Some workshop managers have to manage warranty claims as well as the staff and workshop. They manage budgets and resources and make sure 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.
They need to be able to work to department targets and meet budgets.
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, the role could involve the supervision of Workshop foreman and supervisors as well as technicians.
Working Conditions
The job is workshop-based, sometimes visiting customers on site or at farms to discuss service issues and resolve disputes. Most time will be spent in an office, managing budgets, staff and warranty claims.
Salary
Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.
£32,000
£45,000
Getting started
Relevant qualifications
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
- Manage a budget
- Prepare proposals and quotations for the supply of products and services
- Liaise with manufacturers on Land-based machinery technical issues
- Determine customers’ technical requirements
- Promote the features and benefits of products and services to customers
- Propose solutions to meet customers’ technical requirements
- Sell and market products and services
- Recruit and develop staff
- Manage the workshop staff and teams.
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
- Flexible
Next steps
People are often promoted from the workshop where they have been Senior or Master Technicians, or they enter the business with a degree in engineering, or from other industries, such as motor or heavy plant.
Progress is often possible within the business to General Manager or Director, or into other departments such as Sales.
Useful links
Agricultural Engineers Association
British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA)
Institute of Agricultural Engineers