Preparation Centre Manager

Bowker Motor Group are recruiting a Preparation Centre Manager to join the Team at their BMW/MINI Centre on Preston Docklands. You'll be working in a state-of-the-art workshop, earning a competitive salary with generous benefits and funded training and development opportunities.

The Role

This busy role will suit an enthusiastic individual with previous Workshop Controller or Bodyshop Controller experience. You must have a positive attitude and willingness to work as part of an effective team, as well as being an excellent communicator who can meet and exceed high expectations and service levels.

Reporting directly to the Service Manager, the ideal candidate will have strong organisational and people management skills together with a hands-on approach. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Preparation Centre and will work closely alongside the Sales Managers and Workshop Manager on a daily basis to ensure effective work scheduling, technician / painter utilisation, and the smooth progression of repairs from booking through to completion.

You must also have the ability to motivate, develop, and train staff whilst meeting targets and deadlines.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the overall performance and day-to-day operation of the Preparation Centre, this will include ensuring efficient workflow planning, resource allocation, and operational performance.
• Work on a daily basis to coordinate workshop loading, monitor repair progress, maximise technician / Painter efficiency, and ensure vehicles are completed on time.
• Estimate mechanical / paint and wheel repairs.
• Drive productivity, efficiency, quality, utilisation, and profitability to achieve Prep Centre and business targets.
• Work collaboratively with the Service Manager, Workshop Control, and the Sales Managers to ensure repairs progress efficiently.
• Promote a strong culture of health and safety, compliance, and quality across the Preparation Centre environment.
• Monitor performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, and business results.
• Plan and organise available workshop / paint / wheel repair hours to maximise labour sales and workshop efficiency.

Skills & Experience

• Self-motivated.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• An effective communicator.
• Well-presented and personable.
• Previous experience in a similar role is essential.

Working hours are 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

The Benefits

• Extremely competitive salary and bonus structure.
• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays).
• Additional day's holiday on your birthday.
• Company ECOS/Salary Sacrifice vehicle.
• Discount retail shopping platform.
• Preferential family rates on cars
• Company pension scheme.
• Death in Service policy.
• Workwear supplied.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Training, coaching, and development funded.
• Incentives and rewards.
• Free tickets to local and national events.
• Staff social events.
• On-site car parking.

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