Preparation Centre Manager Vacancy in Harlow

This is a full-time permanent role, where you will be working 42.5 hours a week Mon-Fri.

Key Responsibilities/Objectives:

Management

• Manage daily operations of the vehicle preparation centre .
• Lead teams across valeting, inspection, mechanical prep, and logistics.
• Monitor KPIs (throughput, quality, turnaround time).
• Control budgets, staffing levels, and workflow efficiency.
• Maintain compliance with health & safety regulations.
• Liaise with dealerships, logistics partners, and senior management.
• Recruitment and retention of staff.
• Maintain training and development of department staff.
• Perform equipment inspections, adjustments, and certifications.
• Effectively handle multiple priorities, organise workload, and meet deadlines.
• Maintain clean/tidy workshop environment.

Vehicle Preparation

• To help in the distribution and control of work to the Technicians, to maximise quality and overall efficiency.
• Helping drive vehicle preparation processes and efficiencies to achieve optimal speed to market.
• Assessing areas of cosmetic vehicle preparation.
• Communicating effectively with suppliers and internal Sales Management.
• Supporting management of the productive workshop activities.
• Securing arrangements with external providers in support of vehicle preparation.

Parts

• Source, price and order parts (inc tyres) in line with preparation requirements.
• Maintain and monitor parts stock accurately at all times.
• Ensure the parts storage area is kept clean, tidy and safe to work in.

Systems and Processes

• Effectively navigate the Keyloop POS module, including parts, labour and invoicing responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with business standards and processes, financial, legal, warranty and ethical guidelines.
• Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and promptly by yourself and the team.

In order to be successful within the Preparation Centre Co-ordinator position, you should:

• Have a good level of Keyloop POS competence.
• Maintain a high level of self-motivation.
• Comfortable in a pressurised logistical environment.
• Be able to analyse situations & provide spontaneous direction.
• Proven experience in automotive operations or workshop management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of vehicle inspection, servicing, and preparation processes.
• Experience with high-volume operations/environments
• A professional appearance and manner.
• Good organisational skills.
• The ability to lead a team.
• The ability to work under pressure.
• The skills to lead and coach others.

Gates are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability or other characteristics. Our hiring decisions are made using an unbiased approach and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and candidates to feel welcome.

Reasonable adjustments: All interviews assess the skills of the job itself and should not put you at a disadvantage of your disability/condition. If you require reasonable adjustment, please let us know so we can accommodate you. To do this, please include your reasonable adjustment requirements during the application stage or contact the person who offered you an interview. You do not have to disclose your condition when you are applying for a role with us. The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to do daily activities.