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Garage manager

Alternative titles for this job include Service centre manager, vehicle workshop manager, workshop controller

Garage managers are responsible for the day-to-day running of a garage workshop.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£36,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

43 to 45 a week

You could work

in your own business

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a garage manager

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • working towards this role

College

You could work towards this role by doing a relevant college course like a Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Work

You could start as a motor mechanic or service technician and work your way into management through training and promotion.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) offers training and qualifications in workshop management for people working in the motor trade.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in the motor industry from Autocity.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • business management skills
  • the ability to motivate and manage staff
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a garage manager, you will:

  • supervise a team of mechanics
  • give quotes for costs and timescales
  • organise bookings and assign work to staff
  • check the quality of work
  • advise customers about work carried out
  • control a budget
  • order parts
  • recruit new staff
  • manage fleet accounts for commercial clients

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a garage or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be noisy and dirty.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could become a fleet maintenance, service centre, or general business manager with a manufacturer's dealership.

You might also become a technical manager, specialising in a particular area like heavy commercial vehicles or motor sport.

You may find professional training like the IMI Accreditation for Management could help your career prospects.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a garage manager right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Motor Vehicle (IMI Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance)

  • Provider: UNIVERSITY ACADEMY HOLBEACH
  • Start date: 11 September 2023
  • Location: Spalding

Light Vehicle Maintenance

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2023
  • Location: Hull
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