Workshop Manager – West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service

Overview

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people.

Our vision is ‘Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier’.

This vision and the strategic goals outlined in ‘Our Strategy’ are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities

Transport Engineering Department (TEW) are based at our Fleet workshops in Perry Barr, Birmingham but provide a mechanical and engineering support service to all our fire stations across the West Midlands. The departments primary responsibilities are for the design, purchase, maintenance and repair of the Service’s fleet of 136 emergency response vehicles and 144 support vehicles as well as the associated equipment required by a fire and rescue service, such as ladders, plant and rescue equipment totalling over 2000 assets.

The team of vehicle technicians also provide a 24-hour emergency call out service for our breakdowns and urgent repairs to ensure the continued availability of frontline fire appliances and equipment in responding to emergency incidents.

The base location of the team is within Transport Engineering Workshops (TEW) based in Perry Barr, Birmingham.

We are looking to appoint a Workshop Manager to join our Fleet Department. Under the direction of Fleet Technical Manager, you will be responsible for leading, managing and developing the West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) Vehicle and Equipment Workshop and Stores operation. The role ensures the effective maintenance, repair, servicing and management of the brigade’s fleet and operational equipment, including fire appliances, specialist response vehicles, support vehicles and associated assets.

The post holder will ensure that all fleet assets are maintained to the highest standards of safety, reliability, operational readiness and legislative compliance, maximising vehicle availability and supporting the brigade’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies. Through strong leadership, technical expertise and continuous improvement, the Workshop Manager will ensure that workshop and stores operations deliver an efficient, cost-effective and customer-focused service that protects frontline capability and supports the safety of the communities served by WMFS.

Responsibilities

• lead and manage workshop operations
• ensure fleet safety, compliance and availability
• develop and support high-performing teams
• drive performance, quality and continuous improvement.

Experience and skills

Essential skills or experience

• Level 3 vehicle maintenance qualification (or equivalent)
• strong knowledge of LGV/PCV maintenance, DVSA standards, fleet systems, and health and safety legislation
• proven experience managing workshop teams and supervising staff performance
• strong communication skills with experience in attendance management, disciplinary procedures, and staff development
• experience managing KPIs, budgets, reporting, and workshop performance
• proficient in Microsoft Office and producing management information to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

Desirable skills or experience

• knowledge of fire service vehicles, operational equipment, and their specialist maintenance and repair requirements
• understanding of ISO quality management systems and their application within a workshop or engineering environment
• large goods vehicle (LGV) driving licence and experience or knowledge of heavy vehicle recovery operations.