Cookham classics

Workshop Controller / Experienced Vehicle Mechanic Location: Cookham, Berkshire Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm, with some flexibility by agreement. Every other Saturday on a rota, with additional hours as and when reasonably required. Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience and the agreed working arrangement. About the Role We are looking for an experienced and highly capable Workshop Controller / Vehicle Mechanic to take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of our automotive workshop. This is a hands-on role for someone who can confidently diagnose, repair and maintain a wide range of vehicles. The successful candidate must be comfortable undertaking everything from routine servicing and general mechanical repairs through to complex engine work, including removing, rebuilding where appropriate, and refitting engines. A key part of the role will be carrying out comprehensive vehicle appraisals and professional Pre-Purchase Inspections (PPIs) to the highest possible standard. Every vehicle must be examined thoroughly, with all mechanical, electrical, structural, cosmetic and safety-related issues accurately identified and clearly reported. Alongside carrying out mechanical work, you will help organise the workshop, manage workloads, prioritise jobs and ensure that vehicles are completed efficiently and to a consistently high standard. Key Responsibilities • Carrying out comprehensive vehicle appraisals to the highest standard, • Completing detailed and professional Pre-Purchase Inspections (PPIs), • Inspecting the mechanical, electrical, structural, safety and cosmetic condition of vehicles, • Using diagnostic equipment to scan vehicle systems and investigate stored fault codes, • Checking engines, gearboxes, drivetrains, brakes, steering, suspension and exhaust systems, • Inspecting tyres, wheels, fluid levels, leaks and general underbody condition, • Checking vehicle service history and identifying overdue or upcoming maintenance, • Identifying accident damage, signs of previous repairs and visible corrosion, • Conducting comprehensive road tests to assess performance, handling, braking and drivability, • Identifying unusual noises, vibrations, warning lights and performance issues, • Producing clear, accurate and detailed written PPI and appraisal reports, • Providing photographs and supporting evidence where appropriate, • Categorising issues according to urgency, safety and likely repair requirements, • Ensuring that no material fault or safety concern is overlooked, • Carrying out routine servicing and scheduled maintenance, • Diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults accurately, • Completing general mechanical repairs across the entire vehicle, • Repairing and replacing engines, gearboxes, clutches, timing chains and timing belts, • Removing and refitting engines and other major mechanical components, • Preparing vehicles for retail sale to a high standard, • Producing accurate job requirements and parts lists, • Conducting road tests before and after repairs, • Completing final quality-control checks before vehicles leave the workshop, • Allocating and prioritising workshop jobs, • Monitoring progress and ensuring work is completed on schedule, • Maintaining accurate workshop and job records, • Ensuring tools, equipment and workshop areas are properly maintained, • Complying with all relevant health and safety requirements, • Supporting and overseeing other technicians where required, • Liaising with management, parts suppliers and external specialists Skills and Experience Required The ideal candidate will have: • Strong previous experience as a vehicle mechanic, technician, workshop controller or workshop manager, • Extensive mechanical knowledge across a wide range of makes and models, • Proven experience conducting professional PPIs and detailed vehicle appraisals, • The ability to produce clear, accurate and commercially useful inspection reports, • The ability to recognise mechanical, electrical, structural, cosmetic and safety-related issues, • A thorough understanding of vehicle service schedules and common model-specific faults, • The ability to diagnose faults accurately without unnecessarily replacing parts, • Experience with engine removal, installation and major mechanical repairs, • Confidence carrying out routine servicing and complex repair work, • Competence using modern vehicle diagnostic equipment, • An exceptionally thorough and methodical approach to inspections and fault-finding, • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards, • The ability to organise and manage a busy workshop, • Good communication and time-management skills, • Pride in completing work correctly and professionally, • The ability to work independently and as part of a team, • A full UK driving licence Relevant motor-vehicle qualifications are desirable, although substantial practical experience will also be considered. Working Arrangement and Remuneration We are flexible and open to discussing the most suitable arrangement with the right person. Options may include: • A salaried employed position, • A performance-related or partnership arrangement, • An opportunity to operate or lease the workshop, subject to suitable terms Salary and terms will be discussed according to experience, ability and the type of arrangement agreed. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced mechanic who wants greater responsibility, more independence and the potential to become closely involved in developing and operating an established automotive workshop. How to Apply Please apply with your CV and a brief summary of your experience, including the types of vehicles and repairs you have worked on and your experience conducting vehicle appraisals and PPIs. Please also indicate whether you are interested in a salaried role, partnership opportunity or workshop-lease arrangement.