National Service Manager

National Service Manager
Our client has been supporting the UK construction industry with reliable plant hire for over 40 years. Known for our personal service and sustainable solutions, we take pride in doing things differently.
We're looking for an experienced National Service Manager to lead and develop our service operations across the UK. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving equipment availability, workshop performance, service quality, and operational excellence across all depots. You’ll be a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, a passion for continuous improvement, and a proven ability to deliver results through people and process.
Ypu will have managed a substantial cultural change, ideally with lean experience, in a multisite environment. A leader who has boots on the ground experience.
What you'll do
Lead, coach and develop Service Department Managers across the business
Drive improvements in equipment availability, workshop productivity and service delivery
Champion quality standards and promote a "Right First Time" culture across all service departments
Monitor and review service KPIs, operational performance and productivity metrics
identify trends, challenges and opportunities through weekly and monthly reporting
Develop and implement standardised workshop processes and best practices across all depots
Support depot teams with major repairs, complex service issues and asset management initiatives
Improve equipment readiness, repair turnaround times and overall fleet utilisation
Monitor workshop expenditure and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency
Support monthly P&L reviews and operational performance analysis
Ensure workshops operate to the highest standards of health, safety and compliance
Support recruitment, training and development of workshop teams nationally
Contribute to the company's national service strategy and operational improvement projects
Support the successful setup of new depots and ensure workshop standards are embedded from day one
What we're looking for
We're looking for an experienced professional who brings energy, leadership and a continuous improvement mindset to this role.
Proven experience leading multi-site service, workshop or engineering operations
Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to develop high-performing teams
Experience driving operational performance, productivity and service excellence
Strong understanding of plant, fleet, equipment maintenance or engineering environments
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and controlling costs
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational and financial data
Knowledge of health, safety and compliance requirements within workshop environments
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to influence, motivate and drive consistency across multiple locations
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally
What you'll get
A role with purpose and opportunity to make an impact
A collaborative and inclusive environment
Ongoing learning and development opportunities
£250 ‘Love to Learn’ voucher each year to support your personal growth and learning goals
One Volunteer Day per year to spend helping a cause that you care about
Subsidised gym membership – we’ll cover 50% of your monthly cost (subject to criteria)
25 days’ holiday + bank holidays
Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
Mental health & wellbeing support programmes
Regular team socials and events
Forward Assist Recruitment is operating as an employment agency. Forward Assist Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities employer; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds