Workshop Controller at Octane Recruitment Ltd in Chesterfield

Join a high-volume accident repair centre where your expertise as a Workshop Controller will drive operational excellence and support a dynamic team of skilled technicians.

A key role within a high-volume accident repair centre, overseeing the panel shop and working alongside another Workshop Controller. This position is central to keeping a busy workshop running smoothly, maintaining quality, and supporting a team of skilled technicians.

Hours: Monday–Thursday 08:00–16:30, Friday 08:00–15:30
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 DOE
Benefits: Pension scheme, life assurance, 30 days' holiday including bank holidays (rising with service), employee discounts on vehicles/aftersales, wellbeing support, digital GP access, flu vaccinations, wellness app, and recognition schemes.

About the Role

As the Workshop Controller for the panel shop, you'll manage workflow, support seven technicians, and ensure repairs move efficiently through the workshop. The site repairs over 200 vehicles per month, so the pace is fast and consistency is essential. This role suits someone energetic, hands-on, and confident working closely with panel beaters and technicians.

You'll work directly with the management team and the existing Workshop Controller, with strong support around you. It's not a desk-based job — you'll be active on the workshop floor, keeping jobs moving, solving problems, and maintaining standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily workflow across the panel shop
• Coordinate and support a team of seven technicians
• Keep repair progress on track and maintain turnaround targets
• Maintain quality, fit, finish, and manufacturer standards
• Identify additional repair work and liaise with management/VDA teams
• Ensure correct processes for ADAS, diagnostics, and modern repair methods
• Uphold safety, compliance, and workshop organisation
• Work collaboratively with the wider workshop control team

Required Experience

This is a specialist hire and requires the right blend of technical background and leadership ability.

• Strong background as a Panel Beater
• Around 1–2 years' experience in workshop control, senior panel roles, or similar
• Confident managing people, workflow, and repair standards
• Able to communicate effectively with technicians and keep the workshop organised
• Energetic, proactive, and comfortable in a demanding, high-volume environment

Only candidates with genuine panel shop experience and proven Workshop Controller capability will be considered.

Consultant: Kalum Green – Octane Recruitment

Octane Recruitment is a specialist Automotive and Motor Trade recruitment agency, working with main dealerships, bodyshops, tyre management companies, parts distribution centres, independent garages, fleet operators, HGV companies, import centres and manufacturers across the UK. We recruit across the motor trade and related industries.

Job Reference: KGOJ
Octane reference: 31651