Plant Service Manager

Location:
West Sussex | Permanent, Full-Time

An established UK machinery business is looking to recruit an experienced Service Manager to lead its service department at a busy West Sussex branch.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in agricultural, construction or heavy machinery who enjoys leading people, improving service performance and maintaining strong customer relationships.

You’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the service department, supporting a team of engineers and ensuring customers receive a consistently high standard of service.

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the branch service department.
• Lead, motivate and support a team of service technicians, including mentoring and developing engineers.
• Plan and coordinate workshop and field service activities, ensuring work is completed efficiently and to a high standard.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, managing expectations and resolving service issues professionally.
• Monitor departmental performance, profitability, budgets and key performance indicators.
• Oversee manufacturer warranty processes and ensure accurate administration.
• Work closely with branch management to maintain effective communication and deliver departmental objectives.
• Support staff development and deal confidently with day-to-day personnel matters.

• Experience with in agricultural machinery, construction plant, horticultural equipment or a related heavy equipment environment.
• Strong technical understanding of machinery, servicing and repairs.
• Previous experience managing or supervising engineers, technicians or workshop teams.
• Good understanding of departmental profitability, P&L, KPIs and warranty processes.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and customer service.
• The confidence to lead a team while remaining hands‑on and approachable.

Experience with major agricultural and construction machinery manufacturers would be advantageous.

Importantly, we're also interested in technically strong Service Engineers or Senior Technicians who are ready to take the next step into a management position.

Previous management experience is desirable, but not essential for the right individual.

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Company vehicle.
• Company mobile phone.
• Profit-related bonus.
• 32 days' holiday, including bank holidays.
• Life assurance at twice annual salary.
• Staff discounts and employee referral scheme.
• Long‑term opportunity within an established machinery business.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am–5.30pm, with occasional additional hours and Saturday working during busy periods.

Location: West Sussex.

If you're an experienced Service Manager, Workshop Manager or technically strong machinery engineer looking for your next career move, we'd be keen to hear from you.