Job Description

Bus & Truck Workshop Manager

Location: Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Reports To: Operations Director / General Manager

Role Overview

The Bus & Truck Workshop Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a busy commercial vehicle workshop specialising in buses, trucks, and fleet vehicles. This role ensures the efficient, safe, and compliant maintenance and repair of vehicles while leading a team of technicians and support staff to deliver high-quality service, minimise downtime, and meet operational targets.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical knowledge with proven leadership, planning, and customer-focused skills.

Key Responsibilities

Workshop Operations

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the workshop, ensuring repairs and servicing are completed efficiently and on schedule
• Plan and allocate work to technicians based on skill levels, priorities, and deadlines
• Monitor productivity, efficiency, and turnaround times
• Ensure vehicles meet CVRT standards and Road Safety Authority (RSA) compliance requirements

People Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of mechanics, fitters, apprentices, and workshop support staff
• Conduct performance reviews, training needs analysis, and toolbox talks
• Manage staff rota, attendance, and disciplinary processes in line with company policy

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation and company procedures
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organised workshop environment
• Carry out risk assessments and ensure proper use of tools and equipment

Quality & Customer Service

• Maintain high standards of workmanship and quality control
• Act as a key point of contact for fleet customers, drivers, and internal stakeholders
• Handle technical queries, job updates, and issue resolution professionally

Financial & Stock Control

• Control workshop costs, labour hours, and consumable usage
• Manage parts ordering, inventory levels, and supplier relationships
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and reporting on workshop performance

Administration & Reporting

• Ensure accurate job cards, service records, and compliance documentation
• Use workshop management systems to track jobs, hours, and KPIs
• Provide regular reports to senior management

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience in managing a commercial vehicle, bus, or truck workshop
• Strong technical knowledge of HGV/PSV maintenance and diagnostics
• Experience leading and developing workshop teams
• Solid understanding of CVRT, RSA, and Irish transport regulations
• Strong organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Desirable

• HGV / PSV Trade Qualification or equivalent
• Experience working with fleet operators or public service vehicles
• Familiarity with workshop management software
• CPC or transport compliance knowledge

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to lead by example
• Calm and decisive under pressure
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Customer-focused mindset
• High attention to detail and safety awareness

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package (commensurate with experience)
• Stable, long-term role in a well-established operation
• Opportunity to lead and shape workshop performance
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Supportive management team and modern facilities