Service Manager

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.
Service Manager – Kia Silverlink
New Dealership Launch | Join the Leadership Team
Location: Kia Silverlink, Newcastle upon Tyne
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 44 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm
Salary: £40k- £55k DOE plus bonus package (OTE)
Are you looking for a career-defining role and the opportunity to be part of something exciting from the very beginning? We are looking for an ambitious and talented Service Manager to join the leadership team at our brand-new Kia Silverlink dealership.
With the site due to open in February, this is a unique opportunity to play a key role in launching and establishing a new aftersales operation from the ground up. As this is a start-up dealership, we are looking for a hands-on leader who is willing to support all areas of the operation during the launch phase. In the early stages, you will be expected to work closely alongside the Service Advisors, assisting with customer bookings, service reception duties and customer communications where required, helping the department establish strong foundations for future success.
As Service Manager, you will act as a role model for customer service excellence, leading by example whilst developing long-lasting relationships with customers and supporting your team to deliver an exceptional aftersales experience. From the day-to-day running of the workshop and maximising technician productivity, to ensuring Service Advisors deliver exceptional customer service and achieve departmental KPI targets, you'll play a pivotal role in the dealership's success. You'll be looking after a busy and professional department where your remit will be to manage all aspects of the aftersales operation, ensuring consistently high levels of performance are achieved.
Responsibilities
Assist in providing guidance, training and appraisals to each member of the Service team to encourage a forward-thinking attitude and help them achieve their full potential
Lead the successful launch and development of the aftersales operation at Kia Silverlink
Support Service Advisors directly during the dealership's start-up phase, assisting with customer enquiries, bookings and service reception activities when required
Maximise customer satisfaction by treating every customer as an individual and delivering an exceptional service experience
Monitor departmental performance against budget, identify any shortfalls and implement plans to improve performance
Drive workshop efficiency, labour sales and aftersales profitability
Analyse local market opportunities and identify areas for growth within the territory
Organise departmental forecasts and reports in a clear and timely manner
Ensure manufacturer standards, compliance requirements and operational processes are consistently achieved
Manage and own customer satisfaction performance and continuously seek opportunities for improvement
What You'll Bring
Previous experience as a Service Manager, Aftersales Manager or Senior Service Leader within a franchised automotive environment
A proven track record of delivering strong aftersales and customer satisfaction results
Experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams
Strong operational and commercial awareness with the ability to drive departmental performance
A hands-on leadership style with a willingness to support front-line customer service activities when required
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
The resilience, adaptability and enthusiasm to thrive in a start-up dealership environment
A passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences
A full UK driving licence
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the launch of Kia Silverlink, helping to build an aftersales operation from day one and establish a culture of excellence, teamwork and outstanding customer care. If you're ready to take on a challenge and make a real impact from the outset, we'd love to hear from you.
If your skills and experience match what we are looking for, please apply today and a member of the Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch.
Core Benefits:
Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business
Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service
Enhanced family leave, including 6 months’ full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks’ full pay for paternity leave
Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments
Health & Wellbeing:
Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs
Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing
Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments
Optional critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging moments
Financial Wellbeing:
MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user-friendly app
Free will writing services to help plan for the future
Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection
Leisure & Lifestyle:
Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle
Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence
Access to home and technology vouchers
bYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts
We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels.
Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to