Assistant Service Manager

Assistant Service Manager
Darlington, DL1 1RJ
£35,000 Basic - £40,000 OTE
8.00am to 5.30pm - Monday to Friday - 30 Minutes Lunch break.

Our Darlington site has recently grown, adding three new franchise brands - Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat Abarth - alongside our existing operations. This is an exciting time to join a business investing in growth, structure and long-term stability.

We are looking for either:

• An experienced Assistant Service Manager, or
• A strong Senior Service Advisor ready to step into a leadership role and become the Service Manager's right-hand support.

This role is key to maintaining operational control, customer satisfaction and workshop efficiency as the site continues to develop.

The Role

You will support the Service Manager in the day-to-day running of the aftersales department, ensuring high levels of performance, compliance and customer care.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Service Manager in overseeing daily service department operations
• Assisting in managing workshop loading, productivity and efficiency
• Supporting service advisors and front-of-house team members
• Handling escalated customer queries and complaints professionally
• Monitoring KPIs including labour sales, recovery rates and CSI
• Supporting manufacturer standards and audit compliance across multiple franchises
• Assisting with team training, coaching and performance management
• Maintaining high standards of customer communication and retention
• Supporting departmental profitability and cost control

What We Are Looking For

• Previous experience as an Assistant Service Manager, or
• A Senior Service Advisor ready to step into a leadership role
• Strong organisational and leadership skills
• Commercial awareness and understanding of workshop KPIs
• Experience within a franchised dealership environment preferred
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-brand environment
• Strong customer handling and problem-resolution skills
• Professional, structured and process-driven approach

Benefits Package Includes

• Staff Perks: Discounts on personal services and large referral bonuses for recommendations of staff.
• Annual Leave: 24 days of annual leave increasing to 27 with length of service, plus bank holidays.
• Employee Discount Portal: Access to hundreds of savings through our exclusive reward gateway.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Family and friends discounts on services and referral schemes.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: Medicare cash plan covering employees and their children, providing same-day online GP access and support for health, wellbeing, and dental care.
• Training & Development: Ongoing training, professional development support, and upskilling initiatives, including specialist manufacturer training where applicable.

About us

Drive Motor Retail is one of the most successful privately owned automotive retail groups in England, operating multiple franchised dealerships across the country.

Our Darlington site represents Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat Abarth alongside our wider group portfolio, and we pride ourselves on operational standards, customer retention and long-term growth strategy.

Inclusion & Equality

Drive Motor Retail is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees, ensuring fair treatment regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or background.