Workshop Foreman Supervisor

Content
Land-based engineer working on a tractor

Although this role is similar to that of workshop manager, the supervisor is usually more hands-on, and may spend some of their time working on machines, advising and supporting other members of workshop team and staff. They will work with manufacturers and machine suppliers.

The role includes managing staff, budgets and business department targets.

It is part of the service team and management duties include:

  • Organising jobs for staff and completing time sheets
  • Managing and mentoring staff
  • Carrying out appraisals with team members
  • Completing job cards and warranty claims
  • Writing up reports and records for completed work
  • Writing proposals for out-of-season servicing contracts.

Some Workshop Managers have to manage warranty claims as well as the staff and workshop. They manage budgets and resources and make sure all customer requirements for service are covered and completed. They may also deal with stock control issues and negotiate with customers and their issues with service and debts.

Progression depends on the size of the business, whether it is a single or multi-branch.  In a single branch business, the Workshop Manager’s role could be more hands-on, whereas in a multi-branch business, it could involve the supervision of Workshop foreman and supervisors as well as technicians.

Working Conditions

Workshop-based, sometimes visiting customers on site or at farms to discuss service issues and resolve disputes.   

They will often manage a team, making sure that individuals are up-to-date with technical skills to do their job. Supervisors will also arrange work so that staff can develop their training plans and will organise suitable training where identified.

Content

Salary

Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.

Starting salary:

£32,000

Ending Salary:

£40,000

Content

Getting started

Employers are looking for people who:

  • Have an interest in a range of equipment
  • Enjoy practical hands-on work
  • Enjoy problem solving
  • Enjoy speaking to people.

What experienced workers can do

  • Be able to manage people
  • Be skilled to master technician level or above
  • Have a good level of experience within the workshop environment
  • Have a good understanding of products and services including parts
  • Be able to work to department targets and meet budgets
  • Be able to maintain environmental good practice
  • Be able to determine and propose customer requirements
  • Be able to dismantle and assemble components
  • Analyse and interpret test results
  • Be able to manage budgets.

Personal qualities you should have

  • Good communication skills
  • Able to work on own or as part of a team
  • Initiative
  • Able to make decisions
  • Good at problem solving
Content

Next steps

Supervisors are often promoted from the workshop having completed an apprenticeship, or enter the business with a degree in engineering, or from other industries, such as motor or heavy plant.

There may also be opportunities to move into consultancy or set up a business of your own.

Useful links

Agricultural Engineers Association

British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA)

Institute of Agricultural Engineers

My world of work

 

Your next steps on the Land-based engineering service career path

Workshop Service Manager also appears on these career paths: