Vehicle Preparation Operations Manager

Workshop & Fleet Operations# Vehicle Preparation & Fleet Operations Manager Take ownership of preparation and fleet operations for 40–60 vehicles: inspect arrivals, coordinate repairs and suppliers, get stock advertising-ready, and resolve customers' aftersales issues.

Location Rainham, Essex Type Full -time

Pay £2,500 per month
*
* Location:

** Rainham, Essex
*
* Working Hours:

** Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
*
* Employment Type:

** Full-time
** Salary:** £2,500 per month
** Reporting To:
** Company Directors
** Fleet Responsibility:
** Approximately 40–60 vehicles### Job Overview Status Motor Group LTD is seeking an experienced, proactive and highly organised Vehicle Preparation & Fleet Operations Manager to take full responsibility for the preparation, maintenance, organisation and operational management of our vehicle stock.

The role combines hands-on vehicle inspections, preparation and problem-solving with the management of mechanics, valeters, drivers, detailers, bodyshops, external garages and other service providers.
** The primary objective is to minimise the time between a vehicle arriving at the dealership and becoming advertised and available for sale, while ensuring repairs are completed efficiently, costs are controlled and all vehicles are maintained to a high standard.
** The successful candidate must demonstrate ownership, initiative, strong automotive knowledge and excellent organisational skills. They should be able to manage the day-to-day operation without requiring constant intervention from company directors.## 1. Vehicle Arrival & Initial Inspection
* Take operational responsibility for each vehicle immediately upon arrival at the dealership.
* Record vehicle location, mileage, keys and condition.
* Conduct initial mechanical and cosmetic inspections.
* Identify faults, warning lights, damage, missing parts and maintenance requirements.
* Carry out or coordinate basic diagnostic checks.
* Determine the work required to bring the vehicle to retail standard.
* Identify parts and suppliers required for preparation.
* Report significant defects or major anticipated expenditure to management.
* Allocate preparation tasks immediately to minimise delays.
** Expectation:
** Every incoming vehicle should be assessed and entered into the preparation process on the day of arrival, wherever operationally possible.## 2. Vehicle Preparation & Advertising Readiness The manager will be directly accountable for minimising the time it takes for vehicles to become ready for online advertising.

Responsibilities include:

* Targeting a 1–2 working day turnaround from arrival to advertising readiness for vehicles requiring standard preparation.
* Prioritising preparation tasks based on the work required, operational capacity and commercial urgency.
* Coordinating vehicle cleaning, detailing, mechanical checks and cosmetic improvements.
* Ensuring vehicles are presented to an acceptable standard for photography.
* Liaising with the advertising team to arrange photography and online listings without unnecessary delays.
* Ensuring that all known defects and incomplete work are accurately communicated to the sales and advertising teams.
* Identifying vehicles at risk of exceeding the preparation target and taking immediate action.
* Coordinating advertising-ready status separately from final retail and handover readiness where necessary.

Vehicles awaiting non-critical work may be advertised where appropriate, provided their condition is accurately represented and they are not incorrectly marked as ready for customer collection.## 3. Mechanical Repairs & Workshop Management
* Oversee the identification, diagnosis, scheduling and completion of mechanical repairs.
* Personally undertake inspections, basic preparation tasks…