Service Manager

About us

We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from over 150 dealerships across the UK and Ireland. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That’s why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.Service Manager – Kia SilverlinkNew Dealership Launch | Join the Leadership TeamLocation: Kia Silverlink, Newcastle upon TyneContract Type: PermanentHours: 44 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pmSalary: 40k- 55k DOE plus bonus package (OTE)Are you looking for a career-defining role and the opportunity to be part of something exciting from the very beginning?

We are looking for an ambitious and talented ServiceManager to join the leadership team at our brand-new Kia Silverlink dealership.With the site due to open in February, this is a unique opportunity to play a key role in launching and establishing a new aftersales operation from the ground up. As this is a start-up dealership, we are looking for a hands-on leader who is willing to support all areas of the operation during the launch phase. In the early stages, you will be expected to work closely alongside the Service Advisors, assisting with customer bookings, service reception duties and customer communications where required, helping the department establish strong foundations for future success.As Service Manager, you will act as a role model for customer service excellence, leading by example whilst developing long-lasting relationships with customers and supporting your team to deliver an exceptional aftersales experience.

From the day-to-day running of the workshop and maximising technician productivity, to ensuring Service Advisors deliver exceptional customer service and achieve departmental KPI targets, you'll play a pivotal role in the dealership's success. You'll be looking after a busy and professional department where your remit will be to manage all aspects of the aftersales operation, ensuring consistently high levels of performance are achieved. ResponsibilitiesAssist in providing guidance, training and appraisals to each member of the Service team to encourage a forward-thinking attitude and help them achieve their full potentialLead the successful launch and development of the aftersales operation at Kia SilverlinkSupport Service Advisors directly during the dealership's start-up phase, assisting with customer enquiries, bookings and service reception activities when requiredMaximise customer satisfaction by treating every customer as an individual and delivering an exceptional service experienceMonitor departmental performance against budget, identify any shortfalls and implement plans to improve performanceDrive workshop efficiency, labour sales and aftersales profitabilityAnalyse local market opportunities and identify areas for growth within the territoryOrganise departmental forecasts and reports in a clear and timely mannerEnsure manufacturer standards, compliance requirements and operational processes are consistently achievedManage and own customer satisfaction performance and continuously seek opportunities for improvementWhat You'll BringPrevious experience as a Service Manager, Aftersales Manager or Senior Service Leader within a franchised automotive environmentA proven track record of delivering strong aftersales and customer satisfaction resultsExperience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teamsStrong operational and commercial awareness with the ability to drive departmental performanceA hands-on leadership style with a willingness to support front-line customer service activities when requiredExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsThe resilience, adaptability and enthusiasm to thrive in a start-up dealership environmentA passion for delivering exceptional customer experiencesA full UK driving licenceThis is an exciting opportunity to be part of the launch of Kia Silverlink, helping to build an aftersales operation from day one and establish a culture of excellence, teamwork and outstanding customer care.

If you're ready to take on a challenge and make a real impact from the outset, we'd love to hear from you.If your skills and experience match what we are looking for, please apply today and a member of the Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch.Core Benefits:Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the businessGenerous annual leave that increases with your length of serviceEnhanced family leave, including 6 months’ full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks’ full pay for paternity leaveAccess to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible paymentsHealth & Wellbeing:Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needsSmart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeingDental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatmentsOptional critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging momentsFinancial Wellbeing:MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user-friendly appFree will writing services to help plan for the futureFlexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protectionLeisure & Lifestyle:Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyleTravel insurance to help you explore with confidenceAccess to home and technology vouchersbYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discountsWe strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels.Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential.

If your application is successful, we will conduct relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include verifying your recent employment, address, credit history and a standard criminal record check. For roles that require you to drive, a driving licence check will also be carried out.

Please note, all offers of employment are made subject to a 6 month probation period commencing from your start date.We take our data protection responsibilities very seriously and are committed to upholding and respecting your privacy rights. Information about how we will process your data including the types of data we collect, the purposes for which we use it, who we may share it with and how long we keep it are set out in our privacy notice. It also includes information about your individual privacy rights.

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