VEHICLE PREPARATION & FLEET OPERATIONS MANAGER

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 and diagnostic assessments when appropriate.
• Coordinate servicing, MOTs, mechanical repairs and fault investigations.
• Allocate jobs to internal mechanics or approved external garages.
• Ensure clear repair instructions are issued to the relevant technician or supplier.
• Source parts efficiently and identify cost-effective repair solutions.
• Monitor workshop progress and chase outstanding work.
• Ensure repairs are carried out correctly and to an acceptable standard.
• Arrange appropriate post-repair checks, road tests and verification.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, costs, parts ordered and work completed.
• Escalate major repairs, delays and cost increases promptly.

All repair expenditure must be approved by company management before commitment unless specific delegated authority has been granted.

4. Fleet & Stock Management

The manager will have full day-to-day responsibility for maintaining approximately 40–60 dealership vehicles.

Duties include:

• Maintaining accurate vehicle locations and key records.
• Organising stock placement and parking arrangements.
• Ensuring vehicles remain clean, presentable and accessible.
• Regularly checking battery condition, tyre pressures, fluid levels and visible defects.
• Identifying and arranging th…