Workshop Equipment Manager (Projects & Maintenance)

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. Workshop Equipment Manager, Stoke Head Office

• Hybrid with National Travel. £53k - £60k + bonus + car Reporting to the Group Property Director, The Workshop Equipment Manager (Projects & Maintenance) is responsible for the strategic management, procurement, installation, maintenance, compliance and lifecycle planning of workshop equipment across Lookers and Charles Hurst Motor Group's national dealership network. The role will lead the development and delivery of a Group-wide workshop equipment strategy that drives operational efficiency, reduces total cost of ownership, improves equipment reliability and enhances workshop productivity. Through effective procurement, supplier management and contract negotiation, the postholder will identify and deliver sustainable cost savings whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance. Working closely with Aftersales, Property, Procurement, OEM partners and dealership management teams, the role will ensure workshop equipment remains fit for purpose, compliant with all regulatory and manufacturer requirements, and capable of supporting a best-in-class customer experience. The successful candidate will act as the Group's subject matter expert for workshop equipment, championing continuous improvement, standardisation and value creation across the dealership estate. This role is critical to ensuring Lookers and Charles Hurst Motor Group's workshops operate safely, efficiently and cost-effectively. Key Responsibilities Equipment Procurement & Capital Projects
• Develop and implement a Group-wide workshop equipment strategy aligned to business objectives and operational requirements.
• Lead the specification, procurement and tendering of workshop equipment across the dealership network.
• Drive competitive tender exercises to ensure best value, commercial advantage and quality outcomes.
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on cost, quality, service delivery, innovation and long-term value.
• Prepare business cases and capital expenditure proposals for equipment investment.
• Manage equipment installation, replacement and refurbishment projects across the Group.
• Coordinate workshop equipment requirements for new dealerships, acquisitions, relocations, refurbishments and redevelopment projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards. Maintenance & Supplier Management
• Lead the management of all workshop equipment maintenance contracts across the Group.
• Develop and implement planned preventative maintenance programmes to maximise equipment uptime and reliability.
• Ensure maintenance providers meet contractual obligations and agreed service level agreements.
• Conduct regular contract reviews and re-tendering exercises to secure continuous value improvement.
• Develop strategic supplier partnerships that deliver service excellence, innovation and commercial benefits.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and service reviews.
• Reduce reactive maintenance expenditure through effective asset management and preventative maintenance planning.
• Ensure equipment breakdowns are managed efficiently to minimise operational disruption. Cost Optimisation & Continuous Improvement
• Identify and deliver measurable cost savings through strategic procurement, contract consolidation and supplier rationalisation.
• Drive standardisation of equipment , parts and service provision where appropriate across the dealership network.
• Challenge existing working practices and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyse equipment performance, maintenance trends and expenditure to identify efficiency opportunities.
• Develop asset lifecycle management programmes that minimise total cost of ownership and maximise return on investment.
• Benchmark costs and service delivery against industry best practice.
• Deliver efficiencies without compromising operational capability, compliance or quality standards.
• Support initiatives that increase workshop throughput, technician productivity and operational effectiveness. Compliance, Safety & Risk Management
• Ensure all workshop equipment complies with statutory regulations, health and safety legislation, OEM requirements and Group policies.
• Manage compliance requirements relating to vehicle lifts, MOT equipment, compressors, pressure systems and other regulated workshop assets.
• Oversee LOLER inspections, maintenance certifications and statutory testing programmes.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, servicing, repairs and compliance documentation.
• Support dealership audits, health and safety inspections and regulatory reviews.
• Work closely with Health & Safety and Aftersales teams to minimise operational risks.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained to support a safe working environment for colleagues and customers. Insurance & Asset Management
• Maintain an accurate and comprehensive asset register for workshop equipment across the Group.
• Ensure equipment valuations remain current for insurance purposes.
• Manage insurance requirements relating to workshop equipment assets.
• Develop replacement and renewal programmes based on asset condition, reliability and lifecycle assessments.
• Provide long-term investment recommendations that improve asset performance and reduce future maintenance costs. Financial Management
• Prepare and manage annual maintenance and capital expenditure budgets.
• Monitor and control expenditure to ensure value for money and achievement of budget targets.
• Deliver agreed cost savings and efficiency targets across maintenance and equipment procurement activities.
• Produce regular management reports covering expenditure, project performance, asset condition and supplier performance.
• Support strategic business planning through capital investment forecasting and lifecycle analysis. Stakeholder Management
• Build strong relationships with dealership leadership teams, Aftersales Directors, OEM partners and external suppliers.
• Act as the principal point of contact for all workshop equipment matters across the Group.
• Provide technical guidance and recommendations to support operational decision-making.
• Collaborate with Property, Procurement, Finance and Operations teams to deliver business objectives.
• Support the Group Property Director in developing and implementing broader property and operational strategies. Skills, Knowledge & Experience Essential
• Significant experience managing workshop equipment, engineering assets, maintenance programmes or technical infrastructure within automotive, engineering, logistics or multi-site operational environments.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings through procurement, supplier management and contract negotiation.
• Experience leading tendering and competitive procurement processes.
• Strong knowledge of workshop equipment including vehicle lifts, MOT testing equipment, wheel alignment systems, compressors and associated workshop infrastructure.
• Experience managing maintenance contracts and supplier performance.
• Understanding of relevant health and safety legislation and statutory compliance requirements.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Experience managing capital investment projects from concept through to completion.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and project management skills.
• Strong co