Workshops Manager

Job Introduction

About Us

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service protect our communities through a modern, professional, and resilient emergency response. Our success relies on a reliable and fully compliant fleet of vehicles and specialist equipment.

Our Workshops team maintains a fleet of around 170 vehicles, including frontline fire appliances, specialist response units, and support vehicles. Operating in a fast‑paced and highly regulated environment, the team plays a vital role in ensuring operational readiness and supporting the Service’s fleet modernisation programme.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Workshops Manager to lead our workshop and fleet support functions. You will ensure all vehicles and equipment are safe, compliant, and ready for operational use. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Overseeing maintenance planning, defect management and vehicle availability
• Managing the introduction of new fleet assets
• Acting as the Service’s technical authority and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, DVSA standards, and industry best practice
• Supporting maintenance strategy and fleet replacement initiatives
• Leading, motivating and developing a skilled multi‑disciplinary team
• Promoting safe working practices and a culture of continuous improvement
• Supporting financial stewardship through effective supplier management, stock control and value-for-money principles

About you

You will be an experienced fleet or engineering professional with: 

• A strong background in workshop or technical team management within a regulated environment
• Solid technical knowledge and a clear understanding of statutory and compliance responsibilities
• The confidence to provide authoritative advice to support operational decision‑making
• Proven leadership capability, with experience in team development and performance management
• Experience using digital fleet management systems and applying data to improve planning and reduce downtime
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills

This is a key role within a modern Fire and Rescue Service and offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on operational readiness and public safety.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact - Tony Hughes, Fire Service Fleet Manager – tony.hughes@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible working
• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• 30 day’s holiday p.a. plus bank holidays
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Our commitment to:
 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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