Technical Workshop Manager

Overview of position

A leading specialist vehicle modification business is seeking an experienced and technically strong Technical Manager – VMC to oversee production operations within a complex automotive modification environment. This is a highly hands-on, project-driven management position suited to an individual who combines technical/mechanical expertise with strong project, production, operational and people-management capabilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that multiple vehicle modification projects are planned, coordinated and delivered efficiently, on time and to the required quality standards. The role requires an individual who can manage competing priorities while coordinating closely with Engineering, Procurement, Logistics, Warehouse, Sales, Quality, Production and other internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, process-driven and commercially minded, with the ability to identify technical and operational challenges, implement practical solutions and take ownership of projects from initiation through to successful completion.

Job Description

Production & Technical Management

• Take overall responsibility for the effective management and performance of the VMC Production Department.
• Ensure production activities meet customer specifications, quality standards, timelines and business requirements.
• Oversee multiple vehicle modification projects and ensure smooth workflow from project initiation through to completion.
• Ensure production processes and vehicle fitments are completed in accordance with approved Work Instructions and Fitment Instructions.
• Investigate technical and production challenges and work with Engineering to develop effective solutions.
• Assist with the development and implementation of new products, projects and production processes.
• Support the development of installation and modification processes for new vehicle builds.
• Ensure appropriate equipment, tooling, materials and technical information are available to support production requirements.
• Ensure tooling is correctly calibrated and that Tool Registers are maintained and regularly updated.
• Identify opportunities to improve production processes, efficiency, quality and overall workflow.

Project & Production Planning

• Develop, implement and monitor production plans and schedules to ensure customer orders are delivered on time and defect-free.
• Manage multiple projects and competing production priorities simultaneously.
• Coordinate production requirements with Sales, Engineering, Procurement, Logistics, Warehouse and Quality.
• Obtain and assess information from Sales regarding orders received, future production commitments and customer deadlines.
• Prepare monthly and weekly production forecasts based on sales orders and project requirements.
• Organise workflow, allocate responsibilities and monitor progress against agreed schedules.
• Set daily production objectives and communicate priorities clearly to production teams.
• Monitor vehicle movement on and off site and ensure a positive flow of scheduled vehicles.
• Identify potential delays, resource constraints or technical challenges and proactively implement corrective action.
• Analyse equipment, production capacity and manpower requirements to ensure resources are aligned with workload.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing downtime, waste and inefficiencies.

Production Team Management

• Directly supervise and manage production personnel.
• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing production team.
• Allocate work according to skills, capacity, production priorities and deadlines.
• Provide guidance, coaching, training and ongoing performance feedback.
• Ensure employees have the necessary skills, equipment, materials and information to perform their roles effectively.
• Maintain and update skills matrices and promote multi-skilling across different production fitments.
• Work with HR to facilitate employee training and development.
• Foster a positive, collaborative and accountable working environment.
• Communicate production objectives, expectations, performance and operational updates to staff and senior management.

Quality, Compliance & Process Control

• Ensure all production activities comply with required product and quality standards.
• Maintain adherence to company policies, procedures and quality management systems.
• Support compliance with applicable ISO standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
• Ensure production facilities, equipment and vehicles comply with required standards relating to cleanliness, security, safety and operational readiness.
• Ensure appropriate quality and production documentation is completed and maintained.
• Manage Job Cards, Work Instructions, Fitment Instructions and relevant quality documentation.
• Ensure all processes are consistently followed and identify deviations requiring corrective action.
• Investigate production and quality issues and escalate technical matters to Engineering where required.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement across production processes and workflows.
• Promote 5S principles throughout the workshop, parking areas, tooling, equipment and vehicles.
• Maintain and improve Smooth Flow activities within the production environment.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve productivity and maximise labour recovery.
• Apply time-study and line-balancing principles to optimise production efficiency.
• Recommend improvements to existing products, processes and build methods.
• Develop and maintain standard business reports for weekly and monthly management review.
• Provide accurate and timely feedback on production projects, activities, performance and potential risks.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Ensure all safety procedures and regulatory requirements are adhered to.
• Promote a safe, clean and well-organised production environment.
• Address and report safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and workplace organisation.
• Ensure 5S standards are consistently maintained across the workshop and production areas.