Service Manager

Lead Change. Lift Performance. Build a High-Performing Workshop.

Are you a proven Service Manager with a track record of maximising workshop performance, improving operational processes, and building highly engaged teams?

We’re seeking a commercially astute and people-focused leader to take ownership of a busy Auckland service operation. Leading a team of 15+ staff, this role offers the opportunity to make a genuine impact on productivity, profitability, customer satisfaction, and overall business performance.

About the Role

Reporting to the Dealer Principal, you will be responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the Service Department. You’ll oversee workshop operations, financial performance, customer experience, team development, health and safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Success in this role will come from your ability to analyse performance, identify improvement opportunities, implement effective processes, and create a culture of accountability and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the service department and workshop
• Drive productivity, efficiency, utilisation, and quality outcomes
• Improve workflows, systems, and operational processes
• Monitor performance metrics and implement initiatives to improve results
• Ensure resources are effectively allocated to meet customer and business demands

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage departmental budgets and overall financial performance
• Drive labour sales, productivity, utilisation, and profitability targets
• Identify opportunities to improve revenue, efficiency, and cost control
• Contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the business

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of 15+ staff
• Build a high-performing and accountable team culture
• Manage performance, succession planning, and employee development
• Foster high levels of engagement, teamwork, and professionalism

Customer Management

• Deliver exceptional customer service and after sales support
• Build strong relationships with customers and fleet operators
• Resolve escalated customer issues effectively and professionally
• Drive customer retention and long-term business relationships

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental requirements
• Promote a strong safety-first culture across the workshop
• Maintain quality standards and operational compliance

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Previous leadership experience within a service department, workshop, or after sales environment
• Experience within heavy commercial vehicles, transport, or related industries
• Demonstrated success improving the performance of workshops, service departments, or operational teams
• Proven experience implementing process improvement and operational excellence initiatives
• Strong financial and commercial acumen
• Experience managing budgets, profitability, productivity, and workshop KPIs
• The ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement
• Strong people leadership skills with experience leading larger teams
• Excellent customer relationship and stakeholder management capability
• A hands-on, results-oriented leadership style
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills

What’s On Offer

• Leadership of a sizeable and established service operation
• The opportunity to drive meaningful change and business improvement
• A high level of autonomy and influence within the business
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities
• A supportive leadership team and strong market presence

If this role is of interest, please contact Liam on 022 400 4144, or apply now. You must have valid NZ work rights and to be considered for this opportunity.

We’re proud to have been finalists for 2023 RCSA Awards in the Excellence in Client Service and Excellence in Candidate Care categories, and finalist for a 2023 SEEK Annual Recruitment Award in the Large Recruitment Agency of the Year category. At Salt, our mission is Creating Futures by putting our clients, candidates, partners, and team members at the heart of everything we do. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to our continued success.