Garage manager
Garage managers are responsible for the day-to-day running of a garage workshop.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £24,000 - £36,000
Typical hours (a week): 43 - 45
Related videos on a garage manager
How to become a garage manager
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- working towards this role
College
You could work towards this role by doing a relevant college course like:
- Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
- Level 4 Diploma in Automotive Engineering
College (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
Work
You could start as a motor mechanic or service technician and work your way up through training and promotion. You'll need a vehicle technician qualification and several years' experience in the motor trade.
More info
Further information You can find out more about working in the motor industry from Autocity.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- business management skills
- the ability to motivate and manage staff
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restriction & Requirements
You'll need to:
- have a full driving licence
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- supervising a team of mechanics
- dealing with customers
- organising bookings and assigning work to staff
- ordering parts
- checking the quality of work
- controlling a budget
- recruiting staff
- managing fleet accounts for commercial clients
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a garage or in a workshop. Your working environment may be noisy and dirty. You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
You could become a fleet maintenance, service centre, or general business manager with a manufacturer's dealership. You might also become a technical manager, specialising in a particular area like heavy commercial vehicles or motor sport. You may find professional training like the IMI Accreditation for Management could help your career prospects.
