Service Manager - Motor Trade

Don’t just run a department. Build its future.”

Service Manager / Aftersales Manager

Horsham, West Sussex | Full-Time, Permanent

£45,000–£55,000 Basic + £10,000–£12,000 Annual Bonus Monday to Friday, 8:00am–5:30pm

An exciting opportunity to make your mark in automotive Aftersales!

Are you an experienced Service Manager, Aftersales Manager or Workshop Controller looking for your next career move?

We’re seeking a commercially minded, hands-on-in-approach Service Manager / Aftersales Manager to take full responsibility for the operational and financial performance of an established and growing Aftersales department within an independent automotive business.

With a fully equipped workshop, a skilled team of technicians and an expanding retail servicing operation, this is an excellent opportunity to take ownership, drive profitability and make a real impact on the future growth of the business.

The Role

You’ll be responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the workshop, maximising productivity, developing retail Aftersales revenue and ensuring exceptional customer service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing departmental performance, budgets, profitability and KPIs.

• Overseeing and managing daily workshop operations

• Driving labour sales, technician efficiency and workshop productivity.

• Planning and allocating workshop jobs to maximise capacity and minimise downtime.

• Balancing retail servicing and repairs with internal vehicle preparation.

• Leading, motivating and developing the Aftersales team.

• Maintaining high standards of customer service, quality and operational compliance.

• Identifying opportunities to grow the retail servicing customer base and improve profitability.

• Reviewing processes and implementing improvements to drive business performance.

This is a fully office-based management position, not a hands-on mechanical role. A strong technical understanding of modern vehicles and workshop operations is essential.

About You

You’ll be an experienced automotive professional with strong leadership skills, commercial awareness and the ability to take ownership of a busy workshop.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Previous experience as a Service Manager, Aftersales Manager, Workshop Controller or in a similar senior role.

• A strong understanding of workshop profitability, labour recovery and technician productivity.

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to anticipate and resolve operational challenges.

• Experience managing and motivating a technical team.

• A good technical understanding of servicing, diagnostics and vehicle repairs.

• Experience working with premium and prestige vehicles.

• Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach.

Experience within both franchised main dealerships and independent automotive businesses would be highly advantageous, as would familiarity with Jaguar Land Rover and premium German vehicle brands.

What’s on Offer?

• £45,000–£55,000 basic salary, depending on experience.

• £10,000–£12,000 annual bonus opportunity.

• Monday-to-Friday working hours.

• A senior management position with genuine autonomy.

• A modern, fully equipped workshop and experienced technical team.

• The opportunity to grow an expanding retail Aftersales operation.

• Long-term career prospects within a growing automotive business.

Ready for Your Next Challenge?

We’re looking for someone who understands that a successful Aftersales department is built on strong leadership, efficient workshop control, commercial performance and outstanding customer service.

If you’re proactive, commercially driven and ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more!

Other Opportunities & Referral Scheme If this role isn’t quite right but you’re looking for something else in the automotive sector, please get in touch — at ASI Automotive Recruitment we’re committed to finding the right opportunity for you. We also offer a £75 voucher referral reward if you recommend a candidate who we successfully place.

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