Workshop Manager

Core Objective: Oversee daily mechanical workshop operations, manage a team of automotive mechanics and diagnostic technicians, drive service bay productivity, maintain strict job turnaround times, and ensure high customer satisfaction and gross profit margins on parts and labor. Key Duties & Scope of Work Service Bay Scheduling & Throughput: Schedule daily vehicle intake, assigning repair orders (ROs) to mechanics based on job complexity (routine servicing vs. complex engine/transmission overhauls or electrical diagnostics).

Monitor vehicle progress on lifts/bays in real time to prevent idle bay time and eliminate bottlenecks caused by delayed parts delivery.

Enforce strict turnaround times for routine periodic servicing (PMS), brake replacements, suspension overhauls, and air-con servicing.

Technical Diagnostics & Quality Control (QC): Provide technical guidance to mechanics for complex fault troubleshooting (using OBD-II scanners, oscilloscopes, wiring schematics, and ECU programming tools).

Conduct mandatory quality sign-offs: inspect completed mechanical work, verify fluid levels, torque specs, fault clearance, and conduct road tests prior to vehicle release.

Audit comeback/rework cases immediately, determine root causes (technician error vs. defective replacement part), and implement preventive measures.

Parts Sourcing, Inventory & Margin Control: Collaborate with parts stockists and suppliers to source OEM, genuine, and aftermarket spare parts efficiently.

Maintain lean inventory levels of high-turnover consumables (engine oils, ATF, brake pads, filters, spark plugs, coolants) while minimizing stagnant capital.

Maintain gross profit targets across labor hours billed and parts markup.

Customer Consultation & Service Advisory Support: Support front-desk service advisors with accurate technical explanations, defect reports, and transparent repair estimates/quotations.

Handle customer escalations and dispute resolutions regarding repair timelines, unexpected supplementary costs, or warranty coverage.

Advise vehicle owners on preventive maintenance and safety-critical repairs to drive ethical upselling.

Team Leadership & Workshop Safety Compliance: Manage technician performance, track individual billable hours vs. flat-rate standards, and foster a clean, organized, and accountable workshop culture.

Enforce safety protocols: vehicle lift locking mechanisms, hazardous waste disposal (waste oil, lead-acid batteries, coolant), and proper PPE usage.

Oversee maintenance and calibration of workshop machinery (lifts, tire changers, wheel balancers, AC recovery machines, diagnostic tablets).

Job Requirements & Qualifications Must-Have (Hard Requirements) Technical Experience: 6+ years of hands-on mechanical repair and troubleshooting experience (Japanese, Korean, Continental, or EV/Hybrid platforms), with at least 2–3 years in a Workshop Supervisor, Head Mechanic, or Service Manager role.

Diagnostic Competence: Strong proficiency in vehicle electrical systems, CAN-bus networks, engine management diagnostics, and diagnostic scan tools (Autel, Launch, Bosch, or OEM software).

Operational Capabilities: Proven ability to manage repair orders, calculate parts markups, dispatch tasks efficiently, and handle 15–30+ vehicle bays/day.

Licensing: Valid Class 3 driving license (manual and automatic) to conduct diagnostic road tests and reposition customer vehicles safely.

Language Proficiency: Strong verbal communication in English and Mandarin to communicate fluently with parts vendors, workshop mechanics, and retail/fleet clients.

Preferred / Nice-to-Have Working knowledge of workshop management ERP/POS software (e.g., AutoFlow, MechanicDesk, Workshop Software, or proprietary DMS).