vehicles (coaches, buses, minibuses, HGVs, or similar)
* Confident and experienced people manager, with the ability to allocate work and manage performance
* Commercially aware, with experience controlling costs and improving operational efficiency
* Highly organised, practical, and calm under pressure
* Experience managing both internal fleet maintenance and external customer work
* Strong knowledge of DVSA compliance and commercial vehicle regulations
* Experience using workshop or maintenance management systems
* Transport Manager CPC (strongly preferred)
Candidates who do not currently hold a Transport Manager CPC will be supported in obtaining this qualification following a successful probationary period.
About Hearn's
Proudly independent since 1947 and trusted by thousands of clients every week, Hearn’s Coaches is known for delivering high‑quality passenger transport across education, corporate, sport, media, government and private groups.
Our fleet travels across London, the UK and into Europe, supported by a dedicated team of drivers, engineers and office staff who keep everything running smoothly.
Why Join Us
* This is a key senior role offering the opportunity to take ownership of a critical business function, working closely with the Managing Director to ensure the fleet and engineering operation is safe, compliant, efficient, and commercially successful.
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