Assistant Service Manager

Assistant Service Manager – Gillingham, Kent £35,000 basic + bonus + company vehicle Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:30pm | 1 in 4 Saturdays with a day off in lieu ACS Automotive is recruiting an Assistant Service Manager for an established franchised dealership in Gillingham. This is a hands-on position with real responsibility for the service reception team and the customer experience. Working alongside the Aftersales Manager, you’ll keep the front of house operation organised, support your colleagues and help the department deliver its performance targets.

The role

You’ll be the person who keeps things moving when the department gets busy, ensuring customers receive clear updates and the team has the support it needs. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the day-to-day service reception operation and deputising for the Aftersales Manager when required.
• Supporting and motivating Service Advisors to deliver excellent customer care.
• Overseeing bookings, customer updates and vehicle handovers.
• Explaining additional work identified through vehicle health checks, providing clear advice and accurate costs.
• Resolving customer concerns professionally and building lasting relationships.
• Monitoring work in progress, invoicing and administration to keep jobs moving through the department.
• Coordinating courtesy vehicles and working closely with workshop colleagues.
• Helping improve customer retention, departmental efficiency and profitability.

About you

You’ll have a strong management background in automotive service or aftersales, within a franchised dealership, and be comfortable taking ownership of a busy customer-facing operation. We’re looking for:

• A confident communicator who can build trust with customers and colleagues.
• The ability to support a team, organise workloads and make decisions under pressure.
• A good understanding of dealership service processes.
• A practical, proactive approach to resolving problems.
• A full UK driving licence. Previous supervisory experience and knowledge of warranty procedures would be advantageous. What’s on offer?
• £35,000 basic salary plus bonus.
• Company vehicle.
• 30 days’ holiday, including bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Life assurance.
• Discounts on servicing, MOTs and parts.
• Discounted gym membership and access to retailer savings.
• Ongoing training and opportunities for career progression. To find out more, apply with your CV or contact ACS Automotive for a confidential discussion