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.