Service Manager - JLR Canterbury

Are you looking for a career-defining role and the opportunity to lead and develop a high-performing team within a prestigious premium automotive brand?

At Barretts Jaguar Land Rover, we are seeking an ambitious, driven and people-focused Service Manager to lead our dedicated JLR workshop operation at Geoffrey Barrett Way.

Reporting directly to the Head of Client Care, you will lead our dedicated Jaguar Land Rover operation, taking responsibility for the performance, development and success of the workshop team. Working closely with colleagues across the aftersales department, you will drive productivity, efficiency and customer satisfaction while creating a high-performing culture focused on delivering exceptional results for our clients and the business.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strong operational leader who is passionate about developing people, improving capability, driving efficiency and delivering outstanding results. You will be responsible for creating a high-performing workshop culture, maximising productivity, achieving departmental budgets and KPIs, and ensuring our clients receive the premium experience expected from the Jaguar Land Rover brand.

What We're Looking For

· Previous experience as a Service Manager, Aftersales Manager, Workshop Manager or similar leadership role within a franchised automotive retailer.

· A proven track record of leading successful workshop operations and delivering strong financial and operational performance.

· Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to develop technicians and support colleagues to achieve their full potential.

· A passion for operational excellence, efficiency improvement and continuous development.

· Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, productivity, efficiency and key performance indicators.

· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with both customers and colleagues.

· A full UK driving licence.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

· Lead, coach and develop the workshop team, creating a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.

· Support recruitment, training and succession planning to build capability and future strength within the department.

· Conduct regular performance reviews and development discussions to help colleagues achieve their full potential.

Workshop Performance

· Take full responsibility for workshop productivity, efficiency and utilisation.

· Drive performance through effective workshop planning, resource management and performance monitoring.

· Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste and increase operational effectiveness.

Financial & KPI Management

· Deliver agreed departmental budgets, labour sales targets and key performance indicators.

· Monitor daily, weekly and monthly performance, implementing action plans where required.

· Ensure warranty processes, labour recovery and workshop disciplines are maintained to the highest standards.

Customer Experience

· Work collaboratively across the aftersales department to deliver a seamless and premium customer journey.

· Support the delivery of excellent customer satisfaction and retention performance.

· Resolve escalated customer concerns professionally and effectively.

Operational Excellence

· Maintain a safe, compliant and professional workshop environment.

· Ensure equipment, facilities and working practices support excellent operational performance.

· Champion best practice and continuous improvement across all workshop activities.

Why Join Barretts Jaguar Land Rover?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a key part of our aftersales operation and lead a talented team within one of the UK's most respected automotive retail groups. We are looking for someone who wants to make a genuine impact, develop people, drive performance and play a key role in the continued success of our Jaguar Land Rover business.

Company Benefits

· Competitive salary

· Company car

· 32 days annual holiday (includes 8 bank holiday days)

· Bonus scheme

· Welcome pack & company induction

· Uniform

· Discounted servicing & parts across the Group

· Company Pension

· Cycle to work scheme

· Annual staff social events

· Barretts Summer Ball (held every 2 years)

Hours & Application Details

This is a full-time position, working Monday to Friday, 8:00–17:30 with a one-hour lunch break. To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to: david.pay@barrettsgroup.com

Closing date for applications: 30 September 2026

However, once we have sufficient applicants, we withhold the right to close job vacancies early.